Geological Observations on South America: Being the Third Part of the Geology of the Voyage of the Beagle, under the Command of Capt. Fitzroy, R. N. during the Years 1832 to 1836

by Charles Darwin

Overview

First published in 1846, Darwin's Geological Observations made up the third part of his memoir of his voyage on the Beagle during the years 1832–1836. While the first part (1842) focused on the structure and distribution of coral reefs and the second (1844) described the volcanic islands visited during the voyage, this third instalment is devoted exclusively to South America, where Darwin spent the longest period of the expedition. It discusses South America's geological and seismic history, the mineral content of lava and granite, and the deformation of metamorphic rock. Separate chapters cover different geographical areas, and topics include the formation of the East and West Coasts and the pampas, the plains and valleys of Chile, and the structure of the Cordillera. Geological Observations also includes detailed maps of South America and sketches of the terrain.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108027144
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/16/2010
Series:	Cambridge Library Collection - Earth Science
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	316
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Date of Birth:

February 12, 1809

Date of Death:

April 19, 1882

Place of Birth:

Shrewsbury, England

Place of Death:

London, England

Education:

B.A. in Theology, Christ¿s College, Cambridge University, 1831

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. On the elevation of the eastern coast of South America; 2. On the elevation of the western coast of South America; 3. On the plains and valleys of Chile. Saliferous superficial deposits; 4. On the formation of the pampas; 5. On the older tertiary formations of Patagonia and Chile; 6. Plutonic and metamorphic rocks. Cleavage and foliation; 7. Central Chile. Structure of the Cordillera; 8. Northern Chile. Conclusion; Appendix; Index.