Roadside Geology of Louisiana [Paperback]

Darwin Spearing (Author)

Book Description

Series: Roadside Geology | Publication Date: September 1995

After Hurricane Katrina, the fanlike pile of sand, mud, and silt that formed near a breached levee was unique in the urban environment of New Orleans. Over the 7,500-year history of the modern Mississippi River delta, however, it was just another splay deposit. Author Darwin Spearing explains the geologic forces behind the formation of the delta, shedding light on the human struggle to control the powerful river that breaches its own levees and switches its own deltas. With sections on wetland loss and land subsidence, Roadside Geology of Louisiana is a must-read for understanding the vulnerability of the Mississippi River delta to floods and hurricanes. First published in 1995, Roadside Geology of Louisiana is back in print by popular demand, with several updated sections. The introduction presents an overview of Louisiana's geologic history, and 57 road guides discuss the landforms visible from a car window including sand ridges, natural levees, oxbow lakes, and the Five Islands salt domes.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Darwin Spearing, author of Roadside Geology of Texas and coauthor of Roadside Geology of Wyoming, whetted his interest in the geology of Louisiana as a research geologist and exploration manager for Marathan Oil Company. Since then, he has served as a mueum designer and a national park ranger. Spearing writes from his home in Grand Lake, Colorado. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 225 pages
• Publisher: Mountain Press Publishing Company (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878423249
• ISBN-13: 978-0878423248
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,504,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Geology in Louisiana? Yep!, May 13, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Roadside Geology of Louisiana (Paperback)

This guide does a great job of explaining the geology of Louisiana, a state where impressive geology doesn't come to mind. From the hills in the north of the state to the coastal salt domes, Spearing explains it all in great detail for the layman. In addition to discussing the sights you'd see on the side of the road, Spearing also discusses the geology of the oil and gas industry of the state. Additionally, he provides a good discussion of the Mississippi River and how it has changed the landscape over the years. This book will open your eyes to the hidden geology around you!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially recommended for destination travels to Louisiana, June 17, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

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

The second updated edition of Roadside Geology of Louisiana is especially important to any regional geology or Louisiana geology collection because it updates a 1995 edition and adds newly updated sections to include recent geologic changes from Hurricane Katrina. Here are treks complete with maps, charts and discussions blending travel and geology under one cover, along with a survey that breaks Louisiana into regional chapters for quick, easy access. Especially recommended for destination travels to Louisiana with a special interest in geology and history.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch