Samsad Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Earth Sciences

A beginner in any discipline of earth sciences faces problems that are not solved by conventional text books. These include heap of terms that hardly make sense with even an excellent knowledge of the language; the impossibility of testing any inference in most of the fields as may be easily done in physics or chemistry; the role of geological time in most of the operations; and finally, the ignorance of salient Indian features and phenomena that may be studied conveniently by an Indian student. Working in a strict item schedule, one is obsessed top proceed with a partial, even sketchy knowledge about the methods of earth sciences that often becomes a significant shortcoming both in scholastic and professional levels. To cite a few, continental drift and plate tectonics may remain two independent ideas for some. EI Nino and La Nina may remain ever enigmatic generating nebulos approach for the cause of extensive flood and drought. The base of an earth scientist to view the universe in his own individual way is lost. Thus, the application of phase rule is thought to be confined mostly to igneous and metamorphic domains and no awareness develops about the valuable guidance it may provide for soil conditioning, maintenance of groundwater quality, even susceptibility of construction materials to corrosion. The present dictionary with profuse illustrations intends to fill up some of these gaps. Of the two appendices the first gives a ready reckoner of common minerals, while the second provides an insight to seek the meaning of a new word, viz., Paraplatform, adcumulus, etc. The pages under in Indian context presents a glimpse of the entries to be searched for relevant Indian examples.