This page is devoted to third-party publications by Carolina geologists on a variety of geological subjects.   The books are arranged by publication date, with newest releases at the top.  If you have a suggestion for a book to be included here, email the CGS Secretary at carolinageologicalsociety@gmail.com.

A COAST FOR ALL SEASONS :

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Coast of South Carolina

by Miles O. Hayes and Jacqueline Michel
illustrated by Joseph M. Holmes

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Coast of South Carolina is a truly unique book. It presents a deep understanding of South Carolina’s exceptional coast in a delightful and completely comprehensible narrative. It explores the origins of coastal features such as barrier islands, estuaries, and the wonderful mysteries of Carolina bays. It explains the changing face of the coastline through erosion, hurricanes, and climate change.

Two coastal geologists, who have 35 years of experience conducting scientific research on the coast, tell their story of discovery and fascination through engaging conversation, richly illustrated original diagrams, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery that paints a truly complete picture of a complex topic rarely so smoothly distilled from the scientific literature.

Every coastal resident and visitor should have a copy of this book. It will help you discover new places to visit and “see” familiar places with new insights and appreciation.

Details:  288 pages, paper back

Published: 2008 by Pandion Books

ISBN-13: 978-0981661803

ISBN-10: 0981661807

Available from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com

A GEOLOGIC ADVENTURE ALONG THE ENO RIVER

by Philip J. Bradley

Written for the geologic enthusiast or layperson, A Geologic Adventure Along the Eno River provides a geologic guide to one of the North Carolina Piedmont’s most visited rivers.  How old are the rocks exposed along the Eno River?  How did the rocks form?  Why is Chapel Hill and Hillsborough hilly and Durham flat?  Why is Occoneechee Mountain the tallest peak in Orange County?  The answers to these and many other questions are explained in this richly illustrated geologic guide. 

Although written for the layperson, the guide is fun reading for the trained geologist.  Interpretive trail guides for select trails within Eno River State Park and West Point on the Eno Park are also provided.

Details:  65 pages, paper back


Published: 2007 as North Carolina Geological Survey Information Circular 35

Available online from North Carolina Geological Survey or by calling 919-707-9203.

EXPLORING THE GEOLOGY OF THE CAROLINAS
A Field Guide to Favorite Places from Chimney Rock to Charleston

by Kevin G. Stewart and Mary-Russell Roberson

How were the Appalachian Mountains formed? Are the barrier islands moving? Is there gold in the Carolinas? The answers to these questions and many more appear in this reader-friendly guide to the geology of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Exploring the Geology of the Carolinas pairs a brief geological history of the region with 31 field trips to easily accessible, often familiar sites in both states where readers can observe firsthand the evidence of geologic change found in rocks, river basins, mountains, waterfalls, and coastal land formations.

Richly illustrated and accompanied by a helpful glossary of geologic terms, this field guide is a handy and informative carry-along for hikers, tourists, teachers, and families–anyone interested in the science behind the sights at their favorite Carolina spots.

Details:  320 pages, paper back

Published: 2007 by University of North Carolina Press

ISBN-13: 978-0807857861

ISBN-10: 0807857866

Available from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com

A ROCKHOUNDING GUIDE TO NORTH CAROLINA’S BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

by Michael Streeter

This book has everything that you will need for your rockhounding adventure: clear and concise directions to each site including precise GPS coordinates, location maps depicting major roads and towns, a list and pictures of rocks and minerals to be found at each site, an informative glossary of geological terms, a complete index of all sites and minerals, and a listing of rock and mineral museums and dozens of rock and mineral clubs.

Also included in the book are guidelines for safe and responsible collecting, a geologic history of western North Carolina and loads of information on the region’s colorful mining history. This book is packed with useful information – an excellent resource and educational guide and the only North Carolina rockhounding guide that contains four full pages of accurate color photographs of authentic rocks and minerals collected at every location in the book.

Details:  132 pages, paper back

Published: 2003 by Milestone Press

ISBN-13: 978-1889596150

ISBN-10: 1889596159

Available from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com

BLACK TIDES

by Miles O. Hayes

Black tides of spilled oil pollute the world’s coasts with depressing regularity, giving scientists ample opportunity to observe their environmental impacts and learn how to clean up and restore the affected shorelines.  Miles O. Hayes has been a leader in this work for over twenty years.  In this highly readable autobiography, he describes his evolution as a scientist, his work in coastal oil spill contingency planning and cleanup, and his personal philosophy of one’s relationship with nature.

A skilled raconteur, Hayes tells engrossing stories of responding to most of the recent, headline-grabbing oil spills, including the Gulf War spills, the Exxon Valdez, the Amoco Cadiz spill in France, and the Ixtoc I blowout in Mexico.  Interspersed among them are personal events and adventures, such as his survival of a plane crash while mapping a remote part of Alaska.  From this life story emerges a compelling statement of the ongoing conflict between environmental preservation and the exploitation of natural resources to sustain our modern society.

Details:  303 pages, paper back

Published: 2000 by University of Texas Press

ISBN-13: 978-0292731240

ISBN-10: 0292731248

Available from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com

CAROLINA ROCKS! : The Geology Of South Carolina

by Carolyn Hanna Murphy

An excellent guide through the many layers of sand, clay, and rock that make up the Palmetto state. A comprehensive study of an enormous subject. Examines the geologic history of the state. Lists geology resources and references. Glossary, Index, Bibliography.

Details:  261 pages, paper back

Published: 1995 by Sandlapper Publishing Company, Inc.

ISBN-13: 978-0878441211

ISBN-10: 0878441212

Available from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com