REVIEWS
The complexity and variety of Scotland's geology and landscapes is such that to undertake writing a book with the aim of making this subject more accessible is no mean feat. A first-class communicator, Con achieves this in a writing style that makes for easy and interesting reading. This is a book for both geologists and non-geologists alike. The geology is explained in a straightforward manner without the need to oversimplify or to swamp the reader in terminology; any difficulty is easily overcome by the excellent glossary. . . . This book is the story of Scotland and its landscape and it is enhanced by an abundance of excellent black and white photographs . . . excellent value cover price . . . For anyone with an interest in Scotland and its environment then this book is a "must have" and I would rate it A+. Shetland Times
At last we have a straightforward, easily understood and attractive but scholarly introductory text on the geology of Scotland. Jim MacDonald University of Glasgow
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If any country could claim to be the home of geology, it is surely Scotland. A Mecca for geologists for over two centuries, it is now captured in a brand new treatment of the rocks, structures and landscapes. Designed as a clear introductory treatment, Geology and landscapes of Scotland is written in plain language, with all key concepts fully explained in a highly accessible way, beautifully illustrated with a host of photographs, maps and diagrams.
If you stand on the shore at Achmelvich in the Northwest Highlands and look across at Lochinver, you may wonder how that great sugarloaf mountain of Suilven came to be (cover illustration). Geology and landscapes of Scotland will provide the answer to that and many other questions that fascinate visitors attracted by Scotland's spectacular scenery, whether they be walkers, climbers, archaeologists or rock collectors. The book deals with not only Scotland's uniquely wide variety of rocks, minerals and fossils, but also the landforms that owe their origin to the structure and composition of the bedrock. How these landforms developed through time and were used to great advantage by Scotland's first settlers, and how the mineral riches have been exploited, from iron ores and building stones to coal, oil and gas – all is revealed inside.
Thanks to the way Scotland developed over millions of years of Earth history, the country may be divided into five quite separate regions, each with its own distinctive age, history and rock types. Geology and landscapes of Scotland takes you on a journey through the five regions, starting with the incredibly old Northwest Highlands and Outer Hebrides, then the Caledonian mountain terrains of the Northern and Grampian Highlands, Argyll, Shetland and the Southern Uplands. The geology of lowland Scotland is visited next: the Midland Valley, Orkney and Caithness, and the fringes of the Moray Firth. A return visit is then paid to the west coast to explore the awe-inspiring geology of the Hebrides – volcanic mountain landscapes of 60 million years ago that heralded the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. The story traces Scotland's movements across the globe from the dawn of time: how it moved from southern ice-bound seas, across the Equator into warm humid coal-forming swamps, to be confronted eventually by icy con­ditions, this time near the North Pole. Finally, the effects of the most recent Ice Age (one of many) are examined – how and why the climate deteriorated rapidly, how the landscape was sculpted by the force of moving ice sheets, and what the future climate may hold in store for us. Last but not least, the human impact on the environment and the landscape is also touched upon.
Providing comprehensive coverage, profusely illustrated with many photographs, maps and diagrams, and complete with an extensive glossary, Geology and landscapes of Scotland is for the many readers fascinated by one of the most geologically intriguing and scenically beautiful parts of the world, whether they be geological novices seeking an accessible introduction or experienced experts wishing to refresh their understanding of the home of geology.
Preface
Introduction; The rock fabric of Scotland; The rock cycle; Structure of the Earth; Folds, faults and shear zones; Time and life
Introduction; Geological regions; Geological evolution; What next?
Introduction; The Northwest Highlands; The Outer Hebrides; Basement rocks of the Inner Hebrides
Introduction; The Northern Highlands; The Grampian Highlands; Igneous rocks in the Caledonian Mountains; The Highland Border Complex; Natural resources in the Grampian Highlands; Landscapes of the Grampian Highlands; Geology of Shetland; The Southern Uplands; Plate tectonics and drifting continents
Introduction; Ordovician and Silurian rocks; Devonian rocks; Scotland in the Carboniferous
Introduction; New Red Sandstone; Tropical seas of the Jurassic; Chalk seas of the Cretaceous
Introduction; Eigg, Muck, Canna, Sanday and Rum; Skye; Mull; Ardnamurchan;
Arran and Ailsa Craig; St Kilda and Rockall;
Tertiary dykes; Landscape evolution
Introduction; The worsening climate; Causes of ice ages; Landforms created by glacial erosion; Landforms created by glacial deposition; Postglacial landscapes
Introduction – what is a natural resource?; Metal ore deposits;
Industrial raw materials; Fossil fuels; Alternative energy sources; Resources
and the landscape; Summary – resources through time; People and landscape
Appendix
Taking it further; Fieldwork; Geological maps
Glossary of technical terms
Gaelic terms
Bibliography
Index of names
Index of topics
233×189mm 256pp.
ISBN: 1-903544-09-2 PB £21.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-903544-09-9
Published in 2003
Subject: Earth science: regional geology
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