33 Best Books on Geology

We have compiled a list of the Best Reference Books on Geology, which are used by students of top universities, and colleges. This will help you choose the right book depending on if you are a beginner or an expert. Here is the complete list of Geology Books with their authors, publishers, and an unbiased review of them as well as links to the Amazon website to directly purchase them. If permissible, you can also download the free PDF books on Geology below.

1. Geology

 
1."Principles of Physical Geology" by Arthur Holemess
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2."Foundations of Engineering Geology" by Tony Waltham
“Foundations of Engineering Geology” Book Review: This book offers a comprehensive overview of the foundational concepts in engineering geology. With its highly-illustrated and accessible style, it highlights the geologic aspects that are most relevant to civil engineers. The book covers key topics such as bedrock geology, surface geology processes and sediments, ground investigation techniques, and significant geohazards. It also serves as a valuable reference on critical parameters such as the bearing strengths of soils and rocks.

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3."Structural Geology" by Billings M P
“Structural Geology” Book Review: This book is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students seeking a solid foundation in structural geology. It covers a range of topics, including the field study and office techniques of folds, the formation of igneous rocks, and geophysical methods. It also provides mathematical methods for dealing with mechanical principles. Each chapter concludes with laboratory exercises and references that students can use to analyze geological problems.

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4."Geology of India and Burma" by Krishnan M S
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5."The Practical Geologist: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks" by Dougal Dixon
“The Practical Geologist: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks” Book Review: This book provides an introduction to earth science, starting with the fundamental principles of geology. It covers the history of the earth’s formation and development, as well as the movements that occur within the earth and the impact of weather conditions on the surface of the earth. The book also teaches readers how to identify different types of rocks and minerals, and includes a mapping section to familiarize readers with geological sites. Colorful illustrations throughout the book enhance the reader’s understanding.

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6."Geology For Dummies" by Alecia M Spooner
“Geology For Dummies” Book Review: This book is intended for students who have completed courses in geology and earth science. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of the Earth and physical and chemical processes that have shaped it over time. The book provides a clear and concise introduction to rocks and minerals, with illustrations and photographs to aid in identification. Topics such as geological processes and rock records are also discussed in a straightforward manner, making it an ideal reference for students seeking to expand their understanding of geology and earth science.

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7."Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology" by Edward J Tarbuck and Frederick K Lutgens
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8."Essentials of Geology" by Frederick K Lutgens and Edward J Tarbuck
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9."Geology: A Self-Teaching Guide" by Barbara W Murck
“Geology: A Self-Teaching Guide” Book Review: This book serves as a beginner’s guide to geology for students. It provides an introduction to fundamental topics such as the formation of rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels. The book also covers the formation of volcanoes and movements of tectonic plates. To aid in understanding these complex concepts, the book includes over a hundred illustrations. It is designed to be an interactive resource for students, with quick quizzes for self-testing purposes.

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10."Geology" by James Geikie
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11."A Textbook of Geology" by Mukerjee P K
“A Textbook of Geology” Book Review: This book provides a well-balanced blend of fundamental and advanced topics in geology, presented in a reader-friendly and easy-to-understand manner. With numerous illustrations, reference tables, and diagrams, the content is well-supported and comprehensive. It is an ideal text for students pursuing various courses in geology.

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12."Physical Geology" by Leet L D and Judson S
“Physical Geology” Book Review: This book offers an overview of the deformation that occurs in the earth’s crust, including a detailed account of geologic structures and their mechanical and kinematic interpretations. Designed as course material for geology students, it covers various topics such as orogeny, plate tectonics, and structures with illustrative examples provided for each mechanism. With a clear and concise approach, the book serves as an ideal introductory resource for anyone interested in the field of structural geology.

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2. Mathematical Geology

 
1."Principles of Mathematical Geology" by A B Vistelius
“Principles of Mathematical Geology” Book Review: The book is an essential reference for students and researchers in the field of geology. The book covers a wide range of topics including linear algebra, calculus, probability theory, statistical inference, and geostatistics. It also discusses the application of these mathematical principles to solve geological problems such as spatial analysis of geological data and modeling of geological processes. The book is organized into ten chapters, each covering a specific topic with numerous examples and exercises for better understanding. This book is an ideal resource for anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of geological sciences.

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2."Studies in Mathematical Geology" by Andrew B Vistelius
“Studies in Mathematical Geology” Book Review: The book provides an in-depth exploration of mathematical models and techniques for geological analysis. The book covers topics such as statistical modeling, geostatistics, and multivariate analysis. It also includes discussions on the use of probability theory, stochastic processes, and simulation methods in geology. The book consists of 11 chapters, including case studies and exercises for readers to practice applying the concepts discussed. This book is a valuable resource for professionals and students in the field of geological modeling and analysis.

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3."Topics in Mathematical Geology" by Mariya A Romanova
“Topics in Mathematical Geology” Book Review: This book provides a comprehensive overview of mathematical methods used in geological modeling. The book covers topics such as geostatistics, fractals, spatial analysis, and uncertainty quantification. It also includes case studies and practical examples to demonstrate the applications of these methods in geological research. This book is an ideal resource for graduate students, researchers, and professionals interested in the intersection of mathematics and geology.

