Intended for high-school and early college students and general readers, this volume in the Notable Scientists series contains entries on approximately 200 earth scientists. Most are currently or recently active, but some significant older scientists have also been included. Among the subdisciplines covered in the text are geochemistry, geophysics, mineralogy, paleontology, petrology, sedimentology, structural geology, and tectonics. Although the coverage spans the globe, there is an emphasis on Americans. In the preface, Gates explains that the book is shorter than planned mainly because of the difficulty of obtaining information on currently active scientists.
Each entry consists of an entry head with the subject's name, dates, nationality, and field(s) of specialization. This is followed by an essay ranging in length from 750 to 1,500 words, with most averaging about 1,000 words. The essays generally cover basic biographical information such as educational background, positions held, prizes awarded, etc. The rest of the essay is devoted to the scientist's work. Though very readable, the text includes many technical terms that not always explained. In the preface readers are encouraged to keep an earth science dictionary handy, especially if they have no course background in the subject.

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