Scenic Geology Of The Pacific Northwest

The geologic history of the Pacific Northwest is as unique as the region itself. Completely reorganized and revised, the Third Edition of Geology of the Pacific Northwest brings the area’s volcanism, earthquakes, tsunamis, and geologic environmental issues into sharp focus. William and Elizabeth Orr provide a singular perspective and explore the Pacific Northwest writ large, including Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and northern California. Descriptive and detailed photographs of the formations and terranes of each subregion are included, along with color plates that illuminate and expose the fundamental processes that shaped Pacific Northwest geology. The text reveals the geological origins, geographic features, phenomena, and natural resources of areas throughout the region. As urban development continues to expand in the tectonically active Pacific Northwest, environmental concerns and geologic hazards