Revised by Deborah Henry
June, 2006

Circulating materials in the field of geology can be found on the third floor of the library under the basic classification QE. Related subjects, such as geodesy (QB) and meteorology (QC) are also on the third floor, while oceanography (GC) and hydrology (GB) are on the second floor.

Databases

Current Contents Connect Latest 12 months. USF Libraries.

Seven files comprise the Current Contents database, including Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences (PCES). Citations and abstracts are provided for each entry. To select the PCES file only, deselect the other six in the Search Limits screen and click on the Submit Limit Changes button.

GeoBase USF Libraries.

This database, updated monthly, provides citations and abstracts to books, articles and reports from national and international producers of geological, geographical, and ecological literature.

Geodata.gov

U.S. Government sponsored portal to geospatial services.

GeoRef USF Libraries.

This guide to materials in geology and the earth sciences is considered the most comprehensive database in the geosciences.

Web of Science USF Libraries.

This service provides access to ScienceCitation Expanded which covers journals, books, maps, dissertations, and technical reports. The database is searchable by several parameters including cited references and institutional affiliation.

Dictionaries and encyclopedias

Encyclopedia of Earthquakes and Volcanoes . REF QE521.R58 2001.

This specialized resource is written for the interested lay person or for the student at an introductory level. Appendices include a list of web sites, a chronology of earthquakes and eruptions, and interestingly, eyewitness accounts of several events.

Encyclopedia of Geology . REF QE5 .E516 2005 5v.

Arranged alphabetically by subject areas, each “chapter” consists of one or more entries on specialized topics within the broader area. The author of each entry is identified; additional readings are provided as are cross-references. In some cases, a glossary of terms accompanies the entry. Nicely illustrated, each volume includes a complete list of contents. Volume 5 contains an extensive index for the entire set.

Encyclopedia of Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks . REF QE471.2 .E53 2003.

This well-indexed resource focuses on science of sedimentology. Each article provides a list of additional reading and is cross-referenced. Authors’ credentials are described as well.

Facts on File Dictionary of Earth Science. REF QE5 .F318 2000.

Short definitions cover the terminology of modern earth science. The resource is aimed at the undergraduate student. An appendix lists the chemical elements.

Oxford Companion to the Earth. REF QE5 .O94 2000.

The Companion defines “earth sciences” in its broadest sense, providing information on the oceans and the atmosphere as well as the earth itself. Entries are signed and, in the case of lengthy ones, carry bibliographies. Appendices give geological timescales, basics of earth and the solar system, the periodic table, SI units, thematic lists, and a subject index.

World of Earth Science REF QE5.W59 2003 2v.

This encyclopedic resource targets students and the general reader, providing information on diverse topics within the earth sciences field. Articles include historical and political insights as well.

Additional reference materials

Cambridge Guide to Minerals, Rocks, and Fossils. REF QE363.8 .B57 1999.

This is a layman’s field guide to identifying and collecting minerals, rocks (including meteorites and tektites), and fossils. Line drawings and color photographs accompany each item. At the back of the volume is a geological timescale, a bibliography, a conversion table, and an index.

Earth Science, 5v. REF QE28.E12 2001

This compendium features lengthy essays on basic topics in geology, geophysics, atmospheric, and environment sciences, paleontology, and planetology. Each essay is signed by the contributor and includes definitions of principle terms, is illustrated, and cross-referenced to other topics. Volume 5 includes a lengthy glossary, cumulative index, and extensive list of related web sites.

Atlases

Circum Pacific Map Project. REF G9231. (Map cases).

Produced by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Circum-Pacific Council for Energy & Mineral Resources, these maps contain geological information on the Pacific Ocean.

Decade of North American Geology (DNAG) Project. REF G3301 .C5. (Map cases).

The Centennial Continental Ocean Transect series describes the geological age, tectonic environment, and geophysical properties of North American continent-ocean quadrants.

Listed under their individual titles, there are DNAG maps of North America relating to magnetic, seismicity, stress, gravity, and geothermal characteristics and properties.

Internet

Home pages for professional associations present news and information on the organizations, positional papers, related activities, publications and products, awards, career opportunities, and membership services. Some provide forums for the exchange of news and ideas.

American Geological Institute (AGI) <www.agiweb.org>

American Geophysical Union (AGU) <www.agu.org>

American Association of Petroleum Geologists <www.aapg.org>

Geological Society of America (GSA) <www.geosociety.org/index.htm>

Ask-A-Geologist. <http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/docs/ask-a-ge.html>

Sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, this service will attempt to respond within a few days to appropriate geology questions submitted by the general public. The service is not intended as a substitute for scholastic endeavors.

NSF: Geosciences. < http://www.nsf.gov/dir/index.jsp?org=GEO>

National Science Foundation web site supports research and educational opportunities for geosciences. Provides news and information on grants, awards, and sponsored programs.

Volcano World. <http://volcano.und.nodak.edu>

This is good site for all ages; supported by the University of North Dakota, Department of Space Studies and the NASA North Dakota Space Grant Consortium. There is news on current volcanic activity, volcanoes around the world, stories and art for children, and a host of other interesting information.

Selected journals

[MS] indicates some print issues located in the Marine Science periodicals stacks.

Applied Geochemistry. Online: 1986 to date. Refereed.

Biogeochemistry. [MS] Online: 1997 to date. Refereed.

Bulletin of Volcanology . Online: 1997 to date. Refereed.

Chemical Geology. Online: 1966 to date. Refereed.

Computers and Geosciences. Online: 1975 to date. Refereed.

Continental Shelf Research. [MS] Online: 1995 to date. Refereed.

Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology. Online: 1997 to date. Refereed.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters. [MS] Online: 1966 to date. Refereed.

Earth-Science Reviews. [MS] Online: 1995 to date. Refereed.

Environmental Geology . Online: 1997 to date. Refereed.

Geoforum. Online: 1970 to date. Refereed.

Geological Magazine . Online: 1997 to date. Refereed.

Geological Society of America Bulletin. [MS] Online: 1988 to date. Refereed.

Geology. [MS] Online: 1988 to date. Refereed.

Geology Today . Online: 1996 to date. Refereed.

Geophysical Research Letters. [MS] Online: 2003 to date. Refereed.

International Journal of Earth Sciences. Online: 1999 to date. Refereed.

Journal of Geology. [MS] Online: 1997 to date. Refereed.

Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR). [all sections] [MS] Online: 2003 to date. Refereed.

Journal of Petrology. Online: 1999 to date. Refereed.

Journal of Seismology . Online: 1997 to date. Refereed.

Marine Geology. [MS]. Online: 1964 to date. Refereed.

Locate additional e-journals through the USF Libraries web site and providers such as GeoScienceWorld.