Physical Geology
Reviewed by Jennifer Sliko, Assistant Teaching Professor, Penn State Harrisburg on 2/1/18
Comprehensiveness
The textbook covers all of the standard Earth science topics in a complete manner. There are even some additional topics such as weather and soil that don't always make it into a standard Earth Science textbook. There are also a lot of Canada-specific parts.
Content Accuracy
This book is accurate in the information it conveys and there is no evidence (to this reviewer) of any intent to err. Some pictures are too small and therefore may not convey the most precise points.
Relevance/Longevity
This book mixes new analyses with older field methods and should continue to be relevant for at least the next 5-10 years. Updates should be easy to insert.
Clarity
The textbook is very clear and there is little jargon. When jargon does show up, it is never without explanation or lesson.
Consistency
The textbooks consistency of structure is one of the things that appeals to me about the book. the author put a lot of time and thought into how the themes would be connecting.
Modularity
This textbook could easily be cut up into its chapters for classroom exercises, but within chapters (like say from 5.2-5.3) are not interchangeable.
Organization/Structure/Flow
The organization is well thought out and ideas and concepts are laid out in a clear and logical fashion.
Interface
The interface is great, however many of the figures are too small.
Grammatical Errors
The textbook's grammar appears to be correct.
Cultural Relevance
The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way.