Book excerpt: "A significant contribution to our knowledge of Florida geology. . . . A state-of-the-art volume that will serve as a model for other university presses to follow."--Paul A. Thayer, University of North Carolina, Wilmington "A marvelous and timely overview of the geology of Florida . . . assembled by some of the state's best geoscientists."--Henry T. Mullins, Syracuse University The first comprehensive geology of the state of Florida published in over thirty years, this volume brings together leading geoscience authorities from academia, state and federal geological surveys, and private industry in a liberally illustrated, up-to-date summary and analysis. Early chapters introduce the origin and development of the unique landscape of the Florida peninsula and panhandle. Succeeding chapters cover geomorphology, stratigraphy, plate tectonics, petrology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, geologic history, economic geology, coastal and marine geology, and environmental geology. With the longest coastline of any state except Alaska and a geology noted for its rich fossil record and abundance of living coral reefs, mineral deposits, springs, and sinkholes, Florida's identity--past, present, and future--is linked intrinsically to its landscape. The definitive reference for that landscape, The Geology of Florida illustrates the importance of basic geological research and its application to issues facing a society that places increasing demands upon its physical world. Anthony F. Randazzo is professor of geology at the University of Florida and author of numerous articles in Sedimentary Geology, Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, American Scientist, and others. Douglas S. Jones is curator and chair of the Department of Natural Sciences at the Florida Museum of Natural History and author of numerous articles in Nature, Geology, Science, and others.