Book Description
Explore the majesty and beauty of one of God's greatest creations
Includes 20 Essays from Leading Grand Canyon Authorities:
Steve Austin
John Baumgardner
Ken Cumming
Duane Gish
Werner Gitt
Ken Ham
Bill Hoesch
Russ Humphreys
Alex Lalomov
Henry Morris
John Morris
Gary Parker
Andrew Snelling
Keith Swenson
Larry Vardiman
Tas Walker
John Whitcomb
Carl Wieland
Kurt Wise
Customer Reviews:
I SAW THE LIGHT!.......2007-10-08
I'm SAVED! Now I believe in GOD thanks to your book Tom Vail! I once was blind but now I see that I had been deceived by the devil's sedimentary rock scheme! There is NO WAY that this canyon was created by ANYTHING but GOD! Holy Holy Holy! Now I will have ETERNAL LIFE in HEAVEN! Jesus is my friend! Science is EVIL! Praise be to Jesus! Praise be to God! Praise be to Allah! Praise be to his follower Tom Vail! Tom Vail "God's Paparazzi"!
A Different View.......2007-09-11
Although I grew up in Arizona, I was surprised to learn how the Grand Canyon was formed. I always thought that it was carved by the Colorado River, but I was wrong.
According to Tom Vail the Grand Canyon formed when the Giant Mole People who live in the Hollow Earth had a "Julia Child's "Luxurious Cold Meat Loaf" competition using old missile silos for terrines. They carefully packed layers and layers of organic vegetables and delicious meats into the silos to make tasty French dishes. Then their phones rang at exactly the same moment and they all ended up taking to their grandmothers for millions and millions of years and when they finally hung up and went to eat their delicious dinners their creations were already cold and hard. But one *really* hungry Giant Mole Person managed to get a giant spoonful of one dish and that is what we now call the Grand Canyon.
This was surprising to me, but I believe it! Then again I don't really know anything about science and I really do believe anything that agrees with my unquestioned beliefs.
Grand display of God's Beauty.......2007-09-09
There's something in this book that everyone can appreciate, whether it's simply the gorgeous pictures, the scientific explanations of the Canyon animals and their habits, or the lovely Scripture featured throughout. Some of the naysayers need to lighten up! It honestly surprises me that so many buck at this book, even a couple of Christians; sure, it offers Creationist theories, but it was written by Christians. Is this surprising?
This book is made of several parts: photographs of the Grand Canyon, essays from scientific Christians who believe the Great Flood caused the Canyon, descriptions of the lives of animals and plants living in the Canyon, Scripture paired with some of the photographs, and even a few essays by Christians explaining their reasons for believing in Creation rather than evolution or the Big Bang Theory.
Some may take issue with this last feature, but again, I'd remind them this book is Christian: why shouldn't its creators explain why they believe what they do? As to the rebuttal of the Big Bang theory, I think John MacArthur explained it best in the excerpt from his excellent sermon, in which he said, "If you don't believe in the Book of Genesis, then you are left with the incredible notion that nobody times nothing equals everything." Granted, I know this alone could never convert a person to a believer just like that, but I think it's an excellent summation of the Big Bang Theory's impracticalities.
Admittedly, a few things in the book are heavy-handed; a hard-core critical thinker would no doubt be thoroughly exasperated by the author's claim that the rock nettle (a sharp flower that grows around the Canyon) is probably a direct result of Eden's curse, or the comparison of raven couples to God's design for husbands and wives (provider and helpmate). However, if you're easily offended by such things, I'd suggest you either simply enjoy the pictures or avoid the book altogether.
If you're a Christian, on the other hand, I recommend this without reservation. There are plenty of things to put awe in your heart, particularly the pictures of the Canyon's wild beauty and the poetic Scripture that pays testimony to God's Hand. This is a beautiful book that is definetly worth considering!
Beautiful book.......2007-07-17
After rafting through the Grand Canyon, I have come to appreciate this book all the more. The photography is beautiful and the evidence presented for a catastrophic event is very solid. I'm very glad to see that, even after repeated attempts by uniformitarian thinkers to censor this book, it is being sold in the Grand Canyon's bookstores.
Super book - beautiful photography - leave it on the coffee table to spark conversation!.......2007-07-15
We bought this a year or so ago to supplement our science curriculum. Now it has a regular appointment on our coffee table, particularly when we are expecting company.
If you are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, or just want to reflect on the beauty of God's glorious creation, check it out.
Highly recommended.
