Field Guide to Geology
A 6 page book report on "The Field Guide to Geology" by David Lambert.

Lambert is known for his clear and unique style of cataloging information so that
laymen can readily understand the subject. This book is no exception to that
rule. It is a very clear and concise introduction to the world of geology, written in
easy to understand language. He covers subjects such as the earth's crust,
volcanoes, rocks in general, deformed and altered earth, soil, rivers that shape
the land, the oceans, ice and air, and the general combined study of geology. No
additional sources cited.RAgeolo.wps
Influence of Geology on Human Civilization
A 5 page research paper that examines how geology has been a powerful
influence on human civilization. The writer argues that geology is the prime
consideration that controls where human civilization can exist, for how long, and
what activities it might be engaged in relative to land use. Bibliography lists 3
sources.90geo/in.wps
The Vancouver Area: An Overview of Its Natural
A 5 page overview of the Vancouver Area British Columbia. Includes information
on the geology, hydrology, biology and climate of the area. Emphasizes that
geology is the factor which shaped the extreme diversity of the area.

Bibliography lists 5 sources.PPvancou.wps
The Grand Canyon: A Geologic Overview
A 6 page overview of the geology of the Grand Canyon. Provides detailed
information about the formative factors of the canyon and of the geological layers
of which it is composed. Bibliography lists 4 sources.PPGrndCn.wps
The Garnet / A Geological Overview
A 5 page review of the gem stone garnet. Includes information on its geology,
associated species of minerals, and its processing. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

The Accomplishments of Charles Darwin
An 8 page overview of the life and accomplishments of Charles Darwin.

Emphasizes the diversity of his published works which included not only
evolution and natural selection but also geology and barnacle biology.

Bibliography lists 5 sources.PPdarwiA.wps
The Hawaiian Islands ; Their Scientific Environment
Excellent for those studying oceanography, marine biology, geography, and even
geology. This fairly technical 10 page research paper discusses various issues
concerning the Hawaiian Islands including aquatic life, volcanoes, climate, and
coastal topography. Bibliography lists approximately 10 sources.Hawaiifi.wps
The Possibility of A Major Earthquake in the New
A 3 page paper on the geology of the northeastern United States and the
extremely serious -- although unlikely -- earthquake that could occur with respect
to Cameron's Line (Bronx area), the prevalence red brownstone and red
sandstone in the Palisades, and NYC's location a long a major tectonic plate.

Specific locations for the possible earthquake and its resulting damage are
described in considerable detail. Bibliography lists 3 sources.Quakesnj.wps
Nuclear Waste Dumping & Yucca Mountain /
A 12 page paper on the controversy surrounding the U.S. government's plan to
turn Yucca Mountain (Nevada) into the first large-scale nuclear waste "dumping
ground." The writer explains the logic that went into the government's choice of
location, and then presents the resistance from Nevada state residents.

Environmental / scientific issues concerning Nevada's geology, the safety of
waste burial, etc.; are discussed. The writer presents strong arguments as to
why Yucca Mountain is indeed the only logical site for such a project and refutes
arguments to the contrary. Bibliography lists 6 sources.Yucca.wps
The Study Of Geological History Prior To The 1900's
7 pages in length. Theories and concepts in geological history prior to the
twentieth century are both significant and far-reaching. So instrumental are they
in gauging the earth's ongoing changes that a specialized scientific field was
developed solely for its continued study. The writer discusses the study of
geological history as it existed prior to the twentieth century. Bibliography lists 5
sources.GeoHist.wps
Diamonds / Their Structure and Geologic Formation
A 5 page overview of the gemstone known as a diamond. Includes information on
diamond structure and geologic formation, including its presence in kimberlite
formations. Bibliography lists 4 sources.Diamond.wps
Human Habitation and Geological Disasters
A 10 page research paper on flood, earthquake, and volcano destruction of
human civilizations. The writer details the causes of such disasters and famous
instances including Vesuvius, Krakatoa, New Madrid, San Francisco, and the
great Mississippi floods of 1993. Bibliography lists 10 sources.Volcano.wps
Origin and Physical Characteristics of the Basin &
Range Province in the United States
A 5 page paper that provides a concise overview of the origin and major
geological characteristics of the Basin and Range Province of the United States,
and considers the implications of this information for understanding the
geological development in the region. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
The History & Current Conditions of The Rivers of
Complex geological and structural changes have occurred in the rivers of Ohio
since the were first created as a result of glacial flows. The current conditions in
a number of rivers in Ohio, including the Ohio River itself, are directly related to
the geological development of the region, the influx of industry and agricultural
development since the 19th century, and the transformation of the environment
due to vast chemical, structural and natural changes. This 9 page paper reflects
the transformation of the Ohio Rivers since their glacial formation and determines
the most significant environmental factors currently impacting these natural
regions. Bibliography lists 10 sources.Ohioriv.wps
The Whittier Earthquake Of 1987
In this 7 page essay, the writer uses the Whittier Narrows Quake to show how
frighteningly unpredictable and random California's earthquakes have become.

