50 must-see geological sites in South Africa

Title: 50 must-see geological sites in South Africa
Author: Gavin Whitfield
Genre: Geological Guide
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa, 2015
ISBN 9781920572501 / ISBN 978-1-920572-50-1
Softcover, 17 x 24 cm, 320 pages, 500 photographs

Description: 50 must-see geological sites in South Africa

The authors travels around South Africa during the course of preparing 50 Must-See Geological Sites in South Africa made him very aware that an explanation of the geology is generally missing at almost all sites of natural interest: it is rare to find a magnificent landscape, a spectacular landform or a fold mountain that has an adequate description, be it on-site or in the tourist literature. How many times have you looked at a particular geological feature, such as a mountain range, or a canyon, or a major escarpment, or even a cave, and wondered how it was formed or what it means? This was another spur to write this book. Gavin Whitfield has tried to provide information on a large selection of South Africa's best-known geological sites and landscapes, placed in their regional geological context, and to give the observer a good idea of what they are seeing. 50 Must-See Geological Sites in South Africa takes in a wide variety of geological and land-forming processes, both large and small. It has been compiled with the interested lay person and visitor in mind and, as far as possible, geological jargon has been kept to a minimum, or at least explained. The book provides illustrated descriptions of geological sites (geosites) that have been selected from a much longer list, based on their geo-educational credentials and accessibility to the public. No-one who has used this book should be able to say that they don't understand how specific geological features were formed. While effort has also been made to cover as much of South Africa as possible, please remember that there is still a lot more to see and experience!

Content: 50 Must-See Geological Sites in South Africa

Acknowledgements
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
South Africa's geological heritage
About this book
What rocks are made of
Rock types and their classification
Geological formations
Geological time
The Rock Cycle
Geological structures
How landforms and landscapes are made
South Africa's scenery -the big picture
WESTERN CAPE
Overview of landscapes and geology
Table Mountain
Chapman's Peak Drive
Paarl Rock
West Coast Fossil Park
Stadsaal Caves
Cogmans Kloof
SOUTHERN AND EASTERN CAPE
Overview of landscapes and geology
Swartberg Pass
Cango Caves
Meiringspoort
Knysna Heads
Robberg Peninsula
Storms River Gorge
Gamtoos Conglomerates
Valley of Desolation
Hole in the Wall
CENTRAL KWAZULU-NATAL AND FREE STATE
Overview of landscapes and geology
Oribi Gorge
Sani Pass
Amphitheatre
Howick Falls
Valley of a Thousand Hills
Golden Gate
Platberg
Vredefort Dome
MPUMALANGA
Overview of landscapes and geology
Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail
Kaapsehoop Escarpment
Waterval Boven
Sudwala Caves
Lone Creek Falls
God's Window
Bourke's Luck Potholes
Blyde River Canyon
LIMPOPO
Overview of landscapes and geology
Dwars River Chromite
Wyllie's Poort
Sand River Gneiss
Mapungubwe
Eersteling Gold Mine
Makapans Valley
Waterberg's Kloof Pass
GAUTENG AND NORTH WEST
Overview of landscapes and geology
Pilanesberg Complex
Hartbeespoort Dam
Tswaing Meteorite Crater
Cullinan Diamond Mine
Sterkfontein Caves
Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden
Gold Reef City No. 14 Shaft
NORTHERN CAPE
Overview of landscapes and geology
Kimberley's Big Hole
Eye of Kuruman
Augrabies Falls
Old Koperberg Mine
Fraserburg Fossil Surface
Glossary
Further reading
Index