Great Geological Controversies

By Anthony Hallam

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198582196
• ISBN13: 9780198582199
• Release Date: March 1989
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

LET THE DEBATES BEGIN

I have used this book in the past for my "Great Ideas in Geology" course and it remains a great read for anyone interested in geoscientific thought. Titanic intellectual battles are played out here as catastrophists clash with uniformitarians and neptunists, vulcanists and plutonists do battle. Hallam did, however, miss an important figure in the chapter on Ice Ages. Based on his geological observations made during the construction of his cotton mill in Vernon, Connecticut, Peter Dobson correctly concluded that unusually shaped boulders of arkosic sandstone and conglomerate had been sculpted by the agency of ice transport. Dobson's observations were published in 1826, and thus preceeded the 1833 publication of Ignace Venetz' pioneering work on the same subject. As Roderick Murchison was aware of Dobson's work, Dobson deserves credit as one of, if not the, founders of glacial theory.

Topics are concise and mind-opening!

Excellant coverage of material that spans a century of controversies and brings you up to speed on the new way of thinking about the formation of the earth and how plate tectonics is at the heart of it all!! Great read for those who did not pay attention in science class!! You don't have to feel left out anymore!