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Description of  Historical Geology: Understanding Our Planet's Past (Living Earth)

In the space of just a couple hundred pages, Erickson explains not only how the universe was formed, but also covers billions of years of the Earth's geological and biological history from the distant beginnings to the present. Once readers become familiar with the geologic time scale, the book becomes an emergence- of-life saga that should hold the interest of many who are delving into the Earth's past and future. The author provides an excellent glossary of scientific terms that aids novices in understanding the language and concepts of geology and paleobiology. The process by which scientists can understand what transpired during the Jurassic Period of 200 million years ago, for example, is particularly intriguing. In layman's terms and through the use of adequate illustrations, tables, and simple drawings, Erickson makes the process quite understandable and plausible. A useful resource for geology students or for anyone whose interest has been sparked to learn more about the disappearance of dinosaurs and other mysteries of the past.