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How on Earth?
R290.00This books sets out to answer puzzles in nature and the environment: how is there such a neat fit between the coastlines of Africa and South America? Why is Table Mountain flat but the adjacent Twelve Apostles so rugged? Where does the pumice stone on the beaches of Arniston come from? What happens to cause a tsunami? How does rock get folded? etc. For each question there are explanations, be they geological, mineralogical, astronomic – whatever the field, the evidence is carefully presented and explained so that even those with little knowledge in these fields can understand the processes that have been at work. The book is vividly illustrated and supported with full colour photographs.
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Geological Highlights of East African National Parks
R420.00The national parks and reserves of East Africa are widely known for their rich and abundant wildlife. This book presents a new and exciting angle – the geological highlights of the region’s intriguing landscape. East Africa’s cataclysmic volcanic legacy, caused by rifting of the landmass, has resulted in a rich source of geological wonders. These range from the seemingly endless, peaceful plains of the Serengeti to the stark skyscraper walls of extinct calderas and the belching vents of the Nyiragongo Volcano.
This handy guide escorts users around all the major – and some minor – parks of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and the Virunga Mountains along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Descriptions of each park and its wildlife, both fauna and flora, preface discussion of the geological origins, influences and current conditions. Key geosites in the parks, and how to access them, are indicated. Maps, satellite images and diagrams, along with vivid photography, help explain the dramatic landforms.
For anyone planning a safari to the legendary East African game parks and reserves, this book adds an exciting new dimension. -
Minerals and Gemstones of Southern Africa
R520.00Southern Africa is home to many important and interesting minerals, as well as a wide array of beautiful gemstones – including diamonds from South Africa, emeralds from Zimbabwe and tourmalines from Namibia. Minerals & Gemstones of Southern Africa is not only the most up-to-date publication on the minerals of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, southern Mozambique and Zimbabwe, but also the first to feature the region’s gemstones. Mineral species descriptions detail their gemological properties, history, occurrence and uses, and are illustrated with striking fullcolour photographs. The book includes:
– An introduction to the geology of the region
– Detailed descriptions of minerals, including their gemological properties, history, occurrence and uses
– Multiple full-colour photographs of the species -
Minerals & Gemstones of East Africa
R380.00East Africa is famous for its world-class gemstones and mineral specimens, most notably the highly sought-after blue tanzanite, found only in Tanzania in a very small area in the northeast. Many other minerals and gemstones are mined in the region and this is the first publication to showcase and examine those occurring in the five countries that make up East Africa – Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.
The book includes:
An introduction to the fascinating geology of the region, including a map depicting underlying geology and mineral occurrence
Detailed descriptions of minerals, including their gemological properties, history, occurrence and diverse uses across all spheres of life (from jewellery to numerous household items and even space-shuttle components)
Multiple full-colour photographs of each mineral and gem specimenAn invaluable reference for collectors, gemologists, students and anyone with an interest in the earth sciences.
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Cradle of Life
R390.00The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site situated in the heart of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve is the jewel in South Africa’s evolutionary crown: an area ‘of outstanding universal value’, it has attracted world-wide interest and furnished key evidence about where, when and how we came to be. The greater Magaliesberg area is peppered with some 200 caves and has a unique geology, history and biodiversity. For decades now, specialists have been combing the area to uncover evidence of our heritage.
In his spectacular new title, Vincent Carruthers guides readers along a timeline, from the birth of our planet through to developments of the twenty first century. Along the way he documents the formation of our landscapes and the emergence of life, the rise of hominins, the stone and iron ages, early settlement, migrations, wars and modern developments in the Magaliesberg – the entire evolution of life up to the present, as we know it.
Vividly illustrated with photographs, maps and diagrams, Cradle of Life portrays the intrigue and importance of the site, taking readers on a magical journey of discovery.
