Geology Research Guide
This guide provides you with a good starting point for conducting research in Geology at the Southwestern Adventist University Library. As you explore the library’s resources you will find additional materials such as videos and DVD’s.<Back to Research Guides Index List>
Library Catalog
The library catalog is available online at: http://silc.swau.edu/aquabrowser/We use the Library of Congress Classification system to organize most of the material in our library. Using this system, each book is given its own call number. The call number is used to locate the books on the shelf.
Material related to geology can be found in the following call number ranges or areas.
| QE 1-995 | Geology |
| QE 7 | Terminology |
| QE 11-13 | History |
| QE 33.2 .M3 | Mathematical geology |
| QE 33.2 .P47 | Geological cycles |
| QE 33.2 .S82 | Geological statistics |
| QE 34 | Vocational guidance |
| QE 36 | Maps |
| QE 43 | Geological modeling |
| QE 50 | Geological specimens |
| QE 61-350.62 | Geological surveys |
| QE 508 | Geological time |
| QE 601-613.5 | Structural geology |
| QE 640-699 | Stratigraphic geology |
| TN 260 | Economic Geology |
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Research Related Material
Below are some titles in the SWAU library collection that describe the methodology used in conducting and organizing research. Some of these are specific to science and some are general research and writing guides. Most of these titles are in the [MAIN] collection and are located on second and third floor. Those that begin with [R] are located on first floor in our reference collection.A glossary of English grammar
[R] PE1112 .L44 2006
The extreme searcher's Internet handbook
[R] ZA4230 .H63 2007
Schaum's quick guide to writing great research papers
[MAIN] LB 1047.3 .R69 1999
The research project : how to write it
[MAIN] LB 2369 .B38 2004
Using sources effectively : strengthening your writing and avoiding plagiarism
[MAIN] LB 2369 .H37 2002
The nuts & bolts of college writing
[MAIN] PE 1408 .H3927 2003
Online companion (http://www.nutsandboltsguide.com/)
Communicating in science : writing a scientific paper and speaking at scientific meetings
[MAIN] Q 223 .B664 1993
Planning, proposing and presenting science effectively : a guide for graduate students and researchers in the behavioral sciences and biology
[MAIN] QH 315 .H25 1997
Some online science writing style helps
http://www.councilscienceeditors.org/publications/style.cfm
How to Site the Bible (Grove City College)
http://hbl.gcc.edu/citingBIBLE.htm
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Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
Reference materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs and atlases provide facts and statistics and are usually arranged so information can be easily located. They can be used to narrow or broaden a search topic or provide needed details for your research. Most of our reference material is located on first floor.Encyclopedia of ethics
[R] BJ 63 .E45 2001 v.1-3
Encyclopedia of science and religion
[R] BL 240.3 .E43 2003 v.1-2
The encyclopedia of geomorphology
[R] GB 10 F3 1968
McGraw-Hill encyclopedia of science and technology
[R] Q 121 .M3 2002 v.1-20
Dictionary of geological terms
[R] QE 5 A48 1976
McGraw-Hill dictionary of geology and mineralogy
[R] QE 5 .M3654 1997
Longman illustrated dictionary of geology : the principles of geology explained and illustrated
[R] QE 5 W36 1982
Encyclopedia of paleontology
[R] QE 703 .E523 1999 v.1-2
The Simon & Schuster encyclopedia of dinosaurs & prehistoric creatures : a visual who's who of prehistoric life
[R] QE 841 .M225 1999
Dinosaurs, the encyclopedia
[R] QE 862.D5 G652 1997 Supp.2
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Print Periodicals
Periodicals include journals, magazines and newspapers. All of our periodicals are shelved in alphabetical order by the title. We keep two issues of our current subscriptions on first floor. Back issues and titles not currently received are shelved on the east side of third floor.Currently Received Journals and Magazines
(First and third floor)
Creation Illustrated
Creation Research Society Quarterly
Discover
Evolution
Geotimes
Journal of Geology
Natural History
Oklahoma Geology Notes
Origins
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Science
Science News
Scientific American
Titles Not Currently Received
(Only on third floor)
AAPG Bulletin
American Paleontologist
Baylor Geological Studies
Creation Matters
Geological Society of America Bulletin
Geology
Journal of Geophysical Research
