Prof. Terence McCarthy is emeritus Professor of Mineral Geochemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand. He has wide research interests in the earth sciences, including economic and environmental geology, geochemistry and geomorphology, and is a leading expert on the geology of wetlands, especially the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

  • Story of Earth and Life

    Southern Africa is without equal in terms of geology, a treasure trove of valuable minerals with a geological history dating back some 3 600 million years. In addition, the evolution of plants and animals, especially mammals and dinosaurs, is well preserved in the region, which also has among the best records of the origin of modern man. The Story of Earth and Life provides a fascinating insight into this remarkable history: how southern Africa’s mineral deposits were formed; how its life evolved and its landscape was shaped; the Big Bang that marked the beginning of time and matter; drifting and colliding continents; folding and fracturing rocks; meteors colliding with the Earth; volcanic eruptions, and the start of life. Other topics include why South Africa is so rich in minerals, how glacial deposits came to be found in the Karoo, why dinosaurs became extinct, how mammals developed from reptiles, and how closely humans are related to the apes. This fascinating book is comprehensively illustrated with explanatory diagrams and full colour photographs. Click here for athe dedicated website: http://www.struiknews.co.za/thestoryofearth&life

    R520.00