Great Geological Controversies [Paperback]

Here is a new edition of a widely acclaimed account of the most celebrated controversies in the history of geology--a book that covers many of the most important ideas that have emerged since the birth of the science. Among the great debates described here are those involving catastrophe theory, uniformitarianism, the discovery of the Ice Age, speculation concerning the age of the earth, and the advent of new ideas on plate tectonics and continental drift. In presenting these key topics, the author opens the fascinating history of geology to a wide audience. Frequently citing original sources, the author gives readers a sense of the colorful and at times immensely entertaining language of scientific discourse. This edition includes a new chapter on the emergence of stratigraphy in the nineteenth century, focusing on controversies surrounding the Cambrian-Silurian and Devonian. Another new chapter reviews the mass extinction theory, which is still hotly debated. Other chapters have been revised to reflect recent developments and changes in the field. Authoritative and highly readable, this unique work will interest all readers interested in the history of science and especially the origin of the prevailing ideas in geology today.

1. Neptunists, Vulcanists, and Plutonists
2. Catastrophists and Uniformitarians
3. The Emergence of Stratigraphy
4. The Ice Age
5. The Age of the Earth
6. Continental Drift
7. Mass Extinctions
8. General Considerations

From reviews of the first edition: Spirited, highly recommended. --New Scientist

A book of value and interest to all shades of Earth scientists and it's a very good read. --Geological Magazine

An impressively broad and lively demonstration of scholarship. . .a book of interest to geologists, other scientists, and the public. --Geology

A learned and thorough discussion. . .full of lengthy but very relevant quotations [presentil“$