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A List of Great Books Touching on Geological Sciences and Oceanography
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There are good books out there for the general reader that illuminate aspects of Geological Sciences or Oceanography while focusing on other issues. Some of these are marvelous reads. The best are non-textbooks that weave together neat aspects of the environment with a lively mix of other subjects. The environmental aspects can be center stage or tangential. A few novels are also included because they give the reader a remarkably accurate and detailed impression of geologic or oceanographic conditions.
These books may be used to augment existing knowledge and further exploration beyond the typical or traditional educational curriculum. They offer an opportunity to engage with material beyond the scope of standard classroom strategies.
The strongest recommendations are for well-written, attention-grabbing books spiced with interesting science aspects that may be enjoyed by both the general reader and the specialist. Here is a short list of the top recommended books:
SHORT LIST
Geological Sciences:
Excellent Literature
Shorter Possibilities
Oceanography:
Excellent Literature
The Last Place on Earth: Scott and Amundsen’s Race to the South Pole
Shorter Possibilities
FULL LIST-with bullet description and Recommendations
Here is a list of all book titles with a bullet description by divisions
FULL LIST-with full description
The book reviews are arranged by author. With each book is posted the title, author, the science points and a review.
Suggestions for new books, reviews and comments:
Suggestions for other books not listed here are welcome, and would be even more helpful if the reasons for your selection are included, and are less than a page in length. Contributions may be modified, and inclusion is not guaranteed, but is based upon our subjective judgment. If you wish, you may be cited as proposing a book and/or writing a review. If we accept your selection and you wish to be cited, include your name, email address, regular mail address, phone number and affiliations. Email should be addressed to Dr. Clive Dorman, with all information in the main area of your email as ASCII text and NOT in an attachment. Please note that emails with attachments will be deleted without being opened.
Special thanks are in order to Geological Sciences student Bev Carson, who collected information and drafted reviews. Alumnus Erik Klimczak (BS, 1996; MS, 1999) set up the web site.
I hope you will find this site useful and the books rewarding.
Clive E. Dorman, PhD. Physical Oceanography
Dept. Geological Sciences
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-1020
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