Gary Prost

Biography

Featured Book: The Geology Companion: Essentials for Understanding the Earth

This is a practical guidebook for those who want to understand the earth. This book provides a basic grounding in the principles and science of geology and explains how to apply them. You will be able to figure out, by observing and interpreting roadcuts, whether you are standing on an ancient seafloor, coal swamp or sand dune.  Walking in the field or browsing the internet you will be able to determine the geologic hazards in your neighborhood, where to look for fossils or go caving, or the best location to drill a water well for your cabin. You will think of this book as your geologic companion, a reference and a guide to understanding geologic processes and how they affect people like you in their daily lives.

Why Geology Matters

What explains the rocks and landscape in the national park you are visiting? Should you care if your house is built on a landslide or in a floodplain? How would you feel on learning that the dam up the valley sits across an active fault? How do you prepare for a tsunami? Can a volcano in Iceland change your vacation plans, or would you just like to see one? Why are sea shells on mountain tops, and where can you take your kids fossil hunting? Did you know there is a park where you can find diamonds? Just how old is the earth, anyway? What caused the Himalayas and how did the Grand Canyon form? What is the theory of plate tectonics? What’s supports the theory of evolution? Is global warming man-made, natural, or a hoax? Should we be concerned that “frac’ing” causes earthquakes and pollutes our drinking water? Who owns groundwater? What controls the price of gasoline? Are we running out of oil? If you picked up this book you are curious. The Geology Companion answers these questions and more.

"This volume is one of the best comprehensive overviews of the science of geology and Earth history that I have ever seen published…From Earth history to natural hazards, mining to petroleum, this well illustrated publication, takes subjects that are in the news, on a daily or weekly basis, and provides insightful discussion…”
— John Hogg, Professional Geologist, Past-President, American Association of Petroleum Geologists & Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists

"As a geologist, I find The Geology Companion: Essentials for Understanding the Earth to be a concise and well-written book about a science that explains the historic evolution of our planet and contributes to the understanding futures changes. A must-read for anyone interested in geology or in the geological profession!"
— Aderbal C. Correa, Ph.D., Maneschy Correa Consulting, Lubbock, Texas, USA

“From its clear explanation of why geology matters, through its accessible explanation of geologic tools, concepts and applications, to its practical discussion of geologic careers, Prost (and Prost) help to open the door to an essential understanding of how the Earth works, and how we can work with it. Recommended for novice to expert consumers of all things Earth Science!"
— Rebecca L. Dodge, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas, USA

"Beautifully illustrated and cogently written, The Geology Companion does what its subtitle promises: it is an essential new text for our new century."
— Peter Ward, University of Washington, USA

"The authors have a unique concise style of presenting complex ideas. They also bring in information to capture your interest and give their story some flavor. Their illustrations are simple and informative. I highly recommend this book!"
—Michael Cecile, Emeritus Scientist and former Director, Geological Survey of Canada, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

"… clearly a geological gem. The explanations of all things geology are accompanied by excellent illustrations, photographs and maps. This book is highly recommended to earth scientists, students, geologists, environmental managers and the curious naturalists."
—Vern Singhroy, Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, Ottawa, Canada

"… useful for everyone. I wish I had such a book myself, long ago. I am impressed by the scope of the material."
—Keenan Lee, Colorado School of Mines, USA
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Over the past 42 years Dr. Prost has worked for Norandex (mineral exploration), Shell U.S.A. (petroleum exploration worldwide), the US Geological Survey (geologic mapping, coal resource mapping), the Superior Oil Company (mineral and oil exploration), Amoco Production Company (worldwide oil exploration, remote sensing, and structural geology, basin modeling), Gulf Canada (international new ventures), and ConocoPhillips Canada (Canadian Arctic exploration, oil and gas field development, oil sands reservoir modeling and characterization, reserves analysis).

Dr. Prost is the principal geologist in G.L. Prost GeoConsulting, which leads field trips, teaches classes, assists companies with exploration and development projects, and is involved with geological public outreach. He is a registered professional geologist in Wyoming (USA) and a member of the Northern California Geological Society, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists.

Education

BSc Geology - Northern Arizona University (1973)
MSc Geology - Colorado School of Mines (1975)
PhD Geology - Colorado School of Mines (1986)

Areas of Research / Professional Expertise

Structural Geology, Remote Sensing, Petroleum Exploration, Oil and Gas field development, Basin Modeling, Hydrocarbon Systems Modeling, Reservoir Characterization and Geomodeling, Mineral Exploration, Reserves Analysis, Property Evaluation, Exploration Risk modeling.

Personal Interests

Science, History, Backpacking, Photography, Sailing, Beer (not necessarily in that order)

Websites

• garyprostgeology

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