Books for UPSC Geo Scientist Exam 2024
The UPSC Geo Scientist Exam is a highly competitive examination for aspiring geoscientists seeking to join the Geological Survey of India (GSI). To crack this exam, a comprehensive study plan and a well-curated list of books are essential. This article provides a detailed guide to the best books for each subject covered in the UPSC Geo Scientist Exam 2024.
Paper 1: Geology
1. General Geology:
- Fundamentals of Geology by Arthur Holmes: This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of geological principles, including mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, and geomorphology.
- Geology by Tarbuck and Lutgens: A well-written and accessible textbook covering fundamental geological concepts with clear illustrations and examples.
- Physical Geology by Steven Earle: This book offers a modern approach to physical geology, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the Earth and its processes.
- Earth Science by Tarbuck and Lutgens: A comprehensive textbook covering various aspects of Earth science, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.
2. Mineralogy and Petrology:
- Introduction to Mineralogy by William D. Nesse: A comprehensive and well-illustrated textbook covering the identification, properties, and classification of minerals.
- Optical Mineralogy by E. W. Heinrich: A classic textbook on the identification and analysis of minerals using optical methods.
- Petrology by F. J. Turner and M. J. Verhoogen: A comprehensive textbook covering the origin, classification, and evolution of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
- Igneous Petrology by B. J. Skinner and D. C. Bailey: A detailed textbook on the formation, composition, and evolution of igneous rocks.
- Sedimentary Petrology by F. J. Pettijohn: A classic textbook on the origin, classification, and analysis of sedimentary rocks.
- Metamorphic Petrology by W. S. Fyfe, F. J. Turner, and J. Verhoogen: A comprehensive textbook on the processes and products of metamorphism.
3. Structural Geology:
- Structural Geology by R. J. Twiss and E. Moores: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of structural geology.
- Principles of Structural Geology by B. W. Hobbs, W. D. Means, and P. F. Williams: A classic textbook on the geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of geological structures.
- Structural Geology by J. G. Ramsay: A detailed textbook on the analysis and interpretation of geological structures.
4. Geomorphology:
- Geomorphology by A. K. Singh: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and processes of geomorphology.
- Geomorphology by David Knight: A well-written and accessible textbook on the evolution and dynamics of landforms.
- Geomorphology by Richard Chorley: A classic textbook on the principles and applications of geomorphology.
5. Stratigraphy and Paleontology:
- Stratigraphy by A. W. Grabau: A classic textbook on the principles and methods of stratigraphy.
- Principles of Stratigraphy by M. G. Rutten: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of stratigraphy.
- Paleontology by A. S. Romer: A classic textbook on the history and evolution of life on Earth.
- Evolutionary Paleontology by D. E. G. Briggs: A modern textbook on the principles and methods of evolutionary paleontology.
6. Economic Geology:
- Economic Geology by R. L. Bates: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of economic geology.
- Mineral Resources by J. D. Ridge: A well-written and accessible textbook on the exploration, development, and management of mineral resources.
- Petroleum Geology by J. M. Hunt: A classic textbook on the origin, migration, and accumulation of petroleum.
7. Environmental Geology:
- Environmental Geology by B. J. Skinner: A comprehensive textbook covering the interactions between humans and the Earth’s environment.
- Environmental Geology by D. K. Nordstrom: A well-written and accessible textbook on the environmental impacts of geological processes.
- Earth Science and Our Changing Environment by Tarbuck and Lutgens: A textbook covering the environmental implications of geological processes.
8. Remote Sensing and GIS:
- Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation by Lillesand and Kiefer: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of remote sensing.
- Geographic Information Systems and Applications by Burrough and McDonnell: A textbook covering the principles and applications of GIS.
- GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Management by M. A. Goudie: A textbook covering the use of GIS and remote sensing in environmental management.
9. Geophysics:
- Introduction to Geophysics by William Lowrie: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and methods of geophysics.
- Exploration Geophysics by Kearey and Brooks: A textbook covering the applications of geophysics in mineral and petroleum exploration.
- Geophysics for Geoscientists by Sheriff and Geldart: A textbook covering the principles and methods of seismic exploration.
10. Engineering Geology:
- Engineering Geology by D. H. Krynine and W. R. Judd: A classic textbook on the principles and applications of engineering geology.