Journal of Paleontology
Journal of Sedimentary Petrology
Journal of Structural Geology
Journal of the Geological Society
Mountain Geologist
Pennsylvania Geology
Sedimentary Geology
State Geologists Journal
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Print Indexes
Indexes are used to locate citations (the information on where the article is found and who wrote it) of articles on a specific subject or subjects. When you have found the citation(s), you go to the shelves to locate the article(s). Articles not available in our library may be obtained through interlibrary loan. Two general indexes for geology are listed below. These indexes are shelved on third floor.General Science Index
Seventh-day Adventist Periodical Index
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Databases
Our library databases, found on our web page, offer many options for locating material in geology and Earth sciences. These databases are online indexes. Some of them have only the citation (the information on where the article is found and who wrote it) and an abstract (a short description of the article). Other databases offer some or all full-text articles. In other words, the whole article is on the computer. The ones most likely to help you in your research are listed below.LexisNexis
Full text news, business information, legal research, medical information and reference.
EBSCOhost
Academic Search Premier – The greatest number of full text, peer-reviewed journals found in any database. Provides a broad spectrum of data in social sciences, humanities, education, computer sciences, engineering, language and linguistics, arts & literature, medical sciences, and ethnic studies.
FirstSearch
ASTA – Applied Science and Technology Abstracts. Over 700 sources covering chemistry, computer technology, data processing, energy-related disciplines, engineering, mathematics and physics. Includes some full text from WilsonSelectPlus.
Dissertation Abs – Indexes dissertations and theses from institutions in North America and Europe.
ECO – An OCLC collection of scholarly journals. Includes some full text from WilsonSelectPlus.
GenSciAbs – General science literature from over 160 sources from the U.S. and Europe. Includes some full text from WilsonSelectPlus.
GEOBASE – Worldwide literature on geography, geology and ecology from 2,060 sources. Includes some full text from WilsonSelectPlus.
WilsonSelectPlus – Full text articles in science, humanities, education and business from 1,652 sources.
WorldCat – A consortial catalog of books and other materials in libraries worldwide.
NetLibrary
Provides access to a collection of 28,274 e-books. NetLibrary eBooks are digital full-text versions of books such as reference works, scholarly monographs, literature and fiction in all subjects.
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SDA Related Material
Index to the Complete Published Writings of Ellen G. WhiteIncludes the books, periodical articles and pamphlets with the writings of Ellen G. White. Searches can be done by topic, searching the full text of the published writings, or by going to a particular book, periodical or pamphlet.
SDA Periodical Index
Indexing to approximately 40 Seventh-day Adventist journals and magazines. Currently the index covers the years 1977 to the present. Some links to full text are available.
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Useful Web Resources
The Web sites listed below were evaluated by a reference librarian. Sites found on the web should always be critically evaluated for authority, accuracy, audience, coverage, currency, objectivity and purpose. There are additional sites related to geology and Earth sciences that may be reached through some of the university sites listed at the end of this section. Not all of these sites have been evaluated. Be sure to use your “critical thinking skills if you choose to use these additional web resources or to find other sites on your own.Southwestern Adventist University
Department of Geology(Online at: http://geology.swau.edu/)
Dinosaur Project
(Online at: http://dinodig.swau.edu/)
Lithologic, Paleogeographic, and Paleocurrent Maps of the World
(Online at: http://geology.swau.edu/paleocurrents_1.html)
Online Fossil Museum
(Online at: http://geology.swau.edu/fossil/)
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General Help Links
College and Graduate School Planning (Thomson Peterson’s)Contains a resource and information area for educators, as well as information for students and prospective students on test preparation, financial aid planning and career advancement.