Book Description
Carving Grand Canyon provides a synopsis of the intriguing ideas and innovative theories that geologists have developed over time. This story of a fascinating landscape is told in an engaging style that non-scientists will find inviting. The story's end, however, remains a mystery yet to be solved.
Customer Reviews:
Grand Canyon History in Stone.......2007-08-15
Well done with good graphics, pictures and dialog that is not too technical. Visited the Grand Canyon after reading this book and found it to be quite adequate for beginner or one who may want more detailed evidence of the happenings millions of years ago. The writer has lived there, led hikes and has spent much time researching the latest theories.
Very enlightening.......2007-07-12
For the casual observer of geologic formations, this book is a masterpiece! I have lived many years in the Colorado Plateau area and this book really helps the average person be able to understand how the Grand Canyon was formed. I recommend this book to many people I meet when they come to visit and want to know more about the area's formation.
Mystery Story.......2007-02-21
If geology had a face, it would probably be Grand Canyon. No other landscape on Earth offers such a familiar and powerful image of time, rock formation, and erosion. Grand Canyon has been a magnet not just for tourists but for many of America's most brilliant geologists. It may come as a surprise, then, to learn that geologists are still trying to figure out how the canyon got there. It's like our understanding of the origins of the Moon: Apollo was supposed to solve the mystery, but instead it left geologists more puzzled than ever. At least for awhile. It turns out that it was easier to understand the moon than Grand Canyon, for erosion on Earth has removed much of the evidence geologists need.
"Carving Grand Canyon" is the first book to explore the 150-year-long sluething into the formation of Grand Canyon. It stars the geological dectectives who've pursued this puzzle and lets them speak in their own (often eloquent) words. It shows how new evidence has been discovered, and how theories have emerged and been modified and sometimes eroded away. It brings us right up to date with today's cutting edge theories.
The author, Wayne Ranney, has the advantage of having led geology tours of Grand Canyon for years, and thus he knows how to communicate potentially confusing concepts to the public. This book is also well-endowed with illustrations and charts and maps that make it easier to visualize these concepts. In the end Ranney leaves us with a large sense of mystery, but then maybe this will inspire some young reader to become the geologist who will finally put all the puzzle pieces together.
A beautiful and authoritative book.......2006-09-13
Unlike most great geologic landmarks--Yosemite, Kilauea, Uluru, Kilimanjaro--the Grand Canyon is a stubborn, long-standing mystery. In "Carving Grand Canyon: Evidence, Theories, and Mystery," geologist and longtime Canyon guide Wayne Ranney relishes this fact: "I am glad to have lived a good portion of my life in a time when the canyon is not fully understood."
Today the canyon is carved by the Colorado River, running westward through it. Yet 60 million years ago, rivers here ran eastward on a low plain. This unique canyon was made in some extraordinary sequence of events involving rivers, landforms and geologic processes: faulting, uplift, erosion, plate tectonics. We cannot yet spell out that sequence, because the canyon has eroded away much of the rock evidence. In the cycle of science, new ideas spark new research to test them. Each generation of researchers has added ideas, but we need more.
Ranney begins with sketches of the canyon, the basic physiographic elements to be explained, and the processes that dig canyons. Then he details the long scientific conversation about the Grand Canyon from John S. Newberry's first sight of it in 1858 to the ferment of this century. Ranney's close study of the literature underlies an unusually deep treatment of the science. A working scenario of the canyon's evolution follows, the best picture we have these days. And speaking of pictures, this well-produced book has wonderful illustrations historic and new.
On my site, I gave this book five stars.
Fresh Geological Storytelling!.......2006-05-24
This is one of the best geology books I have every read. Not only did I learn many things about the geological history of the Grand Canyon, Colorado Plateau, and Basin and Range, but I really enjoyed it along the way!
Wayne Ranney has constructed a masterpiece of a book. He starts with a couple of overview chapters that establish the overall setting for the Grand Canyon and introduce the geological concept the reader will need along the way. Then he plunges into 150 years of geologic science introducing the major players and theories in chronological order; as he progresses through our understanding from the 1860s through now, he builds upon each contribution to paint a canvas of understanding along the way.
Once he accomplishes this, he then takes the reader back to the beginning of the story and tells it from 540 million years ago to the present as a cohesive narrative utilizing everything we learned in the previous chapter, presenting the different theories and possibilities with their strengths and weaknesses.
