Geology

This page describes a few of the many print and electronic resources that will be useful for research in geology. See also the Subject Guide page for Environmental Science for related resources.

Reference Sources

Dictionaries | Encyclopedias | Handbooks | Treatises

The following is a list of a few of the many reference sources available in the Timken Science Library that will be useful for locating information in geology. For a more extensive database of science reference sources available at the College, and more detailed descriptions, see Selected Bibliography of Science Reference Sources.

Dictionaries

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms Science Reference Q123 .M15 2003: This dictionary is intended for the scientific and engineering specialist as well as for the nonspecialist needing a comprehensive yet accessible resource for scientific terminology. Terms are identified by field of use.
Dictionary of Geophysics, Astrophysics and Astronomy Science Reference QB14 .D53 2001: Provides definitions and descriptions to terminology used in the subject areas covered, including climate change.
Glossary of Geology Science Reference QE5 .B38 2005: Includes definitions of 39,000 terms in the geological sciences, including more than 5,300 mineral names.

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedia of Global Change: Environmental Change and Human Society Science Reference GE149 .E47 2002 v.1-2: This two-volume encyclopedia addresses issues of “natural and anthropogenic changes in the Earth’s physical, chemical and biological systems and resources, and it examines the effects of those changes on human society.” — Introduction
AccessScience@McGraw-Hill: The Online Encyclopedia: This is the electronic access version of the 10^th edition of McGraw-Hill’s Encyclopedia of Science and Technology WOO Science Reference Q121 .M3 2002 v.1-20, a highly technical encyclopedia in the sciences. The Web site provides fully searchable content from more than 8,500 articles in the latest edition of the encyclopedia as well as definitions from McGraw Hill’s Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, biographies of more than 2,000 scientists, bibliographies containing more than 28,000 literature citations and a well-developed subject directory of Web links.
Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology Science Reference Q123 .E497 2002 v.1-18: The purpose of this 18-volume encyclopedia is to provide university and professional level coverage of every facet of the physical sciences and technology. “Each article includes a Title and Author, Outline, Glossary, Defining Statement, Main Body of the Article, Cross References and Bibliography. The separate Index includes a complete Table of Contents, a Contents by Subject Area, a Relational Index, which presents groupings of related articles, and a detailed Subject Index.” — Preface
Encyclopedia of Climate and Weather Science Reference QC854 .E523 1996: This two-volume encyclopedia encompasses subjects from the natural and social sciences that contribute to our understanding of the causes of weather and climate change and their effects on the environment and society. Information is drawn from many disciplines, including meteorology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, ecology, geography, geology, archeology, oceanology, glaciology, agronomy, forestry, hydrology, health sciences, economics, history, political science and literature. — Preface
The Oxford Companion to the Earth Science Reference QE5 .O94 2000: This encyclopedia contains more than 900 entries covering geology, solid-earth geophysics, geochemistry, geodesy, paleontology and paleobiology, soil science, glaciology, physical oceanography, climatology, paleoclimatology and meteorology, environmental and resources developments, and the history of the earth sciences. Entries include suggestions for further reading and numerous cross references. A detailed index and thematic lists of related topics facilitate access.
Encyclopedia of European and Asian Regional Geology Science Reference QE260 .E53 1997: Contains more than 100 individual essays which provide an up-to-date overview of the general geology, country by country, of Europe and Asia. In addition, there are generalized continental reviews and regional analyses of selected features. A volume in the Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences series.
The Encyclopedia of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Science Reference QE461 .E56 1990: Includes background information for those not expert in the field, as well as data and bibliographies that facilitate further investigation. A volume of the Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences series.
The Encyclopedia of Solid Earth Geophysics Science Reference QE501 .E58 1989: This encyclopedia covers topics related to seismology, geodesy, gravimetry, geo- and paleomagnetism, magnetotelluries, techtonophysics, and related areas of physics, geology and space science. Articles are arranged alphabetically with extensive cross-referencing and references to the primary literature. A comprehensive index facilitates use. A volume of the Encyclopedia of Earth Science series.
Encyclopedia of Volcanoes Science Reference QE522 .E53 2000: This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive treatment of volcanism on earth and on other planets of the solar system. It consists of 82 thematically arranged articles, each of which includes an outline, glossary, defining statement, body of the article, cross-references, and bibliography.
The Encyclopedia of Structural Geology and Plate Tectonics Science Reference QE601 .E53 1987: Articles in this encyclopedia are arranged alphabetically with cross-references and a comprehensive index to facilitate access to related entries. This is volume 10 of the Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences series.
Dinosaurs: The Encyclopedia Science Reference QE862 .D5 G652 1997 and suppl. 1-3: Provides detailed text and many illustrations of dinosaur species.
The Water Encyclopedia Science Reference TD351 .V36 1990: Contains more than 600 tables and 100 illustrations on subjects such as: climate, hydrology, surface and ground water, water use, water quality, water management, water resource agencies and legislation, and environmental problems. Also includes a chapter on constants and conversion factors.
Macmillan Encyclopedia of Energy Science Reference TJ163.28 .M33 2001 v.1-3: The purpose of this three-volume interdiscipinary encyclopedia is “to provide an up-to-date reference guide for people who want full, current, trustworthy information about all aspects of energy. More than 250 alphabetically arranged articles, 600 photographs, illustrations, sidebars and maps represent the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, geophysics and engineering as well as history, economics, psychology, sociology and ethics.” — Preface

