University Of Wyoming Professors Publish Rock Textbook

Two University of Wyoming faculty members wrote a college-level geology textbook that was published by Cambridge University Press.

Ron Frost and Carol Frost (unrelated), both professors in UW’s Department of Geology and Geophysics, wrote “Essentials for Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology,” an introductory textbook designed specifically for one-semester undergraduate courses. Petrology is a branch of geology that studies the composition, distribution, origin and structure of rocks.

Described as ideal for programs where petrology and mineralogy courses are separate, the publication provides the essential information to understand the origins, environments and basic processes that produce igneous and metamorphic rocks.

“The book fills a real void because it is aimed at all undergraduate geology majors, and is written for a one-semester igneous and metamorphic petrology class,” says Carol Frost.

In the textbook, the authors engage students by applying petrology to real geologic environments. The textbook’s content is organized around the types of rocks to expect in a given tectonic environment rather than around rock classifications.

Application boxes throughout the text encourage students to consider how petrology connects to wider aspects of geology, including economic geology, geologic hazards and geophysics. Exercises at the end of each chapter allow students to apply concepts they have learned and practice interpreting petrologic data.