- Engineering Geology by F. G. Bell: A comprehensive textbook covering the geological factors affecting engineering projects.
- Principles of Engineering Geology by J. A. Hudson: A textbook covering the principles and applications of engineering geology.
Table 1: Recommended Books for Paper 1: Geology
| Subject | Book Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| General Geology | Fundamentals of Geology | Arthur Holmes |
| General Geology | Geology | Tarbuck and Lutgens |
| General Geology | Physical Geology | Steven Earle |
| Mineralogy | Introduction to Mineralogy | William D. Nesse |
| Mineralogy | Optical Mineralogy | E. W. Heinrich |
| Petrology | Petrology | F. J. Turner and M. J. Verhoogen |
| Igneous Petrology | Igneous Petrology | B. J. Skinner and D. C. Bailey |
| Sedimentary Petrology | Sedimentary Petrology | F. J. Pettijohn |
| Metamorphic Petrology | Metamorphic Petrology | W. S. Fyfe, F. J. Turner, and J. Verhoogen |
| Structural Geology | Structural Geology | R. J. Twiss and E. Moores |
| Structural Geology | Principles of Structural Geology | B. W. Hobbs, W. D. Means, and P. F. Williams |
| Structural Geology | Structural Geology | J. G. Ramsay |
| Geomorphology | Geomorphology | A. K. Singh |
| Geomorphology | Geomorphology | David Knight |
| Geomorphology | Geomorphology | Richard Chorley |
| Stratigraphy | Stratigraphy | A. W. Grabau |
| Stratigraphy | Principles of Stratigraphy | M. G. Rutten |
| Paleontology | Paleontology | A. S. Romer |
| Paleontology | Evolutionary Paleontology | D. E. G. Briggs |
| Economic Geology | Economic Geology | R. L. Bates |
| Economic Geology | Mineral Resources | J. D. Ridge |
| Economic Geology | Petroleum Geology | J. M. Hunt |
| Environmental Geology | Environmental Geology | B. J. Skinner |
| Environmental Geology | Environmental Geology | D. K. Nordstrom |
| Environmental Geology | Earth Science and Our Changing Environment | Tarbuck and Lutgens |
| Remote Sensing | Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation | Lillesand and Kiefer |
| GIS | Geographic Information Systems and Applications | Burrough and McDonnell |
| GIS | GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Management | M. A. Goudie |
| Geophysics | Introduction to Geophysics | William Lowrie |
| Geophysics | Exploration Geophysics | Kearey and Brooks |
| Geophysics | Geophysics for Geoscientists | Sheriff and Geldart |
| Engineering Geology | Engineering Geology | D. H. Krynine and W. R. Judd |
| Engineering Geology | Engineering Geology | F. G. Bell |
| Engineering Geology | Principles of Engineering Geology | J. A. Hudson |
Paper 2: Applied Geology
1. Ground Water Hydrology:
- Groundwater Hydrology by D. K. Todd: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of groundwater hydrology.
- Hydrogeology by Freeze and Cherry: A classic textbook on the principles and processes of groundwater flow.
- Applied Hydrogeology by Davis and De Wiest: A textbook covering the applications of hydrogeology in water resource management.
2. Engineering Geology and Tunneling:
- Engineering Geology by D. H. Krynine and W. R. Judd: A classic textbook on the principles and applications of engineering geology.
- Engineering Geology by F. G. Bell: A comprehensive textbook covering the geological factors affecting engineering projects.
- Principles of Engineering Geology by J. A. Hudson: A textbook covering the principles and applications of engineering geology.
- Tunneling by Richard D. Piteau: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and practices of tunneling.
3. Mining Geology and Mineral Exploration:
- Mining Geology by R. L. Bates: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of mining geology.
- Mineral Resources by J. D. Ridge: A well-written and accessible textbook on the exploration, development, and management of mineral resources.
- Exploration Geophysics by Kearey and Brooks: A textbook covering the applications of geophysics in mineral and petroleum exploration.
4. Petroleum Geology and Exploration:
- Petroleum Geology by J. M. Hunt: A classic textbook on the origin, migration, and accumulation of petroleum.
- Exploration Geophysics by Kearey and Brooks: A textbook covering the applications of geophysics in mineral and petroleum exploration.
- Petroleum Geoscience by Selley, Sonnenberg, and Blatt: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of petroleum geoscience.
5. Environmental Geology and Geohazards:
- Environmental Geology by B. J. Skinner: A comprehensive textbook covering the interactions between humans and the Earth’s environment.
- Environmental Geology by D. K. Nordstrom: A well-written and accessible textbook on the environmental impacts of geological processes.
- Earth Science and Our Changing Environment by Tarbuck and Lutgens: A textbook covering the environmental implications of geological processes.
- Natural Hazards by K. J. Johnston: A textbook covering the causes, impacts, and mitigation of natural hazards.
6. Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Geology:
- Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation by Lillesand and Kiefer: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of remote sensing.
- Geographic Information Systems and Applications by Burrough and McDonnell: A textbook covering the principles and applications of GIS.
- GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Management by M. A. Goudie: A textbook covering the use of GIS and remote sensing in environmental management.
7. Geochemistry and Isotope Geology:
- Geochemistry by Brian Mason: A classic textbook on the principles and applications of geochemistry.
- Isotope Geochemistry by Gunter Faure: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of isotope geochemistry.
- Principles of Isotope Geology by Faure and Mensing: A textbook covering the principles and applications of isotope geology.
8. Geochronology and Dating Methods:
- Geochronology by Faure: A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and methods of geochronology.
- Radioactive Dating by Faure: A textbook covering the principles and methods of radioactive dating.
- Geochronology and Thermochronology by R. A. Cliff: A textbook covering the principles and methods of geochronology and thermochronology.
Table 2: Recommended Books for Paper 2: Applied Geology
| Subject | Book Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Water Hydrology | Groundwater Hydrology | D. K. Todd |
| Ground Water Hydrology | Hydrogeology | Freeze and Cherry |
| Ground Water Hydrology | Applied Hydrogeology | Davis and De Wiest |
| Engineering Geology | Engineering Geology | D. H. Krynine and W. R. Judd |
| Engineering Geology | Engineering Geology | F. G. Bell |
| Engineering Geology | Principles of Engineering Geology | J. A. Hudson |
| Tunneling | Tunneling | Richard D. Piteau |
| Mining Geology | Mining Geology | R. L. Bates |
| Mineral Exploration | Mineral Resources | J. D. Ridge |
| Mineral Exploration | Exploration Geophysics | Kearey and Brooks |
| Petroleum Geology | Petroleum Geology | J. M. Hunt |
| Petroleum Exploration | Exploration Geophysics | Kearey and Brooks |
| Petroleum Geoscience | Petroleum Geoscience | Selley, Sonnenberg, and Blatt |
| Environmental Geology | Environmental Geology | B. J. Skinner |
| Environmental Geology | Environmental Geology | D. K. Nordstrom |
| Environmental Geology | Earth Science and Our Changing Environment | Tarbuck and Lutgens |
| Geohazards | Natural Hazards | K. J. Johnston |
| Remote Sensing | Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation | Lillesand and Kiefer |
| GIS | Geographic Information Systems and Applications | Burrough and McDonnell |
| GIS | GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Management | M. A. Goudie |
| Geochemistry | Geochemistry | Brian Mason |
| Isotope Geology | Isotope Geochemistry | Gunter Faure |
| Isotope Geology | Principles of Isotope Geology | Faure and Mensing |
| Geochronology | Geochronology | Faure |
| Dating Methods | Radioactive Dating | Faure |
| Geochronology | Geochronology and Thermochronology | R. A. Cliff |
Additional Resources:
- Previous Years’ Question Papers: Solving previous years’ question papers is crucial for understanding the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics.
- Online Resources: Several online platforms offer study materials, mock tests, and discussion forums for the UPSC Geo Scientist Exam.
- Coaching Institutes: Reputed coaching institutes provide comprehensive study materials, mock tests, and expert guidance for the exam.
- Journals and Publications: Staying updated with the latest research and developments in geology through journals and publications is essential.
Tips for Effective Preparation:
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that covers all the subjects and topics in a timely manner.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Ensure a strong foundation in basic geological principles and concepts.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to assess your preparation level.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current trends and developments in geology through journals and publications.
- Seek Guidance: Consult with experienced faculty or mentors for guidance and support.
Conclusion:
The UPSC Geo Scientist Exam is a challenging but rewarding examination. With a well-defined study plan, a comprehensive list of books, and dedicated effort, aspiring geoscientists can achieve success in this exam and embark on a fulfilling career in the field of geology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers:
Q1: What are the best books for the General Geology section of the UPSC Geo Scientist Exam?
A1: “Fundamentals of Geology” by Arthur Holmes, “Geology” by Tarbuck and Lutgens, and “Physical Geology” by Steven Earle are highly recommended.
Q2: Which books should I refer to for understanding Mineralogy and Petrology?
A2: “Introduction to Mineralogy” by William D. Nesse and “Petrology” by F. J. Turner and M. J. Verhoogen are excellent choices.
Q3: What are some good resources for studying Structural Geology?
A3: “Structural Geology” by R. J. Twiss and E. Moores, and “Principles of Structural Geology” by B. W. Hobbs, W. D. Means, and P. F. Williams are highly regarded.
Q4: Which books are best for preparing for the Geomorphology section?
A4: “Geomorphology” by A. K. Singh and “Geomorphology” by David Knight are comprehensive and well-written.
Q5: What are some recommended books for Stratigraphy and Paleontology?
A5: “Stratigraphy” by A. W. Grabau and “Paleontology” by A. S. Romer are classic textbooks in these fields.
Q6: Which books should I use for the Economic Geology section?
A6: “Economic Geology” by R. L. Bates and “Mineral Resources” by J. D. Ridge are good choices.
Q7: What are some recommended books for Environmental Geology?
A7: “Environmental Geology” by B. J. Skinner and “Earth Science and Our Changing Environment” by Tarbuck and Lutgens are comprehensive resources.
Q8: Which books are best for Remote Sensing and GIS?
A8: “Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation” by Lillesand and Kiefer and “Geographic Information Systems and Applications” by Burrough and McDonnell are highly recommended.
Q9: What are some good books for Geophysics?
A9: “Introduction to Geophysics” by William Lowrie and “Exploration Geophysics” by Kearey and Brooks are excellent choices.
Q10: Which books should I refer to for Engineering Geology?
A10: “Engineering Geology” by D. H. Krynine and W. R. Judd and “Principles of Engineering Geology” by J. A. Hudson are highly regarded.
Q11: What are some important books for Ground Water Hydrology?
A11: “Groundwater Hydrology” by D. K. Todd and “Hydrogeology” by Freeze and Cherry are comprehensive resources.
Q12: Which books are best for Engineering Geology and Tunneling?
A12: “Engineering Geology” by D. H. Krynine and W. R. Judd and “Tunneling” by Richard D. Piteau are highly recommended.
Q13: What are some good books for Mining Geology and Mineral Exploration?
A13: “Mining Geology” by R. L. Bates and “Mineral Resources” by J. D. Ridge are excellent choices.
Q14: Which books should I use for Petroleum Geology and Exploration?
A14: “Petroleum Geology” by J. M. Hunt and “Petroleum Geoscience” by Selley, Sonnenberg, and Blatt are highly regarded.
Q15: What are some recommended books for Environmental Geology and Geohazards?
A15: “Environmental Geology” by B. J. Skinner and “Natural Hazards” by K. J. Johnston are comprehensive resources.
Q16: Which books are best for Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Geology?
A16: “Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation” by Lillesand and Kiefer and “GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Management” by M. A. Goudie are highly recommended.
Q17: What are some good books for Geochemistry and Isotope Geology?
A17: “Geochemistry” by Brian Mason and “Isotope Geochemistry” by Gunter Faure are excellent choices.
Q18: Which books should I refer to for Geochronology and Dating Methods?
A18: “Geochronology” by Faure and “Radioactive Dating” by Faure are highly regarded.
Q19: How important are previous years’ question papers for preparation?
A19: Solving previous years’ question papers is crucial for understanding the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics.
Q20: Are there any online resources available for the UPSC Geo Scientist Exam?
A20: Yes, several online platforms offer study materials, mock tests, and discussion forums for the exam.
Q21: Should I join a coaching institute for preparation?
A21: Reputed coaching institutes provide comprehensive study materials, mock tests, and expert guidance for the exam.
Q22: How can I stay updated with the latest developments in geology?
A22: Staying updated through journals and publications is essential for a successful preparation.
Q23: What are some tips for effective preparation?
A23: Create a study plan, focus on fundamentals, practice regularly, stay updated, and seek guidance from experienced faculty or mentors.