GEOLOGY OF NATIONAL PARKS (STUDENT VERSION)

Customer Reviews:

Excellent material. Well presented sans......................2005-03-05

This is an excellent textbook of geology and some history of our national parks. The text is organized by each park within geographic regions. This is great and helps one to read up on a specific park BEFORE visiting it so as to get the most out of the trip.

The layout, font size and pictures are great. The explanation of the geology behind the landscape is just beautiful and quite meaty. There is a CD that comes with the text and this is where I have a problem. The CD has great pictures of the parks but that is it. It would have been great if the CD came with some interactive stuff.

With the book size being formidible it would have been great to have a folded handout along with the CD so that one could actually use it on a field trip.

But all in all this is an excellent book and very useful to a non-geologist like myself.

I would have given it a 5-star except that there is no handy cutout that effectively summarizes the book for use in the field.

Great desk reference, not really a textbook.......2003-12-12

"Geology of the National Parks" is filled to the brim with information, but it is less a textbook than a nice desk reference.

The book organizes the national parks according to their major geographical features. This works, but since many parks have the same or similar features, the same information is often repeated. Furthermore, the information on the parks is extremely detailed and extends beyond the geographic features that the book is organized by. A straight geographic or alphabetical ordering might have worked better. The index is adequate, though, which make up for this somewhat.

The writing is clear and understandable, though packed with information. If there is a geological process in a NP, it is in this book. The only problem is that the student never really gets an idea of geological processes on a continental or global scale because of the organization. Each park comes off as isolated.

Still, if you are an amateur geologist who enjoys the national parks, this is a great book to have in your collection. It really makes a person appreciate how unique and special each park is. But any professor looking to use this as a text really needs address the material like they would a GEOL 101 course and use the parks to address these larger geological processes. A biology or chemistry teacher wouldn't teach from an encyclopedia of those disciplines and the same care needs to be taken with this text.

Book good, not great.......2001-03-29

The provided great geologic information. The colorplates of the parks were nice, but it would be better if the whole book was in color, and if they had pictures of all the parks. A good buy if your intrested in National Parks or geology.

A good basic text for the vacationing geologist.......2000-05-30

Harris et al. have produced a weighty tome that will appeal to the geologist on vacation who wants to get more out of the National Park experience. There are plenty of maps and cross-sections to interest the informed reader, particularly the increasing number of retired geologists. Unfortunately there is not enough in the way of more modern data such as reflection seismic, potential fields or, surprisingly, geothermal data. Also, considering the price, more color satellite images would have been appreciated. One point: I am not sure how much this book would appeal to the lay reader, whose enjoyment of the National Park system would be considerably enhanced by knowledge of the underlying geologic processes that produced the beautiful scenery.

America's National Parks: The Spectacular Forces That Shaped Our Treasured Lands

Average customer rating:

Great for nature lovers and armchair traverlers!
spectacular visuals, excellent text
Spectacular Presentation of Natural Wonder

America's National Parks: The Spectacular Forces That Shaped Our Treasured Lands
DK Publishing , and Paul Schullery
Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

The National Parks of America
Heart of a Nation: Writers and Photographers Inspired by the American Landscape
National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States, 5th Ed. (National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States)
Our National Parks
America's National Parks

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Rayovac SPHLTLED 3-in-1 LED Head-Lite

ASIN: 0789480166

Book Description

From stunning mountain ranges to arid expanses of desert, America has been blessed with an incredibly diverse land -- and the vision to protect it for our future generations to enjoy. These lands are ours to view, wander, learn from, and revel in. America's National Parks captures all that is great about all fifty-six parks in the national park system. It also gives interesting, easy-to-understand background on the geological and ecological forces that continue to make each national park so worthy of protection. Nature lovers will be captivated by gorgeous photos of landforms, flora, and fauna. Families will appreciate the information that is sure to enhance vacations at the parks. And visitors to any of the country's national parks will forever treasure this book as a memento of past visits and an inspiration for future ones. Unlike any other book published on national parks, America's National Parks is a must-have for anyone who relishes America's natural wonders and wants to learn more about the powerful forces that created them.

