To Interpret the Earth: Ten Ways to Be Wrong

Description

To Interpret the Earth is a concise and imaginative discussion of the general basis behind the scientific approach to problems within the earth sciences. It is aimed primarily at students and beginning researchers and attempts to inform them about the scientific method behind the study of the complex and dynamic systems that make up the earth's surface. The discussion is illustrated with examples of the sort of problems typically encountered in the study of the earth's surface, and general solutions based on a scientific approach are provided. The book will be of value particularly to undergraduate and postgraduate students in earth and environmental science, and also to researchers at all levels.

'... a concise and imaginative approach to philosophical and intellectual problems that must be faced by all earth scientists - and this reviewer would add natural scientists. It is a rigorous, challenging, and penetrating discussion of scientific method for the field scientist - excellently written, well illustrated, and superbly produced ... The book should be required reading for all graduate students and faculty.' Choice 'I recommend this book to all who strive to achieve rigorous analysis in their practice of engineering geology.' Association of Engineering Geologists 'In addition to the obvious benefits of the book in the education of students, active scientists, too, will benefit from Schumm's ideas.' Sedimentary Geology '... the stuff from which graduate seminars should be made. ... [Schumm] joins a select few who have ventured from the particular to the general on the how and why of what we are doing; we owe him a debt for his efforts. ... This is an admirable effort and good value for the money in terms of mental stimulation.' Journal of Geological Education '... engaging, thought-provoking, and intensely humane.' Geological Magazine '... a gold mine of points for discussion and argument. ... I enjoyed reading and thinking about his ideas, and I will enjoy discussing the book with my students.' The Geographical Review '... of real use to working geologists, especially those beginning their careers.' The Times Higher Education Supplement 'It is a delight to find at least one modern geologist, Stanley A. Schumm, who has not forgotten the spirit of Gilbert's words, written 110 years ago: '... whoever in publishing the results of a scientific inquiry sets forth at the same time the process by which it was attained, contributes doubly to the cause of science'.' GSA Today