39 Geology
Geological Structures: A Practical Introduction
John Waldron (University of Alberta), Morgan Snyder (Acadia University)
2020
Licence: CC BY-NC
This manual is about structures that occur within the Earth’s crust. Structures are the features that allow geologists to figure out how parts of the Earth have changed position, orientation, size and shape over time.
Format: Online, PDF, eBook
Suggested for: GEOG 319
An Introduction to Geological Field Trips: Case Study Avonlea Badlands, Saskatchewan
Monica Cliveti and Maria Velez
2022
Licence: CC BY-SA
This book teaches students how to prepare for geology field trips so that they can make the most of the experience. Topics covered include what to wear on a field trip, what information should be gathered before venturing into the field, what tools to bring, and how to effectively collect data in the field. This book uses a field trip to the Avonlea Badlands in the province of Saskatchewan as a case study. Figures such as graphs and text boxes containing key takeaways and learning checkpoints augment the material.
Format: Online
Introduction to Earth Science – Second Edition
Laura Neser, Virginia Tech
2025
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
Introduction to Earth Science, Second Edition is an open textbook designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Earth Science that can be freely accessed online, read offline, printed, or purchased as a print-on-demand book. It is intended for a typical 1000-level university introductory course in the Geosciences, although its contents could be applied to many other related courses.
This text includes various important features designed to enhance the student learning experience in introductory Earth Science courses. These include a multitude of high-quality figures and images within each chapter that help to clarify key concepts. Self-test assessment questions are embedded in each online chapter that help students focus their learning. QR codes are provided for each assessment to allow students using print or PDF versions to easily access the quiz from an internet-capable device of their choice.
The sequence of the book differs from mainstream commercial texts. It has been arranged to present elementary or foundational knowledge regarding rocks and minerals prior to discussion of more complex topics in Earth Science. Similar to the layout of the first edition, this book dedicates one chapter to each of the three major rock types, the processes of mass wasting, geological time, Earth history, and the origin of the universe and our Solar System. Additionally, the second edition includes a new chapter on meteorology, and combines the previously separate chapters on deserts and glaciers into a single, comprehensive chapter that explores these extreme environments.
Format: Online, Ebook, Hardcopy, PDF
Introduction to Geology
Chris Johnson, Matthew D. Affolter, Paul Inkenbrandt, and Cam Mosher (Salt Lake Community College)
2017
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
An open textbook for introductory geology courses created by instructors at Salt Lake Community College.
Format: Online
Suggested for: GEOG 200, GEOG 201
Introductory Physical Geology Laboratory Manual – 1st Canadian Edition
Joyce McBeth, Karla Panchuk, Tim Prokopiuk, Lyndsay Hauber and Sean Lacey
2020
Licence: CC BY-SA
Introduction to Geology is a textbook designed to ease new students into the often complex topics of Geology and the study of our planet and its makeup. The book assists readers through the beginning topics and nomenclature of Geology to familiarize them with Geology’s version of the scientific methods. This is an adaptation designed for students at the University of Saskatchewan.
Format: Online, PDF
Suggested for: GEOG 200
Laboratory Manual for Introductory Geology
Bradley Deline, Randa Harris, and Karen Tefend (University of West Georgia)
2015
Licence: CC BY-SA
This textbook is a comprehensive lab manual for the core curriculum Introductory Geosciences classes with both informational content and laboratory exercises. Topics include basic laws and theories in Geology, the Earth’s interior and plate tectonics, water and climate change, igneous rocks and volcanoes, and earthquakes.
Format: PDF
Suggested for: GEOG 200, GEOG 201
A Practical Guide to Introductory Geology
Siobhan McGoldrick
2021
Licence: CC BY
A comprehensive laboratory manual covering the physical aspects of geology, including rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, streams, structural geology, and much more. This manual has a strong emphasis on examples from western Canada, especially Alberta and British Columbia, and includes a diverse set of exercises.
Format: Online, PDF, and more
Suggested for: GEOG 200, GEOG 201
Physical Geology – 2nd Edition
Steven Earle (Thompson Rivers University)
2019
Licence: CC BY
Physical Geology is a comprehensive introductory text on the physical aspects of geology, including rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciation, groundwater, streams, coasts, mass wasting, climate change, planetary geology and much more. It has a strong emphasis on examples from western Canada, especially British Columbia, and also includes a chapter devoted to the geological history of western Canada. The book is a collaboration of faculty from Earth Science departments at Universities and Colleges across British Columbia and elsewhere.
Formats: Online, EPUB, PDF, MOBI, and more