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4."Mathematical Geology and Geoinformatics: Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress, Volume 25" by Zhao Pengda and Agterberg
“Mathematical Geology and Geoinformatics: Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress, Volume 25” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive compilation of research papers presented at the 30th International Geological Congress. The book covers a wide range of topics including geostatistics, spatial analysis, numerical modeling, and data mining in the field of geology. The chapters discuss various applications of mathematical and computational techniques in geological mapping, mineral exploration, environmental management, and hazard assessment. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students in the field of geology and geoinformatics.

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5."Statistical Methods for Estimating Petroleum Resources (International Association for Mathematical Geology Studies in Mathematical Geology)" by P J Lee
“Statistical Methods for Estimating Petroleum Resources (International Association for Mathematical Geology Studies in Mathematical Geology)” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive guide to the application of statistical methods in petroleum resource estimation. The book includes chapters on probability theory, statistical distributions, correlation analysis, regression analysis, simulation, and risk analysis. The author discusses various techniques used for resource estimation, including volumetric analysis, decline curve analysis, material balance analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation. This book is an essential reference for professionals working in the petroleum industry and students studying geological and statistical methods.

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6."Geostatistical Analysis of Compositional Data (International Association for Mathematical Geology Studies in Mathematical Geology)" by Vera Pawlowsky-Glahn and Richardo A Olea
“Geostatistical Analysis of Compositional Data (International Association for Mathematical Geology Studies in Mathematical Geology)” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive guide to the analysis of data sets composed of parts that add up to a whole. The book includes chapters on the basic concepts of compositional data analysis, the theory of geostatistics, and case studies illustrating the use of these techniques in geology and other sciences. This book is an essential resource for anyone working with compositional data in the field of mathematical geology.

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7."Mathematical Geology and Geological Information: Proceedings of the 27th International Geological Congress -- Invited Papers, Volume 20" by International Geological Congress
“Mathematical Geology and Geological Information: Proceedings of the 27th International Geological Congress — Invited Papers, Volume 20” Book Review: This book is a compilation of papers presented at the 27th International Geological Congress. The book covers a range of topics, including geological data analysis, geostatistics, GIS, mathematical modeling, and geological information systems. The papers highlight the importance of mathematical and statistical techniques in geological research and explore their application in various fields. The book also includes discussions on the latest advancements and future directions in the field of mathematical geology. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the intersection of mathematics and geology.

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8."Evaluation of Uncertainties and Risks in Geology: New Mathematical Approaches for their Handling" by imusti
“Evaluation of Uncertainties and Risks in Geology: New Mathematical Approaches for their Handling” Book Review: This is a comprehensive book that presents new mathematical approaches for handling uncertainties and risks in geology. The book consists of 13 chapters that cover a wide range of topics such as the Monte Carlo simulation, fuzzy logic, geostatistics, and decision-making under uncertainty. The authors provide practical examples and case studies to illustrate the application of these mathematical techniques in the field of geology. This book is a valuable resource for geologists, geophysicists, and other professionals who deal with uncertainties and risks in geology.

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9."Why Mathematical Geology?" by Walther Schwarzacher
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10."Fractals in Petroleum Geology and Earth Processes (The Language of Science)" by C C Barton and P R La Pointe
“Fractals in Petroleum Geology and Earth Processes (The Language of Science)” Book Review: This book explores the application of fractal geometry in geology. The book covers various topics including fractals and self-similarity, geological features and reservoirs, geophysical data analysis, and fluid flow modeling. It presents case studies to demonstrate the usefulness of fractals in petroleum geology and discusses the potential for future research. The book provides a useful introduction to the use of fractals in geology for both students and professionals.

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11."The Geology of Fluvial Deposits: Sedimentary Facies, Basin Analysis, and Petroleum Geology" by Andrew Miall
“The Geology of Fluvial Deposits: Sedimentary Facies, Basin Analysis, and Petroleum Geology” Book Review: This is an extensive and comprehensive book that explains the sedimentary facies, basin analysis, and petroleum geology related to river deposits. The book is divided into 11 chapters, starting with an introduction to fluvial sedimentology, followed by depositional systems, basin analysis, and tectonic settings. It also covers topics such as sediment transport, channel morphology, and floodplains. The book’s final chapters discuss the economic aspects of fluvial deposits and their use in the petroleum industry. The book includes numerous illustrations and diagrams, making it an accessible and engaging read for geology students and professionals alike.