The writer discusses the occurrence of that particular quake, its socioeconomic
devastation, and most importantly-- describes what "lessons" we should have
learned from this random example of geologic terror. Comparisons are also made
between the Whittier quake and the Loma Prieta quake of 1989. Bibliography
lists 9 sources.Whittier.wps
Active Volcanoes On The Planet Venus
A 2 page paper on findings from the early 1990's which show a number of
geologic activities on the Earth's "twin" planet Venus,-- including live volcanoes
and dramatic faulting. It is concluded that while the "case" of active volcanoes on
Venus has not yet been entirely settled, there is indeed plenty of room for future
research. Bibliography lists 2 sources.Venusact.wps
Carlsbad Caverns
A 6 page paper that presents an overview of the geological and geographical
structure of Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico. This paper recognizes the fragile
states of this natural wonder, and presents and overview of the impact of the
human element on the natural mineral structures created within the caves.

Bibliography lists 3 sources.Carlsbad.wps
Earthquakes & The New Madrid Fault
An 8 page research paper that examines the most dangerous geological feature
of the North American heartland. While most Americans think of California
whenever the topic of earthquakes comes up, the residents of New Madrid,
Missouri suffered through the worst series of quakes in the known history of
North America during an eight-week period in the winter of 1811 to 1812. The
three principal shocks have been determined to have had a magnitude of 8.0 or
higher. Additionally, ten of the aftershocks reached or exceeded a magnitude of
6.0, and at least three may have reached 7.0. Scientists now believe that
eyewitness stories of the Mississippi flowing backward, and waterfalls on the
Mississippi are true. The writer discusses what is now known about what
happened during this dramatic eight-week period.Madridf.wps
Plate Tectonics: Northern Highlands of Scotland
A 9 page overview of plate tectonics and a discussion of the formation of the
topography of the Northern Highlands of Scotland and associated areas.

Connects the contemporary topography of the day with a series of geologic
events caused by the movement of the earth's plates. Bibliography lists 8
sources.PPpltTec.wps
Bibliography:
Links:
Global volcanism Network
USGS Ruapehu page
1995-1996 Eruptions
REFERENCES:
A.G. Anderson(1977) New Zealand in Maps. Hodder and Stoughton publishing, Great Britain.


S. Belliss(1996) Landcare Research. http://www.landcare.cri.nz/ruapehu/
C. Bruton, A. Meike, W. Glassley(1995) Geologic setting of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. http://www-ep.es.llnl.gov/www-ep/esd/geochem/nz-geol.html
R. Decker and B. Decker(1989) Volcanoes. W.H. Freeman and Co. U.S.A
Graphic Maps(1997) http://www.graphicmaps.com
W.R. Hackett and B.F. Houghton(1989) A facies model for a Quaternary andesitic composite volcano: Ruapehu, New Zealand. Bulletin of Volcanology. 51:51-68
R. Herbert(1996) Mt. Ruapehu Gallery. http://www.geo.mtu.edu/volcanoes/new.zealand/ruapehu/stimulus/eruption/ross.html
D.J. Hooton(1970) New Zealand: The Physical Environment.
D. Lapidus(1990) Dictionary of Geology. Oxford Press, England.


I.E.M. Smith (ed.)(1986) Late Cenozoic Volcanism in New Zealand. Royal Society of New Zealand, Wellington.


This page was written by Pippa Swannell. Last modified : 26 September 1997