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Geological Wonders of Namibia
R350.00This stunning depiction of geology in Namibia combines searingly beautiful photography with clear explanations of how the varied landscapes formed.Arranged chronologically (starting 13.8 billion years ago), the chapters each deal with a particular event or process that has resulted in the formation under discussion. These include the early beginnings of the Earth, meteorites, canyons and limestone caves, vast desert landscapes, moonscapes and bizarrely-shaped rocks, and Namibia’s astonishing underwater lakes and reservoirs.Picture-driven, with accessible text, this book features all the highlights of Namibian landscapes and landforms. A treat for travellers real and virtual – those on the road as well as those in armchairs. -
First Field Guides to Gemstones
R110.00Sasol First Field Guide to Gemstones of Southern Africa is a fascinating guide to the gemstones of the region. Full-colour photo graphs and easy-to-read text will help the beginner and budding naturalist to identify the more common gemstones that occur in southern Africa, discover where they are found, and learn about their unusual features.
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50 Must-See Geological Sites in SA
R430.00South Africa has just about the richest geological heritage on the planet. By showcasing 50 must-see sites, this guide describes why, where and how to enjoy it.
The book presents 50 of the most recognizable and geologically interesting sites around South Africa, including some of palaeontological or historical renown and some of mining interest. The diverse selection includes sites such as Chapman’s Peak, Howick Falls, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Mapungubwe, Tswaing Meteorite Crater and the Fraserburg Fossil Surface.
Each site is unpacked to reveal:
– key features
– geological heritage
– landscape and rock formations
– topics of local or historical interest
– things to see and do at the site and in the surrounding area.Maps and GPS pointers make the sites easy to find, and some of the more complicated features are explained by means of simplified diagrams. Nearly 1,000 colour images illustrate South Africa’s remarkable geology and bring the topic vividly to life, making the book suitable for armchair travel too.
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Box of Rocks: Begin Guide to SA Geology
R150.00Well-known geologist Nick Norman leads young readers into the absorbing world of geology. Budding rockcollectors will find out all about the rocks that they’llencounter in southern Africa, with a view to buildingtheir own rock collections.
Box of Rocks is packed withfascinating information about:
– how rocks form
– how to identify the different rock types
– what rocks are made of
– what different rocks are used for
– where to go to collect each rock type.Readers will also learn about Stone Age tools, fossils and some of our best-known geological sites.
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Geology Off The Beaten Track
R360.00Geology off the beaten track follows on the success of author Nick Norman’s earlier Geological Journeys (co-authored with Gavin Whitfield), which has sold more than 20 000 copies in the last 6 years.
This new book helps readers understand and interpret the geology along SA’s regional and other less-travelled roads. It features 13 detailed routes across the country, taking in geologically interesting areas such as the Richtersveld, Cape winelands and the Valley of Desolation near Graaff-Reinet. The text is richly illustrated with photos and explanatory diagrams, making it suitable for armchair travellers too. Maps for all the routes indicate key geosites, with GPS readings to pinpoint their location.
This is a must-have handbook for travellers in the region, or for anyone wanting to know more about our rocks and landforms.
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First Field Guides to Rocks & Minerals of Southern Africa
R110.00First Field Guide to Rocks & Minerals, the latest addition to the popular Struik Nature series, introduces the most important and interesting rocks and minerals from our geologically exciting region. The guide details 30 minerals and 18 major rock types, focusing on those that are best known or most commonly found. A short introduction provides an overview of the topic; colourful photographs throughout, both of the rocks and minerals and of the particular terrain in which they are found, complement the clear text and aid identification in the field.
First Field Guide to Rocks & Minerals is a useful resource for the beginner geologist, curious novice, or anyone with a budding interest in southern Africa’s unique geological heritage.
Ook Beskikbaar in Afrikaans
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Geological Journeys South Africa
R450.00Geological journeys – a traveller’s guide to South Africa’s rocks and landforms is an essential companion for car journeys. For those who wonder about the jaunty tilt of a mountain ahead, the unusual patterns of a road cutting, the colour and texture of the roadside soil, or the purpose of a distant minehead, this volume offers answers and explanations about features along all the major routes across South Africa, and some of the lesser, but geologically interesting, routes too.
Also included are the three main metropolitan areas – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban – so that city residents can understand the geological features surrounding them. Using familiar landmarks to pinpoint sites and subtle phenomena, the authors bring to light our rich geological heritage, its likely roots and often tumultuous history.
Along the way, they also discuss the historical background, personalities and stories that relate to the landscape.
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Story of Earth and Life
R520.00Southern 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