Finally, in the last chapter, he presents a concise summary while trying the tell the greatest truth about the origin of the Grand Canyon. Since there are still plenty of unanswered questions, he starts with the greatest truth that all geologist can agree on: "The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River" and then builds upon the final story from their while explaining how he constructs this concise summary.
I highly recommend "Carving Grand Canyon" as the devinitive story of the Grand Canyon's origins. And, if you ever have the chance of seeing Wayne speak or join him on one of his excursions, jump at it.
Also, since this book is not currently available from Amazon, you can get from the Grand Canyon Association (either through their website or at a Grand Canyon Visitor Center) or through Glen Canyon Natural History Association (through their webiste, mail order, or at Glen Canyon NRA and Grand Staircase-Escalante NM visitor centers).
Book Description
This second edition of the leading book on Grand Canyon geology contains the most recent discoveries and interpretations of the origin and history of the canyon. It includes two entirely new chapters: one on debris flow in the Canyon and one on Holocene deposits in the canyon. All chapters have been updated where necessary and all photographs have been replaced or re-screened for better resolution. Written by acknowledged experts in stratigraphy, paleontology, structural geology, geomorphology, volcanism, and seismology, this book offers a wealth of information for students, geologists, and general readers interested in acquiring an understanding of the geological history of this great natural wonder.
Customer Reviews:
Important geologic coverage of a nat'l treasure, LOUSY photos.......2006-06-28
Lucky for me, I bought the new HC edition for $10 rather than $85. Why? As another reviewer stated, this is the definitive single source on the geology of Grand Canyon--and it may be. But I can honestly report that the photos are not. Around 80% of the shots are of low to poor quality. And while no photo framed in a geology book can compare to the real thing (especially in the case of this natural wonder), buyers of this item will be puzzled by the junky photos selected. In fact, given the importance of this national treasure, a color panorama shot, a color aerial photo, and high quality B/Ws are a must.
Latest, most authoritative Grand Canyon geology........1999-03-05
This thick volume, with a host of diagrams and pictures, appears to be the newest and most thorough discussion of the geology of the Grand Canyon. In a series of chapters, each representing an era in the geologic history of the Canyon, the authors begin with the big picture and then get into such detail that only a professional geologist can really stay with them. The book represents the life work of some of the most prominent scientists associated with the Canyon, and yet is very much up to date with the latest theories unlocking the mystery of how the Canyon was formed. Neither professional nor "rock hound," I was drawn to geology through my hiking adventures in the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau. This book, though certainly not written for the amateur, has provided an opportunity to learn more. I feel fortunate to have a copy, and hopeful that a second edition will be available soon.
Customer Reviews:
A great book for kids about the Grand Canyon.......2003-01-30
My son is in first grade and an avid reader. He selected this book from his school library and reading two chapters a night, we finished it in less than a week. Even thought it looks complex, the text and the illustrations in the book are wonderful. It's very well written and easy to read. My son knows most of the words in the book, and there is a glossary in the back for specific terminology. It's very engaging and stimulating even for an adult. I love reading it to him!
Book Description
The only guide to the Grand Canyon that combines hiking and geology—unlocking the mysteries of the landscape, step by step.
· Newest addition to the popular Hiking Geology series
· Appendices cover additional geologic information for the non-geologist
· Everything needed to plan the trip, including permits, lodging and camping, mule rides, and recommended day trips
Etched on the Grand Canyon's steep walls are stories of how this majestic landscape came to be: volcanic islands, stark deserts, and tranquil seas come and gone, and histories of plants and animals that have made this place their home. You'll read this story up close on the trail with the help of Hiking the Grand Canyon's Geology. In 18 excursions, there's something for everyone: from the most popular rim-to-river trails (Havasu Canyon Trail) to gentle, half-day rim walks (Red Butte Trail) to rugged and remote, multi-day backpack trips (Lava Falls Route).
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Reference.......2006-04-20
After many years of hiking and studying the Grand Canyon, this text was a true delight and an eye-opener. The explanations of the geology associated with each step down the different trails really brings to life the geological history of the Canyon. The book provided new insight on trails that I have been over many times before and has added to my appreciation and understanding of the Canyon. Many thanks to the authors!
Outstanding Intro to Geology--Plus Hiking Info........2004-02-19
I highly recommend this book even if one has no present intention of hiking in the Grand Canyon (though I have to say that, after reading it, I now find it imperative to go there in the very near future). The Introduction and Appendices of this book together comprise the most informative, concise and accessible introduction to a science subject (Geology in this case) I have ever had the pleasure to read. The authors actually make events of the last 4600 million years (!) jump off the page as if they were part of a live action series!