Handbooks

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics Science Reserves QD65 .H3 2007-08: Provides the latest and most accurate ready-reference information for the chemical and physical sciences. Includes basic constants, units and conversion factors, data on the physical constants of organic and inorganic compounds, fluid properties, properties of solids and much more. A general index facilitates access to required data.
Encyclopedia of Minerals Science Reference QE355 .R6 1990: Useful desk reference for mineralogical data. Entries are presented in alphabetical order. Properties for each mineral may include: chemical formula, hardness, density, cleavage, habit, color-luster, mode of occurrence, crystal system, class, space group, strongest diffraction lines, optical constants, reflected light properties, and selected references.
These three handbooks in the American Geophysical Union Reference Shelf series are intended to provide selected critical data for solid earth and planetary geophysicists.
Practical Handbook of Physical Properties of Rocks and Minerals Science Reference QE431.6 .P5 P73 1989: A comprehensive source of basic technical data on the physical properties of rocks and their constituent minerals presented primarily in tabular and graphical format.
Geochemical Reference Material Compositions: Rocks, Minerals, Sediments, Soils, Carbonates, Refractories and Ores Used in Research and Industry Science Reference QE438 .P67 1992: A compilation of reference material data for geological materials, contributed by laboratories from around the world. This data is useful for calibrating analytical techniques, validating analytical results, and regulating commercial transactions based on chemical composition of raw materials.
A Geologic Time Scale 2004 Science Reference QE508 .G3956 2004: This reference presents a new geologic time scale for circa 3850 million years of Earth history encompassing recent advances in stratigraphy.
Handbook of Holocene Palaeoecology and Palaeohydrology Science Reference QE741 .H25 2003: This handbook describes standard methods for research in palaeoecology and palaeohydrology, including sampling and mapping techniques, stratigraphical methods, dating methods and numerical treatment of biostratigraphical data.
Handbook of Paleozoology Science Reference QE761 .K8413 1986: A condensed introductory guide for students on the systematics of fossil animals. Arranged by animal kingdoms. Includes a general overview, a summary of the classification system, several black-and-white illustrations, a selected bibliography, an index of genera and species, and a subject index.
Practical Handbook of Soil, Vadose Zone and Ground Water Contamination: Assessment, Prevention and Remediation Science Reference TD878 .B684 1995: A single, convenient reference source for locating answers to questions about contaminated soil or ground water.

Treatises

Treatise on Geochemistry Science Reference QE515 .T69 2003 v.1-9

This multivolume treatise divides the field of geochemistry into nine parts.

Vol. 1 - Meteorites, Comets and Planets
Vol. 2 - The Mantle and Core
Vol. 3 - The Crust
Vol. 4 - The Atmosphere
Vol. 5 - Surface and Ground Water, Weathering and Soils
Vol. 6 - The Oceans and Marine Geochemistry
Vol. 7 - Sediments, Diagenesis and Sedimentary Rocks
Vol. 8 - Biochemistry
Vol. 9 - Environmental Geochemistry

Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology Science Reference QE770 .J6

This compilation on invertebrate paleontology has been issued and revised irregularly since 1953. The first volume, Part A, Introduction, covers the entire fossil record. Subsequent volumes are numbered alphabetically in systematic order covering respective groups, e.g. Porifera Bryozoa, Mollusca. Each entry includes a full description, illustrations and bibliographic citations.

Reviews of the Literature

Reviews of the literature survey the important primary literature sources and other works on a particular topic, usually over a given time span. They provide the bibliographic information needed to find the original works, and summarize the most important points about advances in that period.

Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences Science QE1 .A674 v.7, 10, 16, 18-31 and online from Annual Reviews (1996 to present) and EBSCOhost (1996 through all but the past 12 months): Distinguished researchers and editors critically review and synthesize the most significant literature in earth and planetary sciences for each year.
Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry Science QE351 .R47 v.8-: This series reviews the literature of mineralogy with each volume focusing on a specific topic. The previous title of this work is Reviews in Mineralogy.

Series

The Geology of North America Science QE71 .G48 (1986)-: This series, representing the work of more than 1000 contributors, synthesizes authoritative knowledge of the North American continent and adjacent oceanic regions, current as of the 1980s.
Centennial Field Guide Science QE77 .C46 1986: This six-volume set of field guides, prepared as part of the Decade of North American Geology (DNAG) Project, presents major geologic features of regional significance. Volume 1 – Cordilleran Section Volume 2 – Rocky Mountain Section Volume 3 – North-Central Section Volume 4 – South Central Section Volume 5 – Northeastern Section Volume 6 – Southeastern Section.
Ohio. Geological Survey. Bulletin Science QE151 .A18 no.1 (1903)-: The Bulletin serves as one of the most important resources of information on the geology of Ohio. Various aspects of geology are covered: petrology, paleontology, structure, stratigraphy, economic geology, etc. Bulletin no. 52 is a Bibliography of Ohio Geology, 1819-1950.
Ohio. Geological Survey. Report of Investigations Science QE151 .A186 no.1 (1947)-: An important series of reports on various aspects of Ohio geology. Includes useful bibliographies, maps, and charts.

United States Government Publications

U.S. Geological Survey. Bulletins Documents I 19.3: and USGS Advanced Search: Bulletins contain significant data and interpretations that are of lasting scientific interest but are generally more limited in scope or geographic coverage than Professional Papers. They include the results of resource studies and of geologic and topographic investigations, as well as collections of short papers related to a specific topic.
U.S. Geological Survey. Circulars Documents I 19.4/2: and USGS Advanced Search: Circulars cover a wide variety of topics concisely and clearly to provide a synthesis of understanding about processes, geographic areas, issues, or USGS programs. The series is intended to broadly educate and inform readers about science and public-policy topics related to the mission of the USGS. The series is not used to present new data or new scientific findings.
U.S. Geological Survey. Professional Papers Documents I 19.16: and USGS Advanced Search: Professional Papers are the premier series of the USGS. They are comprehensive scientific reports of wide and lasting interest and scientific importance, characterized by thoroughness of study and breadth of scientific or geographic coverage. The series may include collections of related papers addressing different aspects of a single scientific topic, either issued together under one cover or separately as chapters.
Scientific Investigations Reports Documents I 19.42/4-4: and USGS Advanced Search: Scientific Investigations Reports contain significant data and interpretations of lasting scientific interest but are generally narrower in scope than Professional Papers. The series includes collections of related papers addressing different aspects of a single scientific topic, either issued as individual chapters or as a single volume; proceedings and abstracts for USGS-sponsored meetings; some field trip guidebooks and road logs; and general manuals.
Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (1969-1977) Documents NS 1.2:D 36/2
Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (1978-1988) Documents NS 1.38:
Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program (1989- ) Documents NS 1.38/2:: Series presents data obtained in deep sea drilling operations around the world. The goals of the project include “providing a global description of geological and geophysical structures and materials, studying in detail areas of major geophysical activity such as mid-ocean ridges and associated hydrothermal circulations, and studying active and passive continental margins.”
Smithsonian Contributions to the Earth Sciences Documents SI 1.26:: A series of original articles and manuscripts by various authors which report new discoveries in earth science.
Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology Documents SI 1.30:: A series of original articles and manuscripts by various authors which report new discoveries in paleobiology. Some issues are on microfiche.

Indexes and Databases

Print and electronic indexes and abstracts provide access to the enormous quantity of science information published in widely-dispersed primary scientific literature found in journal articles. The libraries’ Databases by Title page provides access to all databases available to the college community. Online help is available within each search system and database. In addition to General Databases, there are many databases that focus entirely on the sciences. Selected Databases for Research in Science provides descriptions of the science-related databases. Indexes and databases that are especially useful for locating information in geology include:

GeoRef [OSearch] (1785 to present): This geoscience database published by the American Geological Institute indexes the world's geological, geophysical, mineralogical, paleontological, and petrologic literature. Coverage includes journal articles from more than 4000 journals; theses and dissertations; state, federal and foreign government documents; technical reports; conference proceedings; books and book chapters; and maps.
INSPEC [OSearch] (1969 to present) INSPEC Archive (1898-1968): This database covers the literature of Physics, Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Computing and Control, Information Technology, and Manufacturing and Production Engineering. It indexes more than 4000 journals, conference proceedings, books, reports, and dissertations.
Science Citation Index Expanded [ISI] (1980 to present): This multidisciplinary database covering the journal literature of science provides basic subject and author searching as well as cited reference searching, which permits searching the database for articles that cite a known author or work.
Monthly Catalog of U.S. Government Publications - GPO File [FirstSearch] (1976 to present): Indexes documents published by the U.S. Federal Government agencies, including books, reports, studies, serials, and maps. Covers a wide range of topics.