(Online at: http://www.petersons.com/)
College and University Rankings (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
Identifies top colleges and universities in various areas. Contains links to many ranking services, along with cautionary notes and a discussion of the ongoing controversy over rankings.
(Online at: http://www.library.uiuc.edu/edx/rankings.htm)
GRE – Graduate Record Examinations (Educational Testing Service)
Free test prep materials available for the General Test and for the Subject Tests. Also contains information about changes to the GRE, which are to be implemented in the fall of 2007.
(Online at: http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.435c0b5cc7bd0ae7015d9510c3921509/?vgnextoid=b195e3b5f64f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD)
Guide to Grammar and Writing (Dr. Charles Darling and the Capital Community College Foundation)
Features a guide to grammar and writing, principles of composition, and interactive quizzes.
(Online at: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/)
Internet Detective (Intute Virtual Training Suite)
Free online tutorial designed to help college and university students develop their Internet research skills. Looks at the critical thinking required when using the Internet for research and offers practical advice on evaluating the quality of web sites. Follow the tutorial or explore the site on your own.
(Online: http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/detective/tutors.html)
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary and Thesaurus (Merriam-Webster Incorporated)
Online web site for Merriam-Webster. Includes a variety of resources on words and word meanings.
(Online at: http://www.m-w.com/netdict.htm)
OWL at Purdue (Purdue University)
Offers free online writing, research, and MLA and APA style help.
(Online at: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/)
Paradigm Online Writing Assistance (Chuck Guilford)
Published by an experienced English teacher, POWA is an interactive, menu-driven, online writer's guide and handbook written in HTML and distributed freely over the WWW. Intended to be useful for all writers, from inexperienced to advanced.
(Online at: http://www.powa.org/)
Plagiarism (Indiana University, Bloomington)
Explains what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.
(Online at: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml)
Writer’s Workshop (Northern Illinois University)
Includes resources for students, tutors, teachers and visitors.
(Online at: http://www.engl.niu.edu/comskills/main.html)
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Geology and Earth Science Links
AGI (American Geological Institute)Provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources and interaction with the environment.
(Online at: http://www.agiweb.org/)
Arctic Theme Page (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Library)
Comprehensive resource linking to widely distributed data and information, from research institutions throughout the world, focused on the Arctic. Available information includes relevant data, graphics, and forecasts, including historical perspectives and in-depth analyses. Also includes a selection of essays by Arctic experts on key issues in the Arctic.
(Online at: http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/index.shtml)
Atlas of Rocks, Minerals and Textures (University of North Carolina)
Part of a virtual geology project, this atlas includes photos and descriptions of rock and mineral features.
(Online at: http://www.geolab.unc.edu/Petunia/IgMetAtlas/mainmenu.html)
Big Bend National Park Virtual Tour (Texas A&M University, Dept. of Geology)
Designed to be a guide to the geological history and features of the Big Bend National Park area.
(Online at: http://geoexplorer.tamu.edu/bigbend/index.html)
Congressional Research Service Reports (National Library for the
Environment)
Provides reports originally prepared for the U.S. congress. Currently posts over 1500 reports on the
environment and related topics. Searchable by keyword, topic and advanced search.
(Online at: http://www.cnie.org/NLE/CRS/)
Counsel of Science Editors
Reference links for a wide variety of science related helps, such as acronyms, aquatic resources, dictionaries, educational statistics, software, technical communication, and thesauri.
(Online at: http://www.councilscienceeditors.org/links.cfm)
Dictionary of Abbreviations and Acronyms in Geographic Information Systems, Cartography, and Remote Sensing (U.C. Berkeley Library)
Lists meanings for acronyms and abbreviations.
(Online at: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/EART/abbrev.html)
Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE Steering Committee and The National Science Foundation)
Provides access to high-quality collections of educational resources and to earth data sets and imagery.
(Online at: http://www.dlese.org/dds/index.jsp)
Directorate for Geosciences (National Science Foundation)
One of six research arms within the National Science Foundation. Supports research in the atmospheric, earth, and ocean sciences.
(Online at: http://www.nsf.gov/dir/index.jsp?org=GEO)
E-Skeletons (University of Texas at Austin)
Interactive learning project that provides information on comparative human and primate anatomy.
(Online at: http://www.eskeletons.org/)
Earth Science Resource Link (Illinois State Geological Survey)
Links to earth science information on the internet.
(Online at: http://www.isgs.uiuc.edu/earthsci/es_links.htm)
Earth Science World (American Geological Institute)
Includes photographs of all aspects of Earth science available to the public, educators, and the geoscience community.
(Online at: http://www.earthscienceworld.org/index.html)
GEOIndex (Datasurge Company)
Search engine covering the environmental, geological, geotechnical hydrogeological, mining and petroleum.
(Online at: http://www.geoindex.com/geoindex/about.htm)
GovSpot.Com (StartSpot Mediaworks, Inc.)
Non-partisan government information portal designed to simplify the search for the best and most relevant government information online. Includes links for the environment.
(Online at: http://www.govspot.com/)
EureakAlert! – Earth Science (American Association for the Advancement
of Science)
Announces the latest findings and research advances for issues related to
Earth sciences.
(Online at: http://www.eurekalert.org/bysubject/earthscience.php)
Geology (U.S. Geological Survey)
Geology Discipline home site. Provides information and research on geologic hazards and resources, and geologic processes.
(Online at: http://geology.usgs.gov/)
Geoscience Departments WWW Directory-U.S. & Canada (University of South Dakota)
Geoscience departments listed alphabetically and by state. Lists of other countries also available.
(Online at: http://www.usd.edu/esci/geodepts.html)
Global Hydrology & Climate Center (MSFC, SSTA and USRA)
Provides integrated scientific understanding of the Earth system.
(Online at: http://wwwghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/)
GreyLIT Network (Office of Scientific and Technical Information)
Portal for technical report information generated through federally funded research and development projects. Collections include the DOE Information Bridge, the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) Report Collection; the EPA National Environmental Publications Internet Site (NEPIS); the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab Reports; and the NASA Langley Technical Reports.
(Online at: http://graylit.osti.gov/)
How Volcanoes Work (NASA and Project ALERT)
Describes the science behind volcanoes and volcanic processes. Intended for the education of university students of geology and volcanology and teachers of earth science. Each section in the menu builds upon previous sections.
(Online at: http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/how_volcanoes_work/TitlePage.html)
Internet Public Library: Paleontology (University of Michigan School of Information)
Resources for study in paleontology.
(Online at: http://www.ipl.org/div/subject/browse/sci53.00.00/)
Librarians’ Internet Index, Geology (U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services)
High-quality law websites carefully selected, described, and organized by a team of librarians.
(Online at: http://lii.org/pub/topic/geology)
Mineral Spectroscopy (California Institute of Technology)
Provides information about color in minerals and access to data on Mineral Absorption Spectra in the visible and infrared regions of the spectrum and Raman spectra of minerals. Other types of spectroscopic data on minerals also available.
(Online at: http://minerals.gps.caltech.edu/)
National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian)
Concentrates on research and related scientific work in anthropology, botany, entomology, invertebrate zoology, mineral sciences, paleobiology and zoology.
(Online at: http://www.mnh.si.edu/rc/)
Department of Mineral Sciences
Dedicated to the study of minerals, gems, rocks, volcanoes, and meteorites: their origin and evolution.
(Online at: http://www.minerals.si.edu/index.htm)
Department of Paleobiology
One of the leading centers for paleontological research in the world.
(Online at: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/paleo/)
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (U.S Department of Commerce)
Web site for NOAA. Supplies environmental information products, provides environmental stewardship services and leads out in applied scientific research.
(Online at: http://www.noaa.gov/index.html)
National Geodetic Survey
Develops Federal standards for geodetic surveys and helps to coordinate surveying methods.
(Online at: http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/)
National Geophysical Data Center
Provides data sets from various scientific disciplines.
