“WORKING LIVES” 

Geologists and their work covering 50 years is covered in a new book – ‘Working Lives’ compiled by  Bill Koppe, Peter Hayden and Bill Turner, with editorial support from  Barry Avery (Perth-based).

The cover is a long-wheelbase Landrover up to its radiator in water during a river crossing in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This book (foreword written by Professor Sue Golding , bSchool of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland)   incorporate the message of geological processes creating resources that build human civilisation and technologies  including  coal seam gas and carbon capture and storage, that employed  geoscience graduates. Globalisation allowed Australian geologists to work worldwide and  the increased emphasis on the environmental and social impacts of mining and production improved employment options .

These working lives stories encapsulate the evolution of human civilisations and resources  covering the lives  of nearly two dozen geologists and their discoveries of economic resources for a globalised world.

These stories are intertwined within the spectacular growth, diversification and technical innovation that has characterised the Australian resources sectors over the last 50 years, makiing  it world-class with a presence now in many countries around the world. Apart from compilers Bill Koppe, Peter Hayden and Bill Turner, the other stories come from Daud (Brian) Batchelor, Lindsay Bottomer, David Brunt, Neil Clifford, Barry Cotton, Leonard Cranfield, Alan Davies, Geoff Eupene, John Feros, Andrew Graham, Peter Gregory, Neil Krosch, Hamish Paterson, Nev Robinson, Peter Robinson, Roger Scott, John Siemon, Phil Smart, Eric Streitberg and Peter Vickerson.

As is common in mining and exploration  it was not always an easy road to success; many career paths were potholed with retrenchment, collapsing companies, downsizing or as victims of global downturns in the minerals industry due to depressed metal prices. Employment opportunities changed over the period of each person’s career and  where one door slammed shut on the  another opened. Qualifications were improved to be ready for the next slightly different phase of a resources cycle. The knowledge of how geological processes operate to create mineral and energy deposits has enriched their appreciation of the natural world, added to their enjoyment of travelling through it, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from involvement in the discovery and development of economic resources to develop human civilisations.

Design and publication of ‘Working Lives’ ISBN 978-0-85905-731-8,9 (Hesperian Press, Perth, Australia)   costs $30.00 plus $8.55 post Australia wide. Send your delivery details to [email protected] and pay by bank direct, see www.hesperianpress.com and details under ‘order.’ Copies may also be picked up from the Hesperian office in Perth, see the website for more details.

To truly appreciate Geohistory tourism it is important to have a knowledge of Geological Process and how they affect the resources and landscapes, evolution of plants and animals and guide the history of human civilisations. Below are a series of publications of the Geology of the earth and of specific areas of the earth.  Check with your local geological survey or national body to find out more about the earth and the dynamic processes that affect it and the plants, animals and human civilisations that eveolve over human history.

The Practical Geologist: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks 

This is a good starter book  introducing   geology, geological processes  to your personal pet rock and rock collection to a shiny mineral collection, this book is a great  introduction to the magic that is the science of the earth. It outlines the proposed history of the formation  of the earth and its geological processes that form and modify its composition, and its continents and oceans over time. The present landscapes are linked to surface weathering and erosional effects of weather and water. Check it out on Amazon

Aerial Geology: A High-Altitude Tour of North America’s Spectacular Volcanoes, Canyons, Glaciers, Lakes, Craters, and Peaks

The aerial view of geology of the planet has dramatically enabled geologists to interpret the boundaries between rock bodies.  This beautifully illustrated book encompasses the aerial tour of  north Americas canyons , glaciers and towering peaks.  – A great  illustration of how geological landscapes can be interpreted. Great Coffee Table Book.

Stephen Marshall’s book on essentials of geology is an excellent book for those who want to know more about the science.  The scope of this book  encompasses much of the great images of classical geology. Check out this book !

Enjoy a human perspective of the first 4.5 Billion years of the evolution of Earth.  This perspective has been developed through our natural curiosity of how things happen. Science and scientific method has allowed the human race to have concepts through the development of language of  communicating our ideas of how things have happened in our beautiful blue planet.  It is a story of the evolution of a planet unique in its development in a galaxy that we as humans are aware of through our curiosity.  The story is beyond the belief of logic and chance and makes amazing reading. Buy and enjoy! 

The Map that Changed the World

by Simon Winchester

To me this is a magical book looking at the work of William Smith an canal engineer who set the foundations of geology in the early part of the nineteenth century by creating the first modern style geological map of the united Kingdom.  The book outlines how Smith came to understand the link between his work in creating the series of canal that revolutionised transport of goods of the early part of the industrial revolution with the rocks that were being excavated to form the canal in southern and midland areas of the united Kingdom.

Check it out for an understanding of how maps are created

• Geology of the San Francisco Bay Region (California Natural History Guides)

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Discover the local geology of the San Francisco bay area. Find out about the local influences of the San Andreus Fault and how the fault movements have affected the local rock units in the area. A great read to discover more about the local geology and history of this exciting region of the USA.

Check out the unique geology of the bay area for yourself

This book and several more books on local geology of regions of the USA and important global destination can make great introduction to the concept of the ubiquitous nature of geological processes in affecting the natural world, human history and the development of global human civilisations. 

USA examples: 

• 1. Exploring the Geology of the Carolinas: A Field Guide to Favorite Places from Chimney Rock to Charleston (Southern Gateways Guides)

This book is an illustrated field guide to assist interested geologist and would be geologists to understand how to identify local rock bodies. For those interested in finding about why geologists find rock bodies that they regard as their favourites this book is for you –Find out what make a geologist like his favourite rocks through this guide.- Check it out!

2.Geology Underfoot in Yosemite National Park First Edition

This guide to Yosemite National park is a definite buy for those who require basic  information om what to expect prior to going to Yosemite.  I suggest that is it prescribed  reading prior to gpoing to Yosemite and will continue to  inform  you as a references as you drive around the park and appreciate the wondrous  landscapes in this national park.  The book gave adequate  background and imagery to link the tourist with the landscapes and the geological processes that created them. Buy the book and better appreciate Yosemite. l

Take your time  plan your trip, buy this book and use it it for your next trip to Yosemite. You wont be disappointed as your experience in Yosemite will be enhanced for you your family and friends. It will be Great for your next trip to Yosemite.  Buy it before you go

Other books on geology of the USA for you to check out before you travel  

3. Ancient Wyoming: A Dozen Lost Worlds Based on the Geology of the Bighorn Basin

by Fulcrum Publishing.