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

Keith Frye (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1986 | Series: Roadside Geology

The geologic features seen in Virginia are as varied as any in the country. Indeed, in 1985 the highway east of Natural Bridge was identified as the most geologically interesting 24 kilometers of roadway in the southeastern United States and one of the four most interesting in the country. In addition to Natural Bridge, you can see caverns still developing their unique architecture, geologic structures developed at the end of the Paleozoic era, fossils of Paleozoic life, preserved beaches from late Precambrian shores, and more, all in a single stretch of highway.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With Roadside Geology [of Virginia] in your glove compartment, the dullest drive can be transformed into time travel." --Richmond News Leader

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Mountain Press Publishing Company; 1st edition (June 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878421998
• ISBN-13: 978-0878421992
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #650,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Geology > Specific Locations

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Travel Guide to Virgina's Natural Features, August 11, 2008

By 

perrymasonary "perrymasonary" (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

I purchased this book after enjoying the Wyoming and Yellowstone volumes. However, the Virginia book pales in comparison to the Wyoming and Yellowstone tombs.

Unfortunately, you have to leave the road to see some of the features and some are not so easy to find. While this volume is not as deficient as the Florida volume in allowing the car traveler to see some of the unique features while passing through the area, since some are visible, more detail would be appreciated.

For example, the author fails to cover the Potomac at the Great and Little Falls, between Virginia and Maryland. The geology and natural features of this area is certainly interesting, yet it was is not covered. Covering this area as it pertains to Virginia should have been included.

Also while the book is geared towards the natural landscape, detail could have included some information as to what the early settlors encountered in Virginia when establishing the various settlements at certain locations, as the Florida volume deviates from the standard geology and goes beyond. An example is Norfolk, a natural harbor

Should the publisher consider revising this issue or adding other states such as Maryland and West Virginia, it would be suggested that the Wyoming/Yellowstone formats be followed, as well as adding a bit more detail. I could not give this volume more than 3 stars since it is lacking and not up to the standard established by the Wyoming and Yellowstone books.

Otherwise, while the book is a bit technical for the non-scientific reader, it is an interesting guide to Virginia's natural landscape for the traveler seeking to experience a different side of Virginia.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GOT TO KEEP IT IN THE CAR, October 6, 1998

By 

Tony (Oak Park, VA) - See all my reviews

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

IF YOU ROMP THE ROADS OF VIRGINIA AND YOU WONDER ABOUT ALL THOSE ROCKS IN FORMATIONS AND ROADCUTS -- TAKE THIS ALONG.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Frye was a rare one..., February 10, 2006

By 

K. Patton "K. Patton" (Houston, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

I had the honor of working with Dr. Keith Frye while both an undergraduate and graduate student at Old Dominion University during the 1970's. He honored me by asking me to be his teaching assistant for several of the classes he taught. Dr. Frye was the consumate field and laboratory geologist. He also authored Modern Mineralogy and edited the Encyclopedia of Mineralogy, for which I happily did all the photography. He presented me a copy in appreciation, and I was astounded to see it listed on this site for a mere $645.00!!

As demonstrated in this book he was well familiar with geology of Virginia, his first love was being in the field rock hammer in hand. I spoke with him only months before he died, and as able to write his eulogy for the university paper. I offered as his epitaph, the words found at the bottom of each of his exams..."Honor is assumed of a Geologist." This book is but one on his lasting legacies. I am another.

The book might be too detailed for some readers and not detailed enough for others. Unlike others in the Roadside Guide series, Dr. Frye does not give specific directions to interesting outcrops or road cuts. His is a book painted in broader strokes. Virginia is made up of many varied geological terraines. While a detailed field trip guide book would have been nice, it too much to expect from this small volume.

Keith Patton PG MS BS
Old Dominion University Class of 78 and 80