(Part 2) Top products from r/geology

Hey man. I have been helping students prepare for the FG exam for the past year or so. I am going to try and answer your questions as best as I can, but please feel free to ask more if you want.

1. Those REG Review guides will work fine. You can buy updates, if you like, from their website. However, I usually stress not to take REG Review as gospel. There are several errors within their study guide book, and the quizzes. I am not a big fan of the books, but they do give the individual a good place to start. If you see something in the book/quizzes that you feel is off, take the time to research it. It will help you tremendously.
   
   
2. There are many online practice tests for 101 courses, mineralogy, petrology, glaciology, and many more. They are usually study guides or practice tests from university classes, available online for students, or associated with textbooks. Search these out, or make your own study guides or quizzes. Use pictures and diagrams and construct fill in the blank practice quizzes.
   
   In regards to the practice exams, keep in mind two things-- they are much harder than the actual exam, and it is impossible to know everything.
   
   
3. Save your money, there are plenty of online resources. Email an old professor or TA and ask if they can give you some old quizzes or handouts (yes, I know this is easier said than done). I had a few professors send me some old tests, but I think I just got lucky.
   
   
4. Eh, pretty much. Add relative age dating.
   
   
5. I used my old textbook to study, but there are structural lab manuals online.
   
   Textbook-- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/structural-geology-of-rocks-and-regions-george-h-davis/1116750487/2674186308854?st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Marketplace+Shopping+Textbooks_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP20456&k_clickid=3x20456
   
   This is an older edition. But for $3; who gives a shit?
   
   Lab Manual-- http://www.usouthal.edu/geography/allison/GY403/StructuralGeologyLabManual.pdf
   
   
6. Study with friends. Run through some practice tests or exams and study what you missed. Remember that you will not know everything, and that is okay. The test is scored on a gradient, more or less. Stick with the basics.
   
   Be sure to set aside time to study and don't freak out.
   
   Hope I helped!
   
   Edit: Here are a few websites that may help you study:
   
   Physical Geology Textbook supplemental material:
   http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0072402466/sitemap.html?Qui
   
   More Physical Geology practice quizzes:
   http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/Exams/ExamMaster.HTM
   
   Mineralogy and Geochem:
   
   http://www.gly.uga.edu/railsback/FundamentalsIndex.html
   
   I do not remember much geochem on the FG exam when I took it. But it doesn't hurt to brush up a little.
   
   Also, if you feel the need to purchase a historical book, I recommend "Evolution of the Earth" by Donald Prothero. Even though it pains me to recommend it, dude's a Class A creeper, the book is really good. Buy an older edition like the seventh or so. The only difference I remember between seventh and eighth edition are a few side notes about hominids. Pretty much moot between the two.

I haven't read Basin and Range, but I remember enjoying Meldahl's Rough-Hewn Land, which is also primarily about the geological history of the West. If I recall correctly, the chapters are actually in a West-to-East order, (starting with the ophiolites visible in San Francisco and gradually working across to the Plains. It's also got a bit of cultural history splashed in, which makes it much less dry than a straight-up textbook.

I really like Roadside Geology of Colorado; the maps are clear and the descriptions are concise but informative. However, that series is definitely written in a style that's meant to be helpful for somebody actually driving along the routes described, rather than reading about it from your living room. If you can't go out and see the features in person, it would lose something. And it doesn't really do justice to the "big-picture" geology that shaped the whole region. Ultimately, probably a bit dense for casual reading.

As a wildcard, you might also enjoy something like Blown to Bits in the Mine by Eric Twitty. It's primarily a history of explosives and how they radically changed the face of mining, so the geologic history aspect is tangential at best. But if you're at all interested in the history of mining or enjoy reading /r/OSHA, it's a pretty fun read anyways. Fun fact: if you're always having issues with your dynamite freezing (who doesn't??), just throw that sucker in a pot of water on the stove! As long as the nitroglycerine doesn't sweat out,, you'll be ready to get to blasting in no time!

Hi, I'm an OU student doing Geosciences (finishing next year!), and I can recommend some of these books as a great starting point :

The TY (Teach Yourself) series of books is a great starting point if you have no previous knowledge, and the books themselves are relatively inexpensive as they are smaller than textbook size.

The TY Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis was the first geology-related book I ever read, and forms the basis of an OU short course of the same name. It gives a good introduction to plate tectonics and the scientific terminology used to describe tectonic processes, as well as great explanations of how these three types of events occur.

The TY Geology seems to be a new addition, but covering more of the less dramatic aspects of geology. It's written by the same author - all of the books I linked were written by Dr David Rothery, who I find explains things in a very straightforward manner.

If you're interested in planetary geology (as I am) then his other books on planets might be of interest to you - I particularly like the Intro to Planetary Science / Astrobiology textbooks - but they're slightly more advanced, and more expensive!

If you're not so much in study mode, but would still like a good geology-related read, may I suggest The Map that Changed the World which tells the story of William Smith, who created the world's first geological map. It's a fascinating story, and you'll learn a bit about UK geology at the same time!

