This collection of essays provides a fascinating look at the science of physical geology, and the many ways in which it shapes our understanding of the natural world. From the study of rocks and minerals to the exploration of the earth's surface, Charles S. Ricketts takes readers on a journey through the wonders of geology, revealing the complex processes that have shaped our planet over millions of years. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.