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Rating: 
Summary: The amateurs always throw the obscure terms at you....
Review: After spending five years at the university studying geology, I would estimate that I can readily define less than half of terms in this dictionary. I just don't use them in my work. However, that is still pretty good considering that this comprehensive volume covers terminology from astrogeology, cartography, crystallography, mineralogy, economic geology, geochemistry, geomorpholgy, geophysics, glacial geology, hydrology, oceanograhy, palontology, petrology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and volcanology. The American Geological Institute used some of the top men in each field for this latest revised edition. I've come to the conclusion over the years that the various branches of geology have evolved more specialised terms than any of the other sciences. That's why it is so easy for a specialist in another field, or a rock hound with a dictionary, to trip you up. That's also why you need your own copy of this book.... Oh yes, I could also see where this volume could be of help in preparing for the Advanced Test in Geology for the Graduate Record Exam- you never know what they are going to throw at you, either.
Rating:
Summary: The amateurs always throw the obscure terms at you....
Review: After spending over five years at the university studying geology, I would estimate that I can readily define less than half of terms in this dictionary. I just don't use them in my work. However, that is still pretty good considering that this comprehensive volume covers terminology from astrogeology, cartography, crystallography, mineralogy, economic geology, geochemistry, geomorpholgy, geophysics, glacial geology, hydrology, oceanograhy, palontology, petrology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and volcanology. This isn't the latest edition from the American Geological Institute, but believe me, it will cover 99.9% of anything you will ever need to look up. As for anything "cutting-edge", well, you'll probably remember that from the journals, if is of any importance to your work. I've come to the conclusion over the years that the various branches of geology have evolved more specialised terms than any of the other sciences. That's why it is so easy for a specialist in another field, or a rock hound with a dictionary, to trip you up. That's also why you need your own copy of this book.... Oh yes, I could also see where this volume could be of help in preparing for the Advanced Test in Geology for the Graduate Record Exam- you never know what they are going to throw at you, either.
Rating: 
Summary: A handy review in reading treatises
Review: As scientific dictionaries go, this one is fairly complete. Good coverage is afforded esoteric terms. Somehow, I have the feeling, though, that the book is more attuned to rockhounds than it is to professional geologists. The book lacks diagrams or photos. In a good many instances, this would afford a newcomer a bettle handle on the term being defined. For all of this, it is a handy guide when looking at particular rocks or strata, but its real virtue lies in being at the student's hand when attempting to unwind a treatise confounded by excessive verbiage.
Rating:
Summary: A handy review in reading treatises
Review: As scientific dictionaries go, this one is fairly complete. Good coverage is afforded esoteric terms. Somehow, I have the feeling, though, that the book is more attuned to rockhounds than it is to professional geologists. The book lacks diagrams or photos. In a good many instances, this would afford a newcomer a bettle handle on the term being defined. For all of this, it is a handy guide when looking at particular rocks or strata, but its real virtue lies in being at the student's hand when attempting to unwind a treatise confounded by excessive verbiage.
Rating:
Summary: Excelllent
Review: I am a geology major and found it annoying to have to go through all of my text books to make sure I was spelling and using words properly when writing papers. I've only had this book a week and it has made writing my semester geomorphology project so much easier. Having all the terms in one place is such a convenience. Although I am relatively new to the field, I would recommend this to anyone in the geosciences. It was recommended to me by a Ph.D. so it has to at least be decent. It's not a bad price either. Check it out.
Rating:
Summary: So-o helpful
Review: The "Dictionary of Geological Terms" is a must have for geology professionals and amateurs alike. I am constantly referring to mine. It is one of the handiest and most used books in my colection.
Rating:
Summary: An indispensible resource
Review: There is no way I could have survived 4 years of college level geology without this text. This is a must have book for the student of the geological sciences.
Rating: 
Summary: A bit of a let down
Review: This dictionary perfoms well for the beginner in geology or the intermediate student. Granted, most technical jargon is defined, though sometimes the definitions are a bit questionable. There is, however, some advanced and basic terminology that is absent. I sold my old geology dictionary (sorry, I didn't write anything about it down) and bought this one, and I regret doing so.
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