Well, the way I learned how was by getting yelled at by our field instructor until we knew what we were doing...Something that has a reasonable way to look up cleavages, colour, hardness, and lustre is just about what you need. The DK one seems reasonable enough, beyond most of that information, it's just practice, practice, practice.

http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Minerals-Peterson-Guides/dp/039591096X < I thiiiink this may be the one we had, but I honestly don't remember. I kept my optical mineralogy text because it's also has good hand sample descriptions, but I think I sold my pretty field guide because I needed to buy next year's texts...

Since we usually got a preamble before any trip, we got pretty lazy and didn't need it that much. We were usually only differentiating between 4-5 minerals, it stayed in our bag most of the time. (Great students, I know. Fact is that if you can ID quartz, the feldspars, pyroxene, and amphibole, you're pretty well off. XD)

Obviously, as an enthusiast, you don't have the 'luxury' of an old furry man yelling at you, but the fact remains that books will only go so far, and you just need to practice seeing cleavage, lustre, and all that. Getting an eye takes time, but it's a lot of fun. :D

I second Dinosaur Ridge (make sure to also check out the Lykins Stromatolites across the road at Red Rocks while you're there). For a definitive compilation of other local sites I highly recommend this book co-written by CU prof. Lon Abbott. Back when I was at CU we taught our intro field classes using Lon's curriculum based around many of the sites he talks about in there. You can access a truly amazing variety of geologic history within an hour or so of Denver using that book as your guide. Assuming, like /u/mokoroko points out, that snow doesn't foil your plans. Hope you have a great visit!

The Man Who Found Time

The Seashell on the Mountaintop

The Map That Changed the World

The Voyage of the Beagle

edit: I don't know if you'll like it but I love reading old science books. I think Principles of Geology is still a pretty good read.

I really like Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms or any book by Richard Fortey, really if paleontology and the biological history of the earth is interesting to you.

Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded is also great, especially if you like volcanoes. And sort of similarly is Eruptions that Shook the World.

I also second The Seashell on the Mountaintop that /u/ap0s suggested. It's very good!

My daughter is only two so I haven't done anything with this book yet, but I had to grab it when I saw it at Costco.

I have flipped through it and it looks like there is a lots of good ideas, it also emphasizes the importance of taking notes and recording findings and all that good science stuff.

I think it's pattern recognition more than anything. By looking at the minerals as much as possible in different samples you can really get an idea of their key properties and the best things to distinguish them.

Gribble & Hall has probably been one of the most useful books for me; it really helps you make your own mind up about what you're looking at, by using the mineral properties. Looking at pictures may help but you really need to build up your own mental checklist.

Saying that though, I would get a book with a good collection of mineral images in. I don't know of any ones that I actually like, although the Imperial Rock Library, the UCL library and this one from the Univeristy of North Carolina should get you started.

Although I totally appreciate the sharing of information like this, I am sure he would appreciate you purchasing the book. He spent over 30 years compiling this information and it was truly a daunting task. http://amzn.com/0874223237

This is one of my favorite rock referance books

It has great pictures, and is very well laid out. Small enough to bring with on any rock hounding adventures.

In regards for background and fundamentals rather textbooks the story of William 'Strata' Smith making the first geological map of the UK is amazing, and he pretty much did the whole thing as a hobby.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Map-That-Changed-World-Tale-Rocks-Redemption/0140280391

Assuming your from US, perhaps the John Wesley Powell book is also of interest.

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Hundredth-Meridian-Wesley-Opening/dp/0140159940

Not really a guide book, but a very excellent resource on the geology of the plateau, Geological Evolution of the Colorado Plateau. Other than that, all I can recommend is the Roadside Geology book series. There is one for each of the states around the Four Corners, and more!

This book might be of interest for you. I picked it up at Costco for my daughter, she's not old enough for it yet (16mo) but it looks like it will be a lot of fun.

I'm a professional mineralogist and I have that book at my desk, It's a pretty helpful guide sometimes. I also recommend Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks & Minerals and Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals

This is the mineral "bible" that I used during my degree. I had the second edition, but a new one came out a couple of years ago. I think it's got pictures now. Either way, it's got absolutely everything you need in it.

Publisher Link - best for a summary of what's in the book. I think it's also cheaper from there directly too.

Amazon Link

Buy and read some textbooks that cover the required undergrad courses at a university. Here are a few that come to mind: structural geology and tectonics, sedimentology/stratigraphy, geophysics, earth materials (mineralogy), earth systems, petrography and petrogenesis, field methods and maybe volcanism and oceanography.


But back to your question... If you're mainly concerned with rock formations (sed/strat) then just read this book or this one, they will help you tremendously. Hope this helps!

I can't emphasize enough on getting decent safety glasses (even if you already wear glasses). I use my Estwing (a 13 lb-er I think) for geode cracking and the shards did like to aim for your eyes.