It is rare to find a book which transcends its specific topic as this one does. Even my nine-year old was fascinated by the vivid descriptions of the forming of the major features of the North American landscape, the formation and break-up of Rodinia, Pangea, etc., and the many, many layers of history present (and not present!) in the fantastic artwork the Colo. River has carved for all to experience first hand.
I have not "road-tested" this book for its specific hiking information. However, I can certainly certainly recommend the book based on its geological and earth history content alone.
Customer Reviews:
Geological Mystery Examined.......2006-08-14
No final answers, conflicting interpretations, and basic theories that head in different directions, all in an effort to understand one of the newest and most difficult geological mysteries: how did the Grand Canyon form? The general direction leads to a very surprising general theory, one that flies in the face of common sense. Could this theory be the real story? Can you take all of the evidence in the book and come up with a better theory?
Book Description
Vast and majestic, the Grand Canyon represents one of science's most challenging puzzles: How did this massive canyon come to be? This is the story of the search for the answers, and the first account of the consensus geologists have reached in the last few years.
A scientific detective tale packed with colorful characters, Grand Canyon follows the explorers, adventurers, and geologists whose efforts led to the understanding of the canyon's mysteries. Modern scientists have revealed that the Colorado River once ran in the opposite direction—and for many years flowed hundreds of feet beneath the ground. These efforts also led directly to the discovery of tectonic plates, one of the most important advancements in the history of geology. An eloquent, breathtaking narrative, Grand Canyon is a fascinating true story that is as epic as its subject. BACKCOVER: “Powell's well-crafted account makes one appreciate just how [the Grand Canyon] came to be so grand.”
—Natural History
“Grand Canyon will be enjoyed by anyone who is curious about how geologists think, piece together disparate information, and assemble explanations.”
—Science
“What many readers will walk away with is a sense of the awesome power of water running over the surface of the earth.”
—Kirkus Reviews
Customer Reviews:
Not much geology.......2007-08-31
"Geologists I admire" might be a better title. There is an awful lot more scattershot history of the exploration of the GC than there is explanation of geology. Plus it skimps on maps, diagrams, photos, drawings.
Horrid!.......2007-03-13
This book not only had spelling errors and NO pictures, it actually said "Not ready for publishing" when I recieved it. I got this for my dad as one of his christmas presents and I really wish I could get my money back!
Breathtaking........2006-12-06
Chapters include:
Part One: A Brief History of Awe
Six Feet
Water Catch 'Em
How Old Is a River?
The Saw That Cut the Mountain
Seven Cities of Gold
Part Two: Secrets of the River
America's Greatest Geologists
The Sublimest Thing
Earth's Engine
Where Everything Is Exposed
Antecedence in Doubt
The Same River Twice?
Part Three: A New Theory
Paradox
Canyon Makers
Lazarus and Lakes
Molten Rock, Melted Snow
What Caused the Grand Canyon
Key Terms & Places
References
Acknowledgments
Index
***** The middle of the book has several photos with captions. I found this book to be absolutely breathtaking! *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
Worth a read if you're somewhat technically curious.......2006-07-11
I think James Lawrence Powell had pretty big ambitions for this book when he set out to write it: to tell an adventure story or two about the early exploration of the Southwest, to give the history of the development of several important geological concepts, to go into the biographical details of a few of the leading figures in the field, and to bring the interested lay reader with some but not too much technical background up to date on where Grand Canyon science stands at the moment, the basic question being "How did this thing get here?". Yes, we know the Colorado River did it, but exactly how and when?
For the most part he was successful at these somewhat disparate tasks, though I don't think I can give a grade higher than B+/A- for the overall product. Here were my "issues" with the book:
1) At times it went off in one direction a little too far for my tastes (mostly in the adventure/biography parts), and it was a bit of a confusing mish-mash at others if you can't keep the whole panoply of figures fully in mind. The multiple objectives led to a little gear-stripping at times as the topic changed back and forth.
2) I was most disappointed with the maps: they seem to be scattered around somewhat at random (I found myself flipping pages a lot trying to find this or that map), and I swear some important features mentioned in the text can't be found on the one where you'd think you'd find it - i.e., the maps don't seem to have been made for the book but rather pasted in from some other source.
3) Finally, while the "grandest puzzle" is at heart a science puzzle involving river system geology, I thought the author avoided going into too much scientific detail for fear of perhaps alienating the reader. I would have liked more science, and sooner in the book. I.e., I don't think downcutting rates (with actual numbers) were even mentioned until the very last pages. Powell has a clear talent for deftly explaining technical concepts and should have used it more. But if you're looking for the current state of the science on the Grand Canyon you'll have to plow through a lot of seemingly marginally relevant material first, as Powell seemed more determined to develop fully the whole history of all the relevant ideas involved. As the book had a "teachy" tone to it, it may have worked better for me if it had been in more of an actual textbook format; fundamental concepts layed out first, then assembled into a comprehensive model. Maybe one has to be an actual practitioner in the field to fully appreciate the history and biography.
Still, Powell is a very good writer and the book is basically not hard reading in the least. I think it would be good for someone who wants to understand how the Grand Canyon came about but wants the telling occasionally spiced up with frequently colorful characters overcoming obstacles and limitations (both physical and mental). If you think this book might interest you, don't let the drawbacks I noted keep you from picking it up as they're not fatal flaws by any means. Almost any book on the Grand Canyon will give you a greater appreciation of it, and this is no different.
Excellant overview.......2006-04-24
This is a lovely overview of the Grand Canyon, its discovery by Europeans, and its study by scientists from the mid 19th century to the present time. It is sort of a history of a history.
While the author discusses early Spanish visits to or near misses of the Canyon, he spends most of the first several chapters discussing John Wesley Powell's voyage of discovery and his documentation of the Colorado River's course to the Gulf of California. This is almost an adventure story in itself, and serves to capture the imagination in a way that most geological works don't. Although the quotes from Powell's work seemed a little over-the-top, I still felt like getting a copy of his work to read it for myself. Certainly the discussion of his later life produces a much more rounded and engaging portrait of the man than most texts provide.
Succeeding chapters deal with the careers of Powell and his various coworkers and successors and the development of theories regarding the Grand Canyon's origins. In the process, the author also discusses the history of geology and of the theory of earth history, covering among other things, the work of Nicholas Steno, James Hutton, Louis Agassiz, Charles Lyell, and Alfred Wegener. For the geology student these names will already be familiar; for others the brief introduction will offer a quick recitation of the Who's Who of geology without belaboring the point.
Professor Powell's discussion makes it apparent that the science of geology is as much a work in progress as the Grand Canyon itself, since the concept of the canyon building processes have been reshaped as geology itself has matured as a field. He carries the reader through the thought processes of each of the researcher's contributions, ending the book with a final summation of his own on the subject that he admits is thoroughly tentative but is still a best approximation. Among the most interesting points on the Canyon is the fact that, while on first glance it seems so obvious with respect to its structure, dynamics and age, it is in fact much more complex than it appears.
The author's style is very readable, although there were places where I got rather lost in the descriptions of channels, directions, etc. along the course of the river. Anyone intimately familiar with the terrain, however, will have little difficulty following the discussion, but those of us less familiar with the Canyon will find it somewhat confusing. The gist of the information is, however, quite clear.
Those not familiar with geology will find the author provides explanations of terms in context, and will also find a glossary of terms at the back of the book. For the most part, the description of erosional and depositional processes is quite clear and does not require any background in the subject. It would probably serve as a good book for high school libraries, since its presentation of science as a profession and a discipline is quite clear.
A thoroughly enjoyable book for those interested in the history of geology, history of science, history of the West, John Wesley Powell's expeditions and contributions, structural geology and geomorphology, the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon, and hydrodynamics.
Customer Reviews:
Canyon.......2006-11-11
Well written narrative that provides good information about the Colorado River at higher levels. Decent adventure story and also captures some of the magic or running the river in this magnificent canyon.
I now have to do the Grand Canyon...........2004-05-16
This book is full of interesting information about the Colorado River going through the Grand Canyon. The author has included all aspects of this great place. He tells the history of the river and canyon, including the geolgy, the first residents, the first settlers, the daming and problems with the daming, the many people who have tried to make the trip, and the history of the wildlife. I found it to be a great read with a lot if great insight into the Grand Canyon. I couldn't put it down and I look forward to reading it again before I take the pluge and float this great river.
River Running Narrative.......2000-12-22
The author carefully weaves his own experiences as a Grand Canyon river guide with the history of the Canyon. This book will keep you enthralled right up to the last page.
I would heartily recommend this narrative to all who enjoy adventure books. This classic should be on the bookshelves of everyone who enjoyes whitewater rafting.
Book Description
An Introduction to Grand Canyon Geology offers a new approach to the geologic study of the Grand Canyon with an emphasis on basic geologic principles including plate tectonics, structural features and what they tell us, and the role of erosion in creating landscape. Dozens of photographs enhance and elucidate the text. This book is perfect for both the Grand Canyon visitor and the geology enthusiast.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding Simplified Reference.......2003-10-29
I am a Geologist and recently visited Grand Canyon National Park and hiked to Phantom Ranch. I did not buy this book as a field guide but as an educational tool. It is written in easy to understand format and parallels the educational level of PBS or the Discovery Channel. I suggest everyone who visits Grand Canyon NP add this book to their library. For detailed geology there are more advanced books or you can visit the Grand Canyon Association web page.
A concise and well-illustrated overview.......2003-10-28
As can be seen from the previous reviews, whether one finds this book helpful really depends on what one is looking for. This is an excellent basic introduction to the geology of the Grand Canyon, with a preliminary background summary that places it in the context of plate tectonics, the movement of the North American continent northward from the equator through the Paleozoic Era, and the other major geologic forces that provided a backdrop for the deposition of the layers of sandstone, limestone and shale that we see today. Among its strong features are the imaginative illustrations that show the depositional environments through the geologic periods in which the various rock formations were laid down. The illustrations provide strong visual associations for learning the rock layers (Kaibab Formation, Coconino Sandstone, Redwall Limestone, etc.) that comprise the Grand Canyon. This isn't an advanced textbook, however, and someone looking for that would likely be disappointed. That doesn't mean that it's strictly for beginners, though. Even someone with a good background in Grand Canyon geology would appreciate the way this book ties everything together in a coherent and well-illustrated overview.
There are better books.......2003-07-16
This book is not really that great. It is small and incomplete, the wrong size for taking into the field, and it doesn't hold up well(spine breaks and pages fall out). You are MUCH better off using an Audubon or Peterson guide. Save your money.
Take it to the Grand Canyon with you.......2003-07-05
In addition to its beauty, the Grand Canyon offers a snapshot of earth's history in one place. This slim, concise, well-illustrated book is a great introduction to the formation and geological history of the Grand Canyon. It is short enough to read while you are at the canyon, or on the trip there. The writing is lucid, and no geology background is needed.
Book Description
A favorite field guide for Southwest parks visitors--explains how the majesty of this unique regional landscape came to be.
*Expanded to include Grand Staircase/Escalante, Vermilion Cliffs, Canyons of the Ancients, Dinosaur, and Hovenweep National Monuments
*Color photo insert
*Many sights accessible by car
From the sheer-walled magnificence of Zion to the breathtaking intricacy of Bryce Canyon's sculptured turrets; from the "Grand Staircase" of the Vermilion Cliffs, and Pink Cliffs in southern Utah to the volcanic lavas of Sunset Crater: two geologists describe the star attractions of 24 national parks and monuments. New sidebars provide closer looks at specific details such as the large numbers of dinosaur footprints in and around Arches National Park and geology's profound effect on ancient Pueblo peoples and how they lived.
Customer Reviews:
A Good Introduction to a Complex Topic.......2004-07-06
Halka Chronic's "Pages of Stone" is a well-written introduction to the geology of the Colorado Plateau. Her book, following a general introduction to the geological formation processes of the plateau landscapes, is organized around the numerous national parks and monuments in this remarkable area. These include the biggies, like the Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Mesa Verde, as well as lesser known locations like Sunset Crater, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Wupatki. Each park and monument is treated with a detailed description of its principal geological features, how these features fit into the overall geology of the plateau, and is illustrated with black and white photographs (there are a number of color photos in a center insert). I have only one complaint about Chronic's book, but it was enough to knock off a star from what could be a five-star volume. That's the lack of detailed park maps that would make it easier to locate some the places that she discusses. I have an earlier edition of this book, so if this has been corrected in this latest edition, then simply add a star to my review. All in all, this book, and Chronic's Roadside Geology series, are a good way for the layperson to familiarize themselves with one of the truely great American regions.
Books:
- Historical Geology: Evolution of Earth and Life Through Time (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape
- Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape
- House of Rain: Tracking a Vanished Civilization Across the American Southwest
Books Index
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General
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
The True Story of Noah's Ark (with audio CD and pull-out spread)
Dragons of the Deep: Ocean Monsters Past and Present
In Six Days : Why Fifty Scientists Choose to Believe in Creation
Unwrapping the Pharaohs: How Egyptian Archaeology Confirms the Biblical Timeline
Frozen in Time: The Woolly Mammoth, the Ice Age, and the Bible
