Geosciences Research Guide
Writing Guide

Most disciplines adopt a particular style guide. Style guides usually include information on formatting papers and articles for academic purposes or publication, citation style, grammar, spelling, capitalization, and other writing preferences.

Citation Management

RefWorks
Citation management software. Allows you to create your own personal database and import references from your institution's databases. It automatically formats your papers and bibliographies in seconds. (Available on campus, or off campus to UMass Amherst students, staff, faculty, and affiliates with an OIT account; enter your OIT username and password when prompted. Once at RefWorks, it is necessary to set up an individual account.)

Citation Style(s)

Scholars in Geosciences favor The Chicago Manual of Style (UM/Ref or Reserve Z253 .U69 2003) for general style and typography.

Brief examples online: University of Georgia Libraries.

Citing Internet online sources: University of Minnesota.

Geoscientists may also use Scientific Style and Format: the CBE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers (UM/Science Reference T11 .S386 1994).

Citing Internet online sources: Using CBE Style to Cite and Document Sources

Geological Practice, Spelling, and Usage

Geowriting: A Guide to Writing, Editing, and Printing in Earth Science (UM/Science Ref QE48.85 .G44 1984)

Glossary of Geology (UM/Science Ref QE5 .B38 1997)(Related online version: Illustrated Glossary of Geologic Terms)

Oceanography Department Paper Guidelines Online (U.S. Naval Academy)

Suggestions to Authors of the Reports of the United States Geological Survey (UM/Gov. Doc. I 19.2:Su 3/5/991) (Online)

Grammar and Style

Elements of Style, William Strunk, Jr. 1999. (UM/Ref PE 1408 .S772 2000)
Succinctly explains basic rules on writing style, form, composition, capitalization, spelling, and grammar.

Online English Grammar, Anthony Hughes
Provides many details of English grammar.

Oxford Reference Online
Contains a large collection of English language reference tools covering usage, style, grammar, language, and etymology.

Manuscript Suggestions for Authors

AAPG Publications (American Association of Petroleum Geologists)

AGU Publications: Tools for Authors (American Geophysical Union)

Central Publications Group Toolbox Guidelines for Manuscripts (U.S. Geological Survey)

Geology Guidelines (Geological Society of America)

GSA Books (Geological Society of America)