Customer Reviews:

Great for nature lovers and armchair traverlers! .......2006-12-28

Fabulous book! The text is very interesting and educational, and it explains the scientific aspects of the National Parks and their land very well. The photos are gorgeous and made me want to visit every single park! :-) They really show some of the awesome beauty of God's handiwork. I highly recommend this book to all outdoor enthusiasts, lovers of nature and science and fellow armchair travelers. The book also contains helpful contact information for planning a visit to the parks. A great read and a great book to enjoy!

spectacular visuals, excellent text.......2003-02-07

This book is a spectacular visual text to some of the American National Parks. The size of the photos, and their photographic quality, are just excellent. The photos are right up there with National Geographic-type quality. In addition, the accompaning text gives ecological insights to where and why this part of the United States was designated and saved as a National Park. The book gives short but insightful accompanying text for each of the Parks that are presented to the reader. The only problem is, unfortunately, the organization of the chapters, and a very skimpy table of contents, and the reader can get easily annoyed with these two problems. It is hard to understand why the publisher made such errors, as the problems are very obvious, and the whole book suffers as a result. It is a beautiful book covering many of the National Parks, with super photos and very good college level text, and if you can put up with the problems of a missing table of contents, this book is a great collection of art, ecology, and the National Parks of the USA. A 5-star for the photos and accompanying text, and a 3 for a useless table of contents. Sorry, but the publisher made major mistakes in putting this otherwise spectacular book together. But I will still give the book a 5-star anyway. The photos and text are just too good to give this book anything less than a 5-star.

Spectacular Presentation of Natural Wonder.......2002-06-08

Paul Schullery presents a book filled with powerful and beautiful images of fifty-six national parks that have been dedicated to the preservation and protection of irreplaceable treasures. This book shows why these parks are so worthy of protection.

Not only are they places where indescribable beauty can be seen, they have also been formed by unique geological forces. From stunning mountain ranges to arid expanses of desert, these are the lands we view, wander in and learn from.

America's National Parks is a celebration of the diversity of national parks throughout the United States. They are grouped according to the geological forces that helped to create them.

Diagrammatic illustrations, important landmarks, travel routes, topographical maps and spectacular full-color photographs illustrate the sheer majestic beauty of nature.

You will also find captivating information to encourage an awareness of the landforms, flora and fauna. Families will also find information to help enhance their vacations at the parks.

Inside the front cover a map of America shows the location of each park I started to remember my trip to the Grand Canyon National Park and my husband's visit to Denali.

Our Treasured Lands
The Rolling Land - Volcanic and Geothermal Forces
The Broken Crust - The Power of Mountain Building
Water Designing Lands - Waves, Caves and Currents
Ice Sculpting Stone - The Carving Power of Glaciers
The Patient Power - Wind and Water Erosion
Weather Shaping Life - Effects of Extreme Climates

This book contains some of the most amazing photographs I've ever seen of America. From pictures of dripstone formations adorning New Mexico's Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico to Lush Ecosystems shrouded in Fog in the National Park in Washington, these pictures help to vividly describe each park. I remember once having an argument with someone over the fact that there were rainforests near where I lived in Washington and no one would believe me. Well, here is proof!

I was also especially interested in looking up the Painted Desert we visited once on a trip across America after college. At the time, I didn't actually realize I was in the Petrified Forest national Park in Arizona because technically, we were just driving right through and I wasn't paying attention.

This book has helped to bring a new awareness to my own life and also encourages a desire for more exploration. Now I definitely want to see Mount McKinley in person.

Voyageurs National Park looks like a fascinating place to paddle around lonely islands. However, they do say never to skimp on insect repellent. A third of the park is water.

