Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress. 1. Origin and history of the earth
📘 About This Book
This book deals with the different aspects of the symposia, ranging from, in the original order of the sessions, early history of the earth, continental accretion, coremantle differentiation, biological evolution, palaeoclimate, to interaction between the lithosphere and the hydro-atmo-biosphere.
📖 Summary
Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress, Volume 1, edited by Hung-chen Wang and published in 1997, serves as an academic cornerstone for understanding the foundational processes that shaped our planet. Spanning 232 pages, this volume curates a specialized collection of scholarly symposia contributions presented at the landmark congress, capturing the state of geological science at the close of the twentieth century. The text is methodically organized to follow the chronological and systemic development of Earth, guiding the reader from the most ancient cosmic and terrestrial beginnings through the complex interactions that sustain modern planetary systems. At its core, the book deals with the different aspects of the symposia, ranging from, in the original order of the sessions, early history of the earth, continental accretion, core-mantle differentiation, biological evolution, palaeoclimate, and culminating in the intricate feedback loops governing the interaction between the lithosphere and the hydro-atmo-biosphere. Through these thematic sections, researchers and advanced students are provided with a comprehensive overview of how Earth transitioned from a primordial mass into a dynamic, life-supporting world. The discussions on early Earth history and core-mantle differentiation delve into the heavy geodynamic forces that forged the planet's interior layers, separating dense metallic elements from silicate mantles and setting the stage for subsequent tectonic activity. Moving outward from the deep interior, the volume explores continental accretion, detailing the mechanisms by which continental crust grows, evolves, and reorganizes over vast expanses of geological time. This structural focus naturally bleeds into discussions of surface environments, as the book bridges solid-earth geology with surface phenomena. By examining palaeoclimate and biological evolution in tandem, the text highlights the profound, reciprocal relationship between shifting climatic conditions and the diversification of life. The final analytical arc addresses the modern Earth system, emphasizing the vital intersections where the solid earth meets the liquid, gaseous, and living envelopes of the planet. As a snapshot of global geoscientific inquiry from 1997, this volume preserves essential symposium papers that continue to inform how geologists view deep-time history, planetary differentiation, and environmental evolution. It stands as a valuable reference for anyone seeking a structured, academic examination of the multifaceted origins and history of our world.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Offers structured coverage following the original order of the congress sessions
Provides expert academic insights into planetary evolution and geodynamics
Bridges deep-earth processes with surface environmental and biological histories
Serves as an important archival reference for historical geological research
⚠️ Cons
May be too specialized or technical for casual readers
Reflects the scientific consensus and data of 1997 rather than modern breakthroughs
❓ FAQ
Who edited this volume of the proceedings? +
The book was edited by Hung-chen Wang.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 1997.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book contains 232 pages.
What major topics are covered in the symposia? +
Topics range from the early history of the earth, continental accretion, and core-mantle differentiation to biological evolution, palaeoclimate, and lithosphere-biosphere interactions.
What is the primary focus of the book? +
It focuses on the origin and history of the earth through specialized symposia papers from the 30th International Geological Congress.
