March 29, 2024
Updated May 12, 2025
17 minute read
Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, its materials, structure, processes, and history. A geologist, therefore, is a scientist who undertakes this study, seeking to understand the planet's physical aspects, from its deepest core to its surface features. This can involve examining rocks, minerals, fossils, and landforms to piece together Earth's past, comprehend its present, and even predict future geological events.
y3jii0|
Find a path to becoming a Geologist. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/career/y3jii0/geologis
Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Geologist.
Provides a comprehensive overview of plate tectonics, including its history, the evidence for it, and the mechanisms that drive it. It is written by three leading experts in the field, and it is considered to be one of the best introductions to the subject available.
Provides a comprehensive overview of plate tectonics, including its history, the evidence for it, and the mechanisms that drive it. It is written by three leading experts in the field, and it is considered to be one of the best introductions to the subject available.
Winner of the Sarton Medal, this book provides a comprehensive overview of Earth's history from its formation to the emergence of complex life.
This classic textbook comprehensive treatment of quantitative seismology, covering topics such as seismic source mechanics, wave propagation, and seismic data analysis. It valuable resource for advanced students and researchers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Earth system, including its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. It discusses the interactions between these components and how they have changed over time.
A geologist explores the impact of humans on the planet and argues that we have entered a new geological epoch.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the tectonics of the Indian subcontinent. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is suitable for students with some prior knowledge of plate tectonics.
Examines the evolution of Earth's climate over the past 4.6 billion years and discusses the potential impacts of future climate change.
A paleontologist uses fossils to piece together the history of life on Earth.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist explores the history of extinctions and the potential for a new mass extinction.
Provides a comprehensive overview of environmental geology. It covers topics such as the interaction between humans and the environment, the effects of human activities on the environment, and the use of geological data to mitigate environmental hazards.
Provides a fascinating overview of the history of plate tectonics. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is suitable for students with no prior knowledge of the subject.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the theory of plate tectonics. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is suitable for students with no prior knowledge of the subject.
Provides a comprehensive overview of petroleum refining, from crude oil distillation to product upgrading. It is an essential resource for refining engineers and a valuable reference for anyone involved in the oil and gas industry.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the oil and gas industry in the 21st century, from climate change to the rise of renewable energy. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in the future of the oil and gas industry.
Focuses on seismic wave propagation in elastic media, covering topics such as ray theory, wavefronts, and seismic anisotropy. It valuable resource for researchers and advanced students studying seismic wave propagation.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of geology. It covers topics such as the structure of the Earth, the processes that shape it, and the history of life on Earth.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the geology of the United States' national parks. It covers topics such as the geological features of each park, the processes that have shaped them, and the history of geological research in the parks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of geochemistry. It covers topics such as the chemical composition of the Earth, the processes that control the distribution of elements, and the use of geochemical data to understand the history of the Earth.
Provides a concise overview of plate tectonics. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is suitable for students with no prior knowledge of the subject.
This textbook provides a broad overview of seismology, with a focus on the study of earthquakes and the Earth's interior. It is suitable for introductory undergraduate courses in seismology and geophysics.
A marine biologist explores the history and ecology of the world's oceans.
A renowned biologist argues that we are entering a new era of extinction and discusses the potential consequences.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between plate tectonics and crustal evolution. It is suitable for students with some prior knowledge of plate tectonics.
This textbook provides a broad overview of the solid Earth, including topics such as seismology, geodynamics, and the Earth's magnetic field. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in geophysics and geology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of plate tectonics and its role in the occurrence of earthquakes. It discusses the different types of plate boundaries, the processes that drive plate motion, and the hazards associated with earthquakes.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/y3jii0/geologis
Save
