Geological Journeys

Geological Journeys: a traveller’s guide to South Africa’s rocks and landforms is an essential companion for car journeys. How often have we wondered about the jaunty tilt of a mountain ahead, the unusual patterns of a road cutting, the colour and texture of the roadside soil, or the purpose of a distant minehead? This handy volume offers answers and explanations about features along all the major routes across South Africa, and some of the lesser, but geologically interesting, routes too. Also included are the three main metropolitan areas – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban – so that city residents can understand the geological features surrounding them. In simple language, and using familiar landmarks to pinpoint sites and subtle phenomena, the authors bring to light our rich geological heritage, its likely roots and often tumultuous history. Along the way, they also discuss the historical background, personalities and stories that bring the landscape to life.The book includes:beautiful photographs that support and illuminate the textmaps of all the routes, showing numbered geosites that link with the textdiagrams showing the geological make-up of our subcontinentillustrations that reveal major geological processesa glossary of geological termsa comprehensive bibliographyWhether you want to know more about your planned route, or use the book itself to direct your travels, this is an indispensable guide.

Nick Norman, born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, graduated from the University of Natal in Durban with a M.Sc. in geology. He has worked in mineral exploration in Africa and South America, has served as honorary secretary to the Geological Society of SA, and currently works as a consulting geologist. He co-authored Geological Journeys – A traveller’s guide to South Africa’s rocks and landforms and authored The Extraordinary World of Diamonds. He lives in Franschhoek in the Western Cape.