Acknowledgments

This lab manual would not have been possible were it not for the work of Steven Earle, whose open textbook “Physical Geology – 2nd Edition” was the basis for this adaptation, as well as Siobhan McGoldrick, who is responsible for the original version of this manual (A Practical Guide to Introductory Geology). Steven and Siobhan are thanked tremendously for their contributions to open educational resources in the geosciences in Western Canada. We thank Geological Technician Candace Toner for her assistance in organizing samples and materials from the Mount Royal University collection, and for her support. We would also like to thank the Mount Royal University Library staff, particularly Cari Merkley for her excellent guidance and devotion to this project, and also to Subject Librarian Brian Jackson and Copyright Advisor Taylor Stevens. Matt Laidlow is thanked for designing the cover of this manual. We also thank Michelle Brailey and Jim Leonhard at Open Education Alberta for their support.

This book project was supported by Mount Royal University Library in partnership with the University of Alberta through the Open Education Alberta project.

About the Authors

Matthew Minnett earned a M.Sc. and B.Sc. (hons) in geology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has experience as a professional geoscientist with the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador and in the mineral exploration and petroleum industries with junior and major companies.

Benjamin Daniels earned a PhD in geology and geophysics from the University of Calgary following completion of MSc and Honours BSc degrees in geology and geophysics from the University of Calgary and the University of Waterloo, respectively. He has worked as a geoscientist with federal and provincial governments, as well as in the oil and gas industry in Calgary. Ben has taught a wide range of geology courses at Mount Royal University, and is passionate about helping the next generation of geoscientists find exciting and rewarding careers.