Writing with verve and clarity, Mary Hill tells the story of the magnificent Sierra Nevada - the longest, highest, and most spectacular mountain range in the contiguous United States. Hill takes us from the time before the land which would be California even existed, through the days of roaring volcanoes, violent earthquakes, and chilling ice sheets, to the more recent history of the Sierra's early explorers and the generations of adventuresome souls who followed. The author introduces the rocks of the Sierra Nevada, which tell the mountains' tale, and explains how nature's forces, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, faulting, erosion, and glaciation formed the range's world-renowned scenery and mineral wealth, including gold. For thirty years, the first edition of "Geology of the Sierra Nevada" has been the definitive guide to the Sierra Nevada's geological history for nature lovers, travelers, hikers, campers, and armchair explorers.This new edition offers new chapters and sidebars and incorporates the concept of plate tectonics throughout the text. It is written in easy-to-understand language for a wide audience.It gives detailed information on where to view outstanding Sierra Nevada geology in some of the world's most beloved natural treasures and national parks, including Yosemite. Provides specific information on places to see glaciers and glacial deposits, caves, and exhibits of gold mines and mining equipment, many from Gold Rush times. Superbly illustrated with 117 new color illustrations, 16 halftones, 39 line illustrations, and 12 maps, and also features an easy-to-use, interactive key for identifying rocks and a glossary of geological terms.

Discover the captivating story behind California''s breathtaking landscapes in California Landscape: Origin and Evolution. This engaging exploration unravels the powerful forces that have shaped the Golden State, from its towering mountains and dramatic coastlines to its deserts and valleys. California''s natural diversity is unparalleled—within its borders lies the highest peak and the lowest point in the contiguous U.S., the driest desert, and the wettest mountain. In this book, Mary Hill reveals how volcanoes, earthquakes, and the relentless movement of Earth''s tectonic plates have sculpted the land over millions of years. Learn how molten rock from deep within the Earth formed towering peaks, while the shifting of tectonic plates lifted mountains and transformed ancient seabeds into lofty summits. Even today, California''s mountains continue to grow, shaped by the very same forces that built them. The story doesn''t end with the creation of these majestic landscapes. Water, in all its forms—rushing rivers, pounding surf, and even ancient glaciers—has played a crucial role in carving the iconic scenery we know and love. From serene lakes to rugged cliffs, these natural artists have sculpted California''s land over time, creating its stunning diversity. Perfect for geology enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone fascinated by the dynamic beauty of California, California Landscape: Origin and Evolution provides a rich and accessible look at the ongoing processes that continue to shape this ever-changing state. Dive into the forces of nature that made California what it is today—and what it may become tomorrow. This title was originally published in 1984. Discover the captivating story behind California''s breathtaking landscapes in California Landscape: Origin and Evolution. This engaging exploration unravels the powerful forces that have shaped the Golden State, from its towering mountains and dramatic co

Writing with verve and clarity, Mary Hill tells the story of the magnificent Sierra Nevada—the longest, highest, and most spectacular mountain range in the contiguous United States. Hill takes us from the time before the land which would be California even existed, through the days of roaring volcanoes, violent earthquakes, and chilling ice sheets, to the more recent history of the Sierra''s early explorers and the generations of adventuresome souls who followed. The author introduces the rocks of the Sierra Nevada, which tell the mountains'' tale, and explains how nature''s forces, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, faulting, erosion, and glaciation formed the range''s world-renowned scenery and mineral wealth, including gold. For thirty years, the first edition of Geology of the Sierra Nevada has been the definitive guide to the Sierra Nevada''s geological history for nature lovers, travelers, hikers, campers, and armchair explorers. This new edition offers new chapters and sidebars and incorporates the concept of plate tectonics throughout the text. * Written in easy-to-understand language for a wide audience. * Gives detailed information on where to view outstanding Sierra Nevada geology in some of the world''s most beloved natural treasures and national parks, including Yosemite. * Provides specific information on places to see glaciers and glacial deposits, caves, and exhibits of gold mines and mining equipment, many from Gold Rush times. * Superbly illustrated with 117 new color illustrations, 16 halftones, 39 line illustrations, and 12 maps, and also features an easy-to-use, interactive key for identifying rocks and a glossary of geological terms.

Writing with verve and clarity, Mary Hill tells the story of the magnificent Sierra Nevada - the longest, highest, and most spectacular mountain range in the contiguous United States. Hill takes us from the time before the land which would be California even existed, through the days of roaring volcanoes, violent earthquakes, and chilling ice sheets, to the more recent history of the Sierra's early explorers and the generations of adventuresome souls who followed. The author introduces the rocks of the Sierra Nevada, which tell the mountains' tale, and explains how nature's forces, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, faulting, erosion, and glaciation formed the range's world-renowned scenery and mineral wealth, including gold. For thirty years, the first edition of "Geology of the Sierra Nevada" has been the definitive guide to the Sierra Nevada's geological history for nature lovers, travelers, hikers, campers, and armchair explorers.This new edition offers new chapters and sidebars and incorporates the concept of plate tectonics throughout the text. It is written in easy-to-understand language for a wide audience.It gives detailed information on where to view outstanding Sierra Nevada geology in some of the world's most beloved natural treasures and national parks, including Yosemite. Provides specific information on places to see glaciers and glacial deposits, caves, and exhibits of gold mines and mining equipment, many from Gold Rush times. Superbly illustrated with 117 new color illustrations, 16 halftones, 39 line illustrations, and 12 maps, and also features an easy-to-use, interactive key for identifying rocks and a glossary of geological terms.

Discover the captivating story behind California''s breathtaking landscapes in California Landscape: Origin and Evolution. This engaging exploration unravels the powerful forces that have shaped the Golden State, from its towering mountains and dramatic coastlines to its deserts and valleys. California''s natural diversity is unparalleled—within its borders lies the highest peak and the lowest point in the contiguous U.S., the driest desert, and the wettest mountain. In this book, Mary Hill reveals how volcanoes, earthquakes, and the relentless movement of Earth''s tectonic plates have sculpted the land over millions of years. Learn how molten rock from deep within the Earth formed towering peaks, while the shifting of tectonic plates lifted mountains and transformed ancient seabeds into lofty summits. Even today, California''s mountains continue to grow, shaped by the very same forces that built them. The story doesn''t end with the creation of these majestic landscapes. Water, in all its forms—rushing rivers, pounding surf, and even ancient glaciers—has played a crucial role in carving the iconic scenery we know and love. From serene lakes to rugged cliffs, these natural artists have sculpted California''s land over time, creating its stunning diversity. Perfect for geology enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone fascinated by the dynamic beauty of California, California Landscape: Origin and Evolution provides a rich and accessible look at the ongoing processes that continue to shape this ever-changing state. Dive into the forces of nature that made California what it is today—and what it may become tomorrow. This title was originally published in 1984. Discover the captivating story behind California''s breathtaking landscapes in California Landscape: Origin and Evolution. This engaging exploration unravels the powerful forces that have shaped the Golden State, from its towering mountains and dramatic co

Writing with verve and clarity, Mary Hill tells the story of the magnificent Sierra Nevada—the longest, highest, and most spectacular mountain range in the contiguous United States. Hill takes us from the time before the land which would be California even existed, through the days of roaring volcanoes, violent earthquakes, and chilling ice sheets, to the more recent history of the Sierra''s early explorers and the generations of adventuresome souls who followed. The author introduces the rocks of the Sierra Nevada, which tell the mountains'' tale, and explains how nature''s forces, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, faulting, erosion, and glaciation formed the range''s world-renowned scenery and mineral wealth, including gold. For thirty years, the first edition of Geology of the Sierra Nevada has been the definitive guide to the Sierra Nevada''s geological history for nature lovers, travelers, hikers, campers, and armchair explorers. This new edition offers new chapters and sidebars and incorporates the concept of plate tectonics throughout the text. * Written in easy-to-understand language for a wide audience. * Gives detailed information on where to view outstanding Sierra Nevada geology in some of the world''s most beloved natural treasures and national parks, including Yosemite. * Provides specific information on places to see glaciers and glacial deposits, caves, and exhibits of gold mines and mining equipment, many from Gold Rush times. * Superbly illustrated with 117 new color illustrations, 16 halftones, 39 line illustrations, and 12 maps, and also features an easy-to-use, interactive key for identifying rocks and a glossary of geological terms.