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

David D. Alt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1986

Montana's geologic history includes a long succession of disturbances that changed the rocks, then changed many of them again. Unraveling these events reveals a geologically quiet continent that got scrambled in a long and grinding collision with the Pacific crustal plate. Through detailed geologic maps and lively text, Roadside Geology of Montana deciphers the complicated rock record and uncovers each layer of Big Sky Country.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Designed for reading at 55 mph on roads which have undergone some geological changes of their own, and liberally sprinkled with diagrams, maps and black-and-white photographs." --Missoulian

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. Donald W. Hyndman is dedicated to bringing geology to the general public, and cofounded the popular Roadside Geology series. He has written a number of the series titles with coauthor David Alt, and helps edit others. When he is not writing or editing books, Hyndman teaches geology at the University of Montana in Missoula.

Product Details

• Paperback: 427 pages
• Publisher: Mountain Press Publishing Company; 1st edition (October 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878422021
• ISBN-13: 978-0878422029
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,037 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #86 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Geology

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teach yourself about Montana with this handy guide, August 15, 2004

By 

W. Walker (westminster md) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

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

In this guide, you will learn why underground coal fires have played a prominent role in shaping the surface topography and nature of the overlying strata in parts of eastern Montana. You will learn why widespread dryland farming in the early 20th century often caused devistating salinization of the soil. Filled with numerous photos and illustrations, the past and present of Montana's geology is at your fingertips. From the sedimentation, coal formation and general uplift of eastern and central Montana,

to the dominant influence of tectonic and igneous events in the western region, to the recent effects of glaciation in the northern regions, Alt and Hyndman provide you with a detailed description and explanation.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Geology, August 20, 2002

By 

Benjamin F. Harville "gentle_ben" (Elk Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Roadside Geology of Montana (Roadside Geology Series) (Paperback)

The saga of Glacial Lake Missoula was so gripping I had to buy Roadside Geology of Washington to see how it came out! Alt and Hyndman are the best authors I've found in this series. While you're at it, don't miss Alt's "Glacial Lake Missoula and Its Humongous Floods."

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Roadside Geology of Montana, June 8, 2002

By 

Donald Finley (Missoula, Mt United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Roadside Geology of Montana (Roadside Geology Series) (Paperback)

Great little book. I've read it until the covers have fallen off, and it's still a bigger story than I can adequately understand. I'm afraid we live in a very complex state. Dr. Alt's book is exactly the thing to carry around in car while one travels. I only wish it was 20 times longer, bigger - with more pictures. Once in a conversation with Dr. Alt he promised me that in the newer additions of his book would be naked pictures of the geologists - but that hasn't shown up yet. It's perhaps for the best. Great book.