(Online at: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/)
NationalAtlas.gov (U.S. Department of the Interior)
Includes data from more than 20 federal agencies. Features Map Maker an interactive mapping tool with thematic data layers enabling the creation of custom maps of any area in the US at any scale. Provides information on agriculture, biology, boundaries, climate, environment, geology, government, history, people, transportation and water.
(Online at: http://www.nationalatlas.gov/)
Occupational Outlook Handbook, Environmental Scientists and Hydrologists (U.S. Department of Labor)
Information about the work of environmental scientists and hydrologists. Includes nature of work, educational requirements, earnings and more.
(Online at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos050.htm)
PaleoMap Project (Christopher R. Scotese)
Illustrate the plate tectonic development of the ocean basins and continents, as well as the changing distribution of land and sea during the past “1100 million” years.
(Online at: http://www.scotese.com/)
PaleoNet Pages (Natural History Museum, London)
System of listservers, www pages, and ftp sites designed to enhance electronic communication among paleontologists. Designed as a resource for paleontological professionals and graduate students and all persons interested in the study of ancient life.
(Online at: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/paleonet/index.html)
Paleontology Resources (University of California Museum of Paleontology)
Paleontology links which include Collections, Dinosaurs, Exhibits, Publications, Societies and Software.
(Online at: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/subway/paleo.html)
Science.gov (U. S. Federal Government)
Access to scientific information. Use the search function to find the information on earth sciences.
(Online at: http://science.gov/)
Science Research Portal (Deep Web Technologies)
Free, publicly available web portal allowing access to numerous scientific journals and public science databases.
(Online at: http://scienceresearch.com/search/index.php)
U.S. Department of Energy
Web site for DOE. Includes resources for consumers, educators, researchers, and students and children.
(Online at: http://home.doe.gov/index.htm)
U.S. Department of the Interior
Web site for the nation’s principal conservation agency. The DOI provides access to our nation’s natural and cultural heritage, offers recreation opportunities, honors our trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives and our responsibilities to island communities, conducts scientific research, provides wise stewardship of energy and mineral resources, fosters sound use of land and water resources, and conserves and protects fish and wildlife.
(Online at: http://www.doi.gov/)
National Parks Service
Information about the National Parks of the U.S.
(Online at: http://www.nps.gov/)
United States Geological Survey
Provides a study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us.
(Online at: http://www.usgs.gov/)
WINDandSEA Internet Guide (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Library)
Over 1,000 selected links to science and policy sites organized by topic and alphabetically within topic.
(Online at: http://www.lib.noaa.gov/docs/wind/windandsea.html)
WWW Virtual Library, Earth Sciences
The oldest catalogue of the web, this site is run by a loose confederation of volunteers, who compile pages of key links for particular areas in which they are expert. Although not the biggest index of the Web, the VL pages are widely recognized as being among the highest-quality guides to particular sections of the Web.
(Online at: http://vlib.org/EarthScience)
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Geological Surveys
Arkansas Geological Commission (Vardelle Parham Geology Center)Provides knowledge of the geology and hydrogeology of the state of Arkansas.
(Online at: http://www.state.ar.us/agc/agc.htm)
GSC Atlantic (Geological Survey of Canada)
Principal marine geoscience facility in Canada.
(Online at: http://gsca.nrcan.gc.ca/)
New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources (New Mexico Tech)
Serves as the geological survey for the state of New Mexico.
(Online at: http://geoinfo.nmt.edu/)
Oklahoma Geological Survey (University of Oklahoma)
Investigates the land, water, mineral, and energy resources of the state, and disseminates the results of those investigations to promote the wise use of Oklahoma's natural resources consistent with sound environmental practices.
(Online at: http://www.ogs.ou.edu/)
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Web Resources of Texas
Bureau of Economic Geology (University of Texas at Austin)The Bureau functions as a research unit of The University of Texas at Austin, the State Geological Survey, and the Regional Lead Organization for the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council. The Bureau provides wide-ranging advisory, technical, informational, and research-based services to industries, nonprofit organizations, and Federal, State, and local agencies.