Locating Full Text of Journal Articles

Once you have retrieved citations to relevant articles from print indexes and abstracts, electronic research databases, bibliographies and other sources, you will need to determine whether they are available at the College of Wooster. Many articles are available by linking from within an electronic database, but other articles may be available in print, microform or online that are not accessible by direct link from a database.

To determine whether the college has access to a particular journal title in any format, search by title from the Wooster e-Journals and Journals page. You may also browse a complete list of journal titles by subject category from the same page.

For a more detailed description of how to determine whether a journal article is available at Wooster, see Lesson 9: Finding Full Text of Journal Articles in the Guide to Library Research in Science.

Selected Internet Sites

The following is a list of a few of the many Internet resources related to geology.

Google Scholar: The Google Scholar search engine locates scholarly literature from a wide variety of academic publishers, professional societies, preprint repositories and universities, as well as scholarly articles available across the web. Results are ranked by relevance, taking into account the full text of each article as well as the article's author, the publication in which the article appeared and how often it has been cited in scholarly literature. Search results may include citations of older works and seminal articles that appear only in books or other offline publications.
American Geophysical Union: The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is a worldwide scientific community that advances, through unselfish cooperation in research, the understanding of Earth and space for the benefit of humanity. This site contains information about the publications and activities of the society.
American Association of Petroleum Geologists: Founded in 1917 and currently the world’s largest professional geological society with more than 30,000 members, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) fosters scientific research, advances the science of geology, promotes technology and inspires high professional conduct through publications, conferences and educational opportunities for geoscientists. In addition, it disseminates the most current geological information available to the general public.
Geological Society of America: “The mission of GSA is to be a leader in advancing the geosciences, enhancing the professional growth of its members, and promoting the geosciences in the service of humankind.” The site provides access to information about the membership, publications and activities of the society, as well as links to other societies, agencies and organizations in the geological sciences.
Links for Mineralogists: This site provides categorized, annotated lists of web sites listing resources for mineralogists, petrologists, crystallographers and geologists.
NOAA Paleoclimatology: This site provides a gateway for information about the study of climatic conditions prior to the availability of instrumental data using sources such as tree rings, ice cores, corals, and ocean and lake sediments.
Ohio Geological Survey: This site provides access to the geologic maps, reports, and data files developed by the Ohio Geological Survey.
The Paleontological Research Institution: The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) is dedicated to increasing and disseminating knowledge about the history and evolution of the Earth and its life. Consisting of more than 2 million specimens, PRI houses one of the largest American collections of fossils and recent shells. PRI is continuously developing an online presentation of many of the most prized specimens in its collection.
Society for Sedimentary Geology: Through its network of international members, the Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) is dedicated to the dissemination of scientific information on sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology, environmental sciences, marine geology, hydrogeology and many additional related specialties. The organization publishes two major scientific journals, the Journal of Sedimentary Research (JSR) and PALAIOS, in addition to producing technical conferences, short courses and special publications.
U.S. Geological Survey: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides “reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.” The USGS home page provides access to many resources in support of that mission.
U.S. Geological Survey: Science Topics: The topical directory on this page provides access to USGS science programs and activities by categories such as Atmosphere and Climate, Earth Characteristics, Geologic Processes, Geographic Analysis and Mapping, Natural Hazards, Techniques and Methods, and others. Each broad category is further subdivided into more specific topics.
U.S. Geological Survey: Natural Hazards: This site provides access to information seven natural hazards — earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes and wildfires.
U.S. Geological Survey Library: Selected Map Web Links: This page provides links to many resources dealing with maps and mapping programs.

Guide to Library Research in Science

In an increasingly complex information environment, it is important that individuals develop the ability to determine when and what kind of information is needed, and to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively. Science Librarian Donna Jacobs has prepared a Guide to Library Research in Science, which consists of several integrated lessons, to help you with each stage of your library research.

Need Help?

Donna Jacobs
Science Librarian
330/263-2280