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3. Economic Geology

 
1."Economic Geology: Economic Mineral Deposits" by U Prasad
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2."Ore Geology, Economic Minerals and Mineral Economics" by S K Tiwari
Ore Geology, Economic Minerals and Mineral Economics Book Review: This two-volume textbook delves into the world of economic minerals, which are minerals of commercial value. It covers a wide range of minerals, including limestone, gypsum, phosphoric metal, and marble, as well as various types of building stones. The first volume focuses on Ore Geology and Economic Minerals, while the second volume covers Mineral Economics and Mineral-Based Industries. The first volume is divided into three sections, with Section A providing general information about mineral resources, Section B describing metal formation, and Section C discussing specific economic minerals. The second volume covers sea and forest resources, mineral economics, and mineral-based industries. This textbook is designed for students, teachers, and researchers in Geology, Geography, Environmental Science, and Mining Engineering at the university level. It is also useful for those preparing for competitive exams like UGC-CSIR (NET), GATE, and SLET, as well as those working in administrative services.
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3."An Introduction to Geology: With Multiple Choice Questions" by V S Joji
An Introduction to Geology: With Multiple Choice Questions Book Review: The book is divided into two sections: descriptive and question bank sections. The descriptive section provides a concise and focused treatment of various sub-disciplines of Geology. It covers Physical Geology, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, Geotectonics, Stratigraphy, Indian Geology, Paleontology, Geoinformatics, Crystallography, Physical Mineralogy, Chemical Mineralogy, Optical Mineralogy, Descriptive Mineralogy, Igneous Petrology, Sedimentology, Metamorphic Petrology, Geochemistry and Environmental Geology, Economic Geology, Exploration Geology, Engineering Geology, and Hydrogeology. The book is particularly useful for faculty and students, especially those preparing for various competitive exams such as UGC-CSIR, GATE, UPSC Geologists exam, Indian Civil Services, Forest Services, various state-level officer exams, and UG/PG level university exams.

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4."Economic Geology Principles And Practice" by Pohl W L
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5."Metals and Society: An Introduction to Economic Geology (Springer Geochemistry/Mineralogy)" by Nicholas Arndt and Clément Ganino
Metals and Society: An Introduction to Economic Geology: 2 (Springer Geochemistry/Mineralogy) Book Review: The second edition of the book has been revised by adding Steve Kesler, a writer from the University of Michigan, to review certain chapters. The main motivation behind this revised version is to focus more on the economic issues related to the exploitation of mineral resources. This emphasis gives the book a unique character. With these sections, “Metals and Society” deals with issues that afflict much of modern scientific reporting – the rate of exploitation of natural resources, the question of when or if these resources will be depleted, the pollution and social disruption that accompany mining, the compromises and challenges that arise from the boom of demand from China, India and other rapidly developing countries, and the ethical issues that surround the mining of metals in less developed countries for use in the “first world” countries. With its dual character, the book will be useful as an introductory text for students in earth sciences and as a reference volume for students, teachers and experts in geology, economics, and social sciences.

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6."Handbook of Port and Harbor Engineering: Geotechnical and Structural Aspects" by Gregory Tsinker
Handbook of Port and Harbor Engineering: Geotechnical and Structural Aspects Book Review: This essential guidebook provides cutting-edge information and practical guidelines covering the design, construction, and modernization of marine structures related to ports and harbors. The design techniques and guidelines address the complex issues and design factors that should be considered and included in appropriate design scenarios.

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7."Alluvial Mining: The geology, technology and economics of placers" by E MacDonald
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8."Economic Geology; Or, Geology In Its Relations To The Arts And Manufactures" by David Page
Economic Geology: Or Geology in Its Relations to the Arts and Manufactures (Classic Reprint) Book Review: This book is a classic text that provides a comprehensive overview of the geological materials used in various industries. The book is divided into three sections, covering rocks, minerals, and metals respectively. Each section includes chapters on the geology, mining, and uses of the relevant materials. The text also explores the historical development of each industry and its technological advances, as well as the economic factors that impact them. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it suitable for both students and professionals in the fields of geology, mining, and engineering. This book remains a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of geology and industry.

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9."The Principles of Economic Geology" by William H Emmons
The Principles of Economic Geology Book Review: This is a comprehensive textbook that provides an overview of the field of economic geology. The book is divided into four parts, covering the general principles of economic geology, ore deposits, and their genesis, methods of exploration and exploitation, and the economic evaluation of mineral deposits. The first part introduces the fundamentals of economic geology, such as mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry. The second part focuses on the origin and classification of mineral deposits. The third part covers exploration and mining methods. The fourth part covers the economic evaluation of mineral deposits, including mineral economics, the legal framework, and environmental considerations. This textbook is a valuable resource for students, professionals, and researchers in the field of economic geology.

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10."Engineering Geology: Principles and Practice" by David George Price and Michael de Freitas
Engineering Geology: Principles and Practice Book Review: This book is focused on the core of Engineering Geology, where geography is used to identify potential problems arising from ground conditions. It explains how to examine those conditions and define an engineering response that can either avoid, reduce, or even eliminate the problems identified. The book emphasizes the “big picture” approach that is often lacking when only site details are available, but essential for adequate engineering solutions.

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We have put a lot of effort into researching the best books on Geology and came out with a recommended list and their reviews. If any more book needs to be added to this list, please email us. We are working on free pdf downloads for books on Geology and will publish the download link here. Fill out this Geology books pdf download" request form for download notification.

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