Book Description

Big Bend Vistas takes you along the highways and park roads of the Big Bend, describing and explaining the geology and landscapes as you go. The book is divided into three sections, around Marathon, down by the Rio Grande, and north from Study Butte to Fort Stockton. Each section begins with a brief history of the geology of the area and then describes the scenery along the roads.

The book includes 75 color photographs and 120 maps and drawings.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent desciption of the geology of the Big Bend........2006-08-27

Finally a book that is an easy read and answers questions about the area of Texas known as the Big Bend. This book takes you several steps beyond the Roadside Geology of Texas book. The book has excellent maps, is well organized, and has many photographs to help you get your orientation. I also recommend a companion book that he has written about the Davis Mountains area.

The perfect excuse for a road trip.......2004-01-17

I love this book! In Chapter I, Setting the Scene, MacLeod provides a concise geologic history, explaining difficult concepts in language easily accessible to the layman. The following chapters interpret the landscapes along various local routes. The maps, photos and sketches nicely complement the text. I like to read the appropriate chapter the night before a road trip and then take the book along in the car. It certainly adds interest to the trip.

A must-have book if you plan to visit the Big Bend.......2004-01-05

Use Big Bend Vistas to get an overview of the region or just to look up that mountain that catches your eye. Easy to read descriptions of the geology with lots of pictures, illustrations and a glossary to help the average person understand and appreciate the landscape yet detailed enough for the more geologically astute. Vistas makes the trip to Big Bend National Park more fun!

Parks and Plates: The Geology of Our National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores

Average customer rating:

Robert J. Lillie's 'Parks and Plates' is a wonderful book

Parks and Plates: The Geology of Our National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores
Robert J. Lillie
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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GEOLOGY OF NATIONAL PARKS
America's National Parks: The Spectacular Forces That Shaped Our Treasured Lands
Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology (7th Edition)

ASIN: 0393924076

Book Description

The breathtaking landscapes of America's national parks reveal the processes that shape our planet.

Many of our national parks, monuments, and seashores were established because of their inspiring geological features. The geysers of Yellowstone, the volcanoes of Hawaii, and the granite peaks of Yosemite bear witness to the "national park idea" as one of our country's greatest contributions to society. Parks and Plates explains the fascinating geological processes that formed the mountain ranges, volcanoes, shorelines, and other dramatic landscapes of America's national treasures.

Robert J. Lillie, a gifted teacher and expert on park geology, takes a unique approach to the subject. By structuring each section of Parks and Plates around major geological features, Lillie highlights geologic patterns across many different parks. He explains these fascinating landforms using examples from over 100 park sites to introduce and illustrate plate tectonics, a simple yet eloquent way to visualize geological processes. Lavishly illustrated throughout with full color photographs, diagrams, and maps, Parks and Plates will enrich the National Park experience for curious travelers and armchair explorers alike. 336 full-color illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Robert J. Lillie's 'Parks and Plates' is a wonderful book.......2005-12-21

Parks and Plates: The Geology of Our National Parks, Monuments and Seashores clearly and concisely describes the geological processes which formed the most spectacular, familiar and beloved landscapes in America. Balancing the fast-moving text are richly illustrated explanations of geological ideas and terminology and helpful color photographs depicting specific examples. The author identifies which parks reflect which geological forces leaving the reader with a desire to pack up and visit each park.

Geology of U.S. Parklands (Geology of Us Parklands)

Average customer rating:

Where are the photos?
Geology of U.S. Parklands, Fifth Edition

Geology of U.S. Parklands (Geology of Us Parklands)
Eugene P. Kiver , and David V. Harris
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471332186

Book Description

A fascinating and accessible introduction to the principles of physical and historical geology.

