The geological terminology used in a course using this material is minimal and much less difficult than the new terminology required in many other science courses. The prerequisite or accompanying a geological map interpretation course would be a lecture course in first-year physical geology. For those who have not previously followed a geology course, the essential principles involved are explained as we progress. Definitions and terminology are presented incrementally and may be recognized as words or phrases that are explained in the Appendix. The full meaning or usage of terms may only become apparent later after completion of an exercise. The first three chapters essentially duplicate material from a first-year geology course.

Mineral deposits have supplied useful or valuable material for human consumption long before they became objects of scientific curiosity or commercial exploitation. In fact, the earliest human interest in rocks was probably because of the easily accessible, useful (e.g., red pigment in the form of earthy hematite) or valuable (e.g., native gold and gemstones) materials they contained at places. In modern times, the study of mineral deposits has evolved into an applied science employing detailed field observations, sophisticated laboratory techniques for additional information, and computer modeling to build complex hypotheses. Understanding concepts that would someday help geologists to find new mineral deposits or exploit the known ones more efficiently have always been, and will continue to be, at the core of any course on mineral deposits, but it is a fascinating subject in its own right, even for students who do not intend to be professional economic geologists. I believe that a course on mineral deposits should be designed as a "capstone course" that illustrates a comprehensive application of concepts from many other disciplines in geology (mineralogy, stratigraphy and sedimentation, structure and tectonics, petrology, geochemistry, paleontology, geomorphology, etc.).

In Advances in Volcanology, scientists from highly active volcanic countries, such as Japan, Italy, and New Zealand, as well as others from Germany, Portugal, and Russia, debate less commonplace themes. Topics from classic field volcanology, including practical problems with volcanic stratigraphy in oil exploitation, to the most modern techniques related to tomographic studies are discussed.

Geological exploration of Mongolia has been extremely inconsistent. From the frst regional exploration by Russian explorers of Asia to the present, little more than 41% of the country’s territory has been covered by areal geological surveys in combination with prospecting at a scale of 1:50,000. Regional geological surveys at a scale of 1:200,000, 1:500,000, and 1:1,000,000 cover 100% of the country.