Properly understanding and characterizing geologic materials and formations is vital for making critical engineering decisions. With clear, concise, and hands-on guidance, Characteristics of Geologic Materials and Formations provides a basis for recognizing, identifying, and classifying the various rock and soil types. The book describes these rock and soil types in terms of their origin, mode of occurrence, and structural features in situ and presents the typical characteristics that are of engineering significance. It also explains the elements that affect surface and subsurface water engineering in terms of controlling floods, erosion, subsurface flow, and seepage as well as for water conservation.