Roadside Geology of Idaho (Roadside Geology Series) [Paperback]

David D. Alt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1989

From the ancient sedimentary formations in the north through the overthrust belt in the southeast, Idaho's rocks are as interesting as rocks come. The authors know these rocks well through their years of research in Idaho, which led to their theory explaining the flood basalts of the Columbia Plateau and the hotspot track of the Snake River Plain as the results of a giant meteorite impact that happened about 17 million years ago.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you like to stretch your mind, you'll like this book...Continents collide. Giant slabs of rock slide miles down slope. Huge meteorites crash to earth." --Northwest Travel

About the Author

David Alt is a geology professor at the University of Montana in Missoula. Dedicated to bringing geology to the general public, he cofounded the popular Roadside Geology series. He has written a number of books in the series with coauthor Donald Hyndman, and helps edit others. Alt also teaches elderhostel courses, leads field trips, and presents public lectures about regional geology. He lives in Missoula.

Product Details

• Paperback: 393 pages
• Publisher: Mountain Press Publishing Company; 1st edition (August 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878422196
• ISBN-13: 978-0878422197
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #166,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Geology > Specific Locations

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make A Road Trip Worthwhile, September 25, 2000

By 

"[e-mail]" (Ranchester, Wy United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roadside Geology of Idaho (Roadside Geology Series) (Paperback)

The state of Idaho is full of interesting geology; from the Craters of the Moon, to the Snake River Canyon, to the lakes of the Idaho Panhandle. Every tourist and sightseer should have a copy of this informative book to guide them along an adventure that includes geological orientation interwoven with on-site observation. A "must-read" for the traveler!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite an Education, August 9, 2004

By 

W. Walker (westminster md) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Roadside Geology of Idaho (Roadside Geology Series) (Paperback)

As always, David Alt and Donald Hyndman team up to provide a very readable expert presentation of the current and past geology of a state with a very dynamic geological past and present. As a non-geologist who doesn't plan to visit Idaho anytime soon, I still learned plenty about how geology works from the discussion, drawings and photos of many specific sites and regions. 100 million years ago, Idaho was part of the western shore of North America. You'll learn where to find evidence of the collision that ended this era. You will learn about the many Ice Age lake megafloods that left their marks on the major river valleys. Nearly all the surface of the state is dominated by a diverse collection of igneous rocks from at least 5 major events over the past 100 million years, one or two of which are still active. You will have to read the book to discover all the other interesting details.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, great series, January 17, 2008

By 

Garret Romaine (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roadside Geology of Idaho (Roadside Geology Series) (Paperback)

The entire Roadside Geology series is excellent; this book is no exception. I particularly enjoy their maps, which do a good job showing the different geological formations you can expect to pass through as you drive on a particular highway. The authors explain geological processes with extreme patience, as though they are teachers as much as writers.

I have one general quibble with the series, and that is the seeming disdain the authors show for old-time prospectors. It shouldn't be hard to understand why hordes of miners flocked from one gold rush to the next; getting their first could mean striking a fortune. Idaho's mountains are full of ghost towns and deserted mining camps that came and went, and I find those old locations--especially the tailings piles--to be a great source of rocks and minerals. The men who prospected hidden valleys and remote locations were smart and able, and save for those few who trespassed on reservations and misbehaved, my hat is off to them.The authors don't seem to share my feelings, but that doesn't take away from these great books. Anyone intent on exploring Idaho would do well to add this book to their research stack.