Soils of the Past

An introduction to paleopedology

Kids, Natural World, Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book Soils of the Past by Gregory J. Retallack, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gregory J. Retallack ISBN: 9789401179027
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Gregory J. Retallack
ISBN: 9789401179027
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Landscapes viewed from afar have a timeless quality that is soothing to the human spirit. Yet a tranquil wilderness scene is but a snapshot in the steady stream of surficial change. Wind, water and human activities reshape the landscape by means of gradual to catastrophic and usually irreversible events. Much of this change destroys past landscapes, but at some times and places, landscapes are buried in the rock record. This work is dedicated to the discovery of past landscapes and their life through the fossil record of soils. A long history of surficial changes extending back almost to the origin of our planet can be deciphered from the study of these buried soils, or paleosols. Some rudiments of this history, and our place in it, are outlined in a final section of this book. But first it is necessary to learn something of the language of soils, of what happens to them when buried in the rock record and which of the forces of nature can be confidently reconstructed from their remains. Much of this preliminary material is borrowed from soil science, but throughout emphasis is laid on features that provide most reliable evidence of landscapes during the distant geological past. This book has evolved primarily as a text for senior level university courses in paleopedology: the study of fossil soils.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Landscapes viewed from afar have a timeless quality that is soothing to the human spirit. Yet a tranquil wilderness scene is but a snapshot in the steady stream of surficial change. Wind, water and human activities reshape the landscape by means of gradual to catastrophic and usually irreversible events. Much of this change destroys past landscapes, but at some times and places, landscapes are buried in the rock record. This work is dedicated to the discovery of past landscapes and their life through the fossil record of soils. A long history of surficial changes extending back almost to the origin of our planet can be deciphered from the study of these buried soils, or paleosols. Some rudiments of this history, and our place in it, are outlined in a final section of this book. But first it is necessary to learn something of the language of soils, of what happens to them when buried in the rock record and which of the forces of nature can be confidently reconstructed from their remains. Much of this preliminary material is borrowed from soil science, but throughout emphasis is laid on features that provide most reliable evidence of landscapes during the distant geological past. This book has evolved primarily as a text for senior level university courses in paleopedology: the study of fossil soils.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book A Treatise of Legal Philosophy and General Jurisprudence by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Transformational Syntax and Model Theoretic Semantics by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Analyzing Rational Crime — Models and Methods by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Perspectives on Planning and Urban Development in Belgium by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book An Expedition to Continuum Theory by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Trace Gas Emissions and Plants by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Neurohumoral Regulation of Coronary Flow by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Pierre Nicole, Jansenist and Humanist by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Multilevel Modeling of Social Problems by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book The Christian Philosophy of William Temple by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Global Change: Mankind-Marine Environment Interactions by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Out of Time by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Tutorial Distance Learning by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Improving Quality Assurance in European Vocational Education and Training by Gregory J. Retallack
Cover of the book Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants by Gregory J. Retallack
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy