Underfoot: A Geologic Guide to the Appalachian Trail [Paperback]

V. Collins Chew (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1993

The Appalachian Mountain chain to which the Appalachian Trail is anchored are America's classic mountains, featuring pieces of almost every major geological event in Earth's history. This amateur geologist (a chemical engineer by occupation) walked the entire trail over a period of more than 10 years, looking at the manifestations today of events millions of years ago-through a hiker's eyes. This book, reviewed before publication by three top academics in the field, provides background on the development of the rocks beneath the hiker's feet, with layperson-friendly maps and photographs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Appalachian Trail Conservancy; 2 edition (September 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0917953592
• ISBN-13: 978-0917953590
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Geology > Specific Locations
  • #33 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Mountains

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Appalachian geology for the people, August 3, 2008

By 

Donald M. Thieme (Valdosta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Underfoot: A Geologic Guide to the Appalachian Trail (Paperback)

This is an excellent overview of the rocks which are found along the Appalachian Trail for the general public. Chew has an excellent grasp of the history of the Appalachian mountains, highlighting the major "orogenies" or mountain building periods. Some of the details of bedrock structure and tectonics are no doubt inaccurate as these are hotly debated among scientific experts. The maps and drawings are quite good but the book might be improved by more photographs. That would undoubtedly raise the price, however.