The New Catastrophism
The Importance of the Rare Event in Geological History

A re-examination of earth history in terms of rare and violent events through geological time.

Derek Ager (Author)

9780521483582, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 January 1995

252 pages, 91 b/w illus.
24 x 19.1 x 1.4 cm, 0.44 kg

'His new work shares with its predecessor the qualities of originality, readability and seminality. I thoroughly recommend it.' Nature

Rare and violent events through geological time are the theme of this readable and thought-provoking view of the Earth's history. The evidence for such episodes and rare 'catastrophic' happenings has been gleaned from the geological record of the author's travels all over the world. Such events are shown to dominate the gradual and continuous processes that we see in the record of the history of the Earth. From hurricanes to episodic evolution, from colliding continents to asteroid impacts - the importance of these events is presented with many illustrations, both pictorial and anecdotal. Jargon-free and entertaining, the ideas presented in this book will stimulate the student, provoke the professional and provide an enjoyable read for all.

Introduction
1. A much misunderstood man
2. Magnolias and marigolds: hippos and hiatuses
3. Modern terrestrial deposits
4. Ancient terrestrial deposits
5. Modern shorelines
6. Ancient shorelines
7. Ancient platform deposits
8. Off-shore deposits, ancient and modern
9. Sudden storms are short
10. Evolution by accident
11. Periodic plutonism
12. It's the only present we've got!
13. Jupiter or Pluto?

Subject Areas: Earth sciences [RB]