(Online at: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/)
Dallas Geological Society
Website for the DGS. Intended to be a singular source for timely information about the activities of the Society as well as a digital repository for the history of one the oldest local geological associations in the southwest.
(Online at: http://www.dgs.org/)
Dallas Paleontological Society
Website for the DPS. Founded for the purpose of promoting interest in and knowledge of the science of paleontology. Intended to be a network for the exchange of data between professionals and serious amateurs in this field.
(Online at: http://www.dallaspaleo.org/)
Texas Maps – Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection (University of Texas at Austin)
Texas state and thematic maps, city maps, historical maps, historical city maps and county highway maps.
(Online at: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/texas.html)
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Seventh-day Adventist Sites
Adventist Distance Education ConsortiumGroup of 13 Seventh-day Adventist Affiliated colleges and universities in North America. Enables its member institutions to develop, promote, and deliver high-quality Christian distance education programs for the benefit of motivated independent learners.
(Online at: http://www.sdaedu.org/)
Adventist Professionals Network
Global registry of Seventh-day Adventist professionals who hold the minimum of a master's degree or its equivalent (5 years of postsecondary studies) in any field. Housed at the world headquarters of the Church, APN will help locate candidates for positions, consultants with expertise, and volunteers for short mission assignments. It will also foster international networking among Adventists in various professions.
(Online at: https://apn.adventist.org/)
Geoscience Research Institute
Uses both science and revelation to study the question of origins because it considers the exclusive use of science as too narrow an approach. Serves the Seventh-day Adventist church in two major areas: research and communication.
(Online at: http://www.grisda.org/)
PlusLine
Provides ministry support to Seventh-day Adventist church members, pastors and church leaders throughout the North American Division.
(Online at: http://www.plusline.org/article.php?id=270)
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Online Periodicals and Newsletters
Directory of Open Access Journals – Earth and Environmental Sciences (Lund University Libraries)DOAJ aims to be comprehensive and cover all open access scientific and scholarly journals that use a quality control system to guarantee the content.
(Online at: http://www.doaj.org/ljbs?cpid=78)
ESA Bulletin (European Space Agency)
Reports on ESA projects and decisions. Online issues back to 1994.
(Online at: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ESA_Publications/index.html)
Geological Materials Research (Mineralogical Society of America)
Professional, peer-reviewed journal published on the web to take advantage
of a variety of formats.
(Online at: http://gmr.minsocam.org/)
Geotimes (American Geological Institute)
Earth, energy and environment news. Print copies from 1959 to the present
are available in our library on third floor. Latest two issues shelved on first floor.
(Online at: http://www.geotimes.org/current/index.html)
Origins (Geoscience Research Institute)
Presents information the origin and past history of the world through a broad
multidisciplinary approach. Print copies from 1974 to the present are
available in our library on third floor. Latest two issues shelved on first floor.
(Online at: http://www.grisda.org/origins/ndx-yr.htm)
Palaeontologia Electronica (Coquina Press)
Peer-reviewed, open access paleontology journal.
(Online at: http://palaeo-electronica.org/)
Science News Online
Web Site for Science News. More than a year of index and the full text of
most of the articles. Print and microfiche copies from 1926 to the present are available in our library on third floor. Latest two issues shelved on first floor.
(Online at: http://www.sciencenews.org/)
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University Site Resources
Earth Sciences Internet Links (Tarleton State University)(Online at: http://www.tarleton.edu/%7Elibrary/earthsci_il.html)
Geology/Earth Science Internet Resources (Walla Walla University)
(Online at: http://www.wallawalla.edu/index.php?id=13900&catID=25)
Research Guides – Geology (Baylor University)
(Online at: http://www.baylor.edu/lib/rli/index.php?id=30564)
Web Sites: Geology (University of Texas at Arlington)
(Online at: http://library.uta.edu/webSites/webGeology.jsp)
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