To OP; I would hit up any recent rock hounding books on your area on amazon. I have both [Gem Trails] (http://www.amazon.com/Trails-Northern-California-James-Mitchell/dp/1889786284/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372461605&sr=8-1&keywords=gem+trails+of+northern+california) and [Rock Hounding in California] (http://www.amazon.com/Rockhounding-California-2nd-Guide-States/dp/0762771410/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372461690&sr=1-1&keywords=rock+hounding+california) in my collection for when I visit eventually.

One book I found particularly interesting was: Eruptions that shook the world by Oppenheimer https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eruptions-Shook-World-Clive-Oppenheimer/dp/0521641128
I am sure you can get it cheaper elsewhere, but it gives a good background to eruptions.

I would recommend looking into local rockhounding groups for your area. Here's is a book on California rockhounding. Here is also a list of musems and geological sites to visit in Cali. I'm not American but this is how my parents helped me when they found i was into the subject and now i'm doing it at University! :)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0789491060?selectObb=new

The textbook used for my Minerology class. This is the first textbook I kept because I wanted thought the information would remain relevant, rather than the buyback price too low.

I use the simon and schuster book for a field guide in ny daypack. Super useful for reference.

I bought this and it was used A LOT during Min. It's pretty cheap and totally worth it!

http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Earth-Donald-Prothero/dp/0072826843

Best textbook on the matter

This is a great sedimentology book I used during my geology degree:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Sedimentology-Stratigraphy-Wiley-Desktop-Editions-Gary-Nichols/1405135921

If you live in the west, this book is awesome. Still awesome if you don't...

I have a dim memory of reading Volcano Cowboys a long time ago. More history than science reporting, but a good read.

If your working with thin sections i'd suggest Gribble and Halls book, Not sure what level of detail your looking for but MacKenzie's rocks and minerals in thin section good to get the basics of optical mineralogy from.

http://www.amazon.com/Geology-Underfoot-along-Colorados-Front/dp/0878425950/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373737070&sr=1-1
I personally love this book. Lon Abbott is able to explain things very clearly, and not just in this book that is about the geological history of the Colorado front range, but in any of his books.

I adore Field Geology Illustrated - it's a pretty long read, but covers a tiny bit of everything I've ever needed to know outside the classroom.

I know exactly what you are looking for! I bought this book from the Island in the sky visitor center in Canyonlands.

Geological Evolution of the Colorado Plateau of Eastern Utah and Western Colorado https://www.amazon.com/dp/1607810042/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_STT4DbRENHHCR

I am not a geologist either but try to keep learning new things in this field. This book has served me really well.

I would first of all recommend: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Geology-Pupils-Work-Book/dp/0050036645 or any other textbook.

Also, maybe look at some A-Level maths and physics guides online.

Asides from that, read around the subject as much as you can.

I got this book from a secret santa. I like it.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Geo-Sites-Youve-Geology-Underfoot/dp/087842587X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481992388&sr=8-1&keywords=geology+sites

Night Comes to the Cretaceous is a warts-and-all telling of the development of the impact hypothesis. Volcanic Cowboys - well, the title is self-explanatory.

Field Geology Illustrated is great for field pictures with illustrations of phenomena.

Basic Methods of Structural Geology I've seen this book get some hate for having weird units and a few mistakes but it is a remarkably solid book for practice exercises. And it's illustrations are kind of the gold standard.

For the Americans, everything on this list:

101 American Geo-Sites

Not the OP, but this appears to be the book.

This appears to be a video from the author

The two books every geology student should read are The Man Who Found Time and The Map That Changed The World. The first one is about James Hutton, considered the father of modern geology.

This got me through GCSE and A Level: Understanding Geology

Not internet, but...

The Bible, Rocks, and Time: geological evidence for the age of the Earth.

It's a well written book by two Christian geology professors that is a scholarly examination of the various interpretations of the creation account in Genesis, how they were developed, and the context in which it was written.

The second part provides multiple examples of evidence for the ancient age of the planet, and a damning critique of all the arguments that YECs have put forth for a young Earth, and against evolution. It then goes on to explain how those arguments are against biblical teachings and detrimental to religion.

It has everything anyone would need to destroy the arguments of YEC/antievolutionists using theology and science.

It's a must read for modern Christians.


https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Rocks-Time-Geological-Evidence/dp/0830828761

I haven't insulted you, yet, and I assumed nothing. Your words are here for all to see. If someone espouses foolish or idiotic beliefs, that person is probably a fool, idiot, or uninformed. Clearly, you are not uninformed.

edit: Oh, the David Montgommery video. I am familiar with his work, and I don't need to watch it to know that you totally missed his points... like totally! His work is cited a bit in The Bible, Rocks and Time: Geological Evidence for the Age of the Earth which was written by two Christian geologists(which I have read). In it, they use Scripture and science to expose the fraud of Young Earth Creationists, and to dispel the nonsense of the Noah myth.