For the millions who visit them each year, U.S. national parklands offer a glittering spectacle of natural wonders. But beyond the spectacular scenery, these national treasures have a much bigger, more awe-inspiring tale to tellâa sprawling story of upheaval and transformation, involving forces and time-spans almost beyond imagining. The purpose of this book is to provide you with the knowledge you need to read and interpret that story, and to make visits to the parklands even more special. Requiring no prior familiarity with the geological sciences, this region-by-region exploration of the U.S. parklands teaches the principles of physical and historical geology by example. It begins with a general introduction to all important concepts, terms, and principles. In the chapters that follow, the authors take you on a tour through the geological regions of the United States. Beginning with Hawaii and the Pacific borderlands and moving progressively eastward to the Appalachian Mountains and the coastal plains of the East Coast, they provide you with a geologist's-eye view of the landforms, mountains, and bodies of water encountered in over 70 national parks and monuments, and tell the fascinating story of their evolution. Lavishly illustrated with nearly 300 stunning photographs and maps and featuring greatly expanded coverage of the geological story, history, and culture of U.S. parks and monuments, this new edition of Dr. David Harris's classic text is an ideal introduction to the principles of geology for students and nature enthusiasts alike.

Customer Reviews:

Where are the photos?.......2007-09-08

This is such a huge book and has some great information in it but the book has only black and white photos and they are very small. For the price I expected colored photos and large enough to see what they were showing.

Geology of U.S. Parklands, Fifth Edition.......2000-03-28

I teach a course in geology of America's National Parklands at a community college. I have tried another book for the required text for the course, with mixed success. Therefore when I found out that Geology of U.S. Parklands, fifth edition, was being released, I ordered it for the course even before I had seen my review copy. Previously when traveling I have consulted The Geologic Story of the National Parks and Monuments by the same authors, and was sufficiently impressed with the content, clarity of writing, and extent of coverage that I eagerly ordered the revised version. In my opinion this new book is THE one to use for similar college courses, and should also serve well for travelers with or without geologic training who want to know more about the geology of the magnificent federal parklands of our nation. There is a sufficient short course on general geologic principles in the initial chapter. I like the clarity, accuracy and dry humor of the text, which is better than the style and content in the book previously used - Geology of America's National Park Areas by Brooks Ellwood. Although the latter is quite a bit less expensive and has better quality if not more useful pictures, it is often too simplistic for my use in this course. I may have more to say after having used Kiver and Harris book as a text for a quarter or two, but my initial reaction to it is very favorable. Other books cover the geology of one or a few park areas, but this book has the entire country including Hawaii. However, for some reason the parklands of Alaska are excluded, probably because their inclusion could add many pages to what is already a massive volume (902 pages). I should have liked to see higher quality photographs and a lower cost, but other than those minor quibbles, this book will very likely set the standard to which all others on the subject will strive.

Interpreting the Landscape : Recent and Ongoing Geology of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Average customer rating:

Concise geology of Yellowstone

Interpreting the Landscape : Recent and Ongoing Geology of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
J. M. M. Good , and Kenneth L. Pierce
Manufacturer: Grand Teton National History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Windows into the Earth: The Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
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Roadside Geology of Idaho (Roadside Geology Series) (Roadside Geology Series)

ASIN: 0931895456

Book Description

Presents the geologic processes in vivid and comprehensible terms.

Customer Reviews:

Concise geology of Yellowstone.......2007-09-11

This slim book is fantastic for understanding the many geological features and events that have shaped the Yellowstone landscape. I have taken many geology courses,and even took a geology course at Yellowstone, and the straightforward explanations with helpful photos and drawings helped to advance my understanding of such a complex ecosystem. It is very easily understood by anyone with a curiosity about geology, no prior information about geology is needed to appreciate this book.

