Jan Zalasiewicz, professeur de paléobiologie à l'Université de Leicester, se penche sur l'Anthropocène.
Jan Zalasiewicz est professeur de paléobiologie à l'Université de Leicester, au Royaume-Uni. Au début de sa carrière, il était géologue de terrain et paléontologue au British Geological Survey, travaillant à déchiffrer les strates de l'est de l'Angleterre, puis les montagnes du centre du Pays de Galles. Maintenant, il enseigne la géologie et l'histoire de la Terre aux étudiants de premier cycle et de troisième cycle, et étudie les écosystèmes et les environnements fossiles sur plus d'un demi-milliard d'années de temps géologique. Au cours des dernières années, il a participé à l'élaboration d'idées sur l'Anthropocène, le concept selon lequel les humains dirigent désormais une grande partie de la géologie à la surface de la Terre, et préside le Groupe de travail sur l'Anthropocène de la Commission internationale de stratigraphie.
Geology: A Very Short Introduction pdf par Jan Zalasiewicz
Ranging across the 4.6 billion year history of the planet, geology is the subject that encompasses almost all that we see around us, in one way or another, and also much that we cannot see, beneath our feet, and on other planets. The fruits of geology provide most of the materials that give us shelter, and most of the energy that drives our modern lives. Within the study of geology lie some of the clues to the extraordinary impact our species is going to play out on the planet, in centuries and millennia to come.
In this Very Short Introduction Jan Zalasiewicz gives a brief introduction to the fascinating field of geology. Describing how the science developed from its early beginnings, he looks at some of the key discoveries that have transformed it, before delving into its various subfields, such as sedimentology, tectonics, and stratigraphy. Analyzing the geological foundations of the Earth, Zalasiewicz explains the interlocking studies of tectonics, geophysics, and igneous and metamorphic petrology and geochemistry; and describes how rocks are dated by radiometric dating. Considering the role and importance of geology in the finding and exploitation of resources (including fracking), he also discusses its place in environmental issues, such as foundations for urban structures and sites for landfill, and in tackling issues associated with climate change. Zalasiewicz concludes by discussing the exciting future and frontiers of the field, such as the exploration of the geology of Mars.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.