While earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are shaking up the world, there are more exciting happenings in the diverse field of geological science. This fascinating look at the discipline of geology during the past 3 to 4 years casts an eye toward future directions and showcases new ideas and ways of thinking. The broad discipline of geology is as diverse and complex as the planet itself. The most recent advances in the field such as the debate about life on Mars and the melting of the polar ice caps are included. Special attention is given to the changing role of the practicing geologist from that of an explorer and discoverer of mineral resources to that of investigator, mitigator, and predictor of natural and man made environmental hazards. Key individuals are profiled and excerpts of letters, speeches, and articles are used to explain points of view and the meaning of their advances. Numerous sources of additional information including organizations and Internet resources guide readers in further research.

Auteur

BARBARA RANSOM is an internationally known geoscientist with a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley and who now works at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in the Geosciences Research Division. She also works for the California Space Institute. In addition to her scientific pursuits, Dr. Ransom is an author of books for the general public on Earth Science, an associate editor of the international journal Marine Geology, and acts as a science consultant on books about the earth and its oceans.

SONYA WAINWRIGHT is a freelance writer with a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science from the University of California at San Diego. She is the author of books for the general public on oceans, was Editor for the Journal of the Environment and Development, and served as Editor at Academic Press for international journals. She presently lives and writes in San Diego.