Roadside Geology of the Yellowstone Country (Roadside Geology Series) (Roadside Geology Series)

Average customer rating:

Great Book, Great Professor
Yellowstone on a simplified Geological Feature a day
I got it at the park cuz I was really bored

Roadside Geology of the Yellowstone Country (Roadside Geology Series) (Roadside Geology Series)
William J. Fritz
Manufacturer: Mountain Press Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Roadside Geology of Wyoming (Roadside Geology Series) (Roadside Geology Series)
Windows into the Earth: The Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
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Roadside Geology of Idaho (Roadside Geology Series) (Roadside Geology Series)
Roadside Geology of Utah (Roadside Geology Series) (Roadside Geology Series)

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Rayovac SPHLTLED 3-in-1 LED Head-Lite

ASIN: 087842170X
Release Date: 1985-06-01

Product Description

The geologic story of the Yellowstone Country begins with rocks 2.7 billion years old that are mashed remnants of even older rocks, and continues with processes that shape the land surface today. Striking evidence lies along the park roads and highways leading to the north, south, east, and west entrances to Yellowstone Park.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book, Great Professor.......2001-10-15

This was the text for part of our Field Camp. I was fortunate enough to have the Dr. Fritz as my personal guide to Yellowstone National Park. I still use the book as a reference in my personal studies of U.S. Geology. It is must for anyone traveling to Yellowstone with even the most remote interest in Geology.

Yellowstone on a simplified Geological Feature a day.......2001-09-11

The title sums it all up. The book is indeed useful, you can find all sorts of neat features by using it, but it really is a bit simplified. Perhaps it's just me, but it was GREAT for my kids (8 and 11) who are both, well, they read. Anything. As long as they can catch it.

I got it at the park cuz I was really bored.......2000-06-16

I'm a nerd. I was left with nothing to read in the cold nights. I was also having trouble sleeping. I thought this book would help.

Yes it put me to sleep because reading about rock and millenia of dirt moving is tiresome.

But what I absorbed made me look at yellowstone in a new way. The book was quite clear-and I could see and easily understand how Americas greatest monument to beauty was madeof millions of years.

It's like seeing the Louvre after taking an art class. The paint on canvass comes alive with history and meaning.

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.

Colorado River: Origin and Evolution; Proceedings of a Symposium Held at Grand Canyon National Park in June, 2000 (Monograph)
Average customer rating:

Geological Mystery Examined

Colorado River: Origin and Evolution; Proceedings of a Symposium Held at Grand Canyon National Park in June, 2000 (Monograph)

Manufacturer: Grand Canyon Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Carving Grand Canyon: Evidence, Theories, and Mystery

Grand Canyon : Solving Earth's Grandest Puzzle

ASIN: 0938216791

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?

Windows into the Earth: The Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Average customer rating:

Disjointed, repetitive, and disappointing
Excellent Geologic Review
It is also good to review geology
An indispensible visitor guide
Indiana Jones, Eat Your Heart Out

Windows into the Earth: The Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Robert B. Smith , and Lee J. Siegel
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Rayovac SPHLTLED 3-in-1 LED Head-Lite

ASIN: 0195105974

Book Description

Millions of years ago, the North American continent was dragged over the world's largest continental hotspot, a huge column of hot and molten rock rising from the Earth's interior that traced a 50-mile wide, 500-mile-long path northeastward across Idaho. Generating cataclysmic volcanic eruptions and large earthquakes, the hotspot helped lift the Yellowstone Plateau to more than 7,000 feet and pushed the northern Rockies to new heights, forming unusually large glaciers to carve the landscape. It also created the jewel of the U.S. national park system: Yellowstone. Meanwhile, forces stretching apart the western U.S. created the mountainous glory of Grand Teton National Park. These two parks, with their majestic mountains, dazzling geysers, and picturesque hot springs, are windows into the Earth's interior, revealing the violent power of the dynamic processes within. Smith and Siegel offer expert guidance through this awe-inspiring terrain, bringing to life the grandeur of these geologic phenomena as they reveal the forces that have shaped--and continue to shape--the greater Yellowstone-Teton region. Over seventy illustrations--including fifty-two in full color--illuminate the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, while two final chapters provide driving tours of the parks to help visitors enjoy and understand the regions wonders. Fascinating and informative, this book affords us a striking new perspective on Earth's creative forces.

Customer Reviews:

Disjointed, repetitive, and disappointing.......2007-04-11

I was looking for a good geologic history book after finishing John McPhee's excellent "Annals of a Former World." Windows into the Earth seemed like a good place to start, but I was very disappointed. It seems as though the authors wrote each chapter (and sometimes even parts of chapters) independently and then slapped them together with little editing. Although the underlying geology is often interesting, there's little flow or logic to the book as a whole. Key concepts are repeated over and over, as though they're being introduced for the first time each time. Analogies used to make the subject matter more accessable often miss the mark and detract from the whole. This book may be worthwhile if you are visiting the region and want to understand more of what you are seeing, but I wouldn't recommend it otherwise.

Excellent Geologic Review.......2005-07-31

This is an excellent book on the interesting geology of the Yellowstone ecosystem, an area that covers not only the park but a substantial area around it extending to the south to include the Grand Tetons.

The artwork is really excellent: both the photography, which is provided by several local professionals including Tom Mangelson, and the drawings, which make often difficult geologic concepts easily understood.

Yellowstone sits on top of a hotspot very much like the Hawaiian islands except that it's in the middle of a continent instead of the middle of an ocean. This turns out to be an important distinction, one that makes the volcano that created the park one of the largest ever in the history of the planet.

This book is well written and makes the geology accesible and interesting. And at the end, is a stop-by-stop tour of the two parks that will take you face-to-face with all that you have learned.

It is also good to review geology.......2003-03-12

I chose this book for my final project in geology class because I was interested in Yellowstone National parks though I have never been to, and this book was very good not only to read but also to review my studying in the class. Yellowstone and Grand Teton ground systems such as ground movements and heating systems are covered and also advanced my studying. Actually, I had totally no knowledge about geologic activities before I studied in the class, so this book was also really good to review my studying. In addition, this book introduces these parks view points with beautiful and colored pictures, so this book also can be used for a tourbook. It is no doubt that I will go to these parks with this book!

An indispensible visitor guide.......2002-03-10

A friend loaned me this book two months ago. I haven't returned it yet. It is simply the best book on these two parks that I have ever read. The authors accurately portray the very considerable geological power present in each park, and yet do not manage to make either park a fearful place to be avoided. Instead, their writing is a persuasive invitation to visit these wonderful manifestations of nature for an extended period. I was particularly impressed by the visitor's tour set out near the end of the book. I took a part of that tour in 1994, and the narrative is very accurate. I will certainly use my OWN copy of the book when I go back again this autumn. (I don't want anyone to think I don't return borrowed books!) This book is an absolute musthave-mustread for anyone going to the parks or interested in the geological processes that have made the West. Enjoy.

Indiana Jones, Eat Your Heart Out.......2000-06-01

This treasure will turn "topography" into a household word. Dedicated to a fellow geologist recently killed by an avalance while conducting fieldwork, "Windows" is a slick and dramatic feature presentation of volcanism, earthquakes, and geysers. Superb maps and graphs colorfully illustrate variable stratae formed through the eons. An informal and friendly text is scholarly without being stuffy. The writers establish a tone of substance and humor as they discuss multiple upheavals that created Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. This is the kind of book that will impress early rock-ologists and even be hoarded by their more secretive, sedimental parents. The writing never "dumbs down" but is lucid with factual attention to landscape formation without snubbing the human astonishment that continually witnesses it. Thanks to geologist Smith and naturalist journalist Seigel, the book is threaded with lively accounts from park rangers, tourists, and waitresses at the Old Faithful Inn. Appeals to romantics and literalists alike. Studded with beautiful, full-color photographs. Every page is hefty and sleek to the touch, a feast for the eye as well as the brain. Kind of a wonder-book for anyone who seeks the phenomenal in terra firma.

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