ESSENTIALS OF GEOLOGY, 5e International Edition, is a shorter, "less is more" version of Wicander and Monroe's PHYSICAL GEOLOGY text. In the same tradition, the authors present the material in a clear, consistent voice, appropriately focusing on the core concepts of physical geology, with an emphasis on plate tectonics and the dynamic nature of Earth. The engaging examples and images throughout the text enhance your understanding and appreciation of physical geology.

Author Biography

Reed Wicander is Professor Emeritus of Geology at Central Michigan University, where he taught Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Prehistoric Life and Invertebrate Paleontology. Currently, he is an adjunct professor in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Dr. Reed earned his B.S. degree in geology from San Diego State University and his Ph.D. from UCLA. His main research focuses on various aspects of Paleozoic palynology, specifically the study of acritarchs, a group of organic-walled microphytoplankton, on which he has published many papers. In addition, he has co-authored numerous geology textbooks with James S. Monroe. He is a past president of the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists - The Palynological Society and Commission Internationale de la Microflore du Paleozoique as well as a former councillor of the International Federation of Palynological Societies. James S. Monroe is Professor Emeritus of Geology at Central Michigan University, where he taught Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Prehistoric Life and Stratigraphy and Sedimentology beginning in 1975 and served as chair of the Geology Department. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Montana. The co-author of several textbooks with Reed Wicander, Dr. Monroe has interests in Cenozoic geology and geologic education. A resident of Chico, California, Dr. Monroe remains active in geology by teaching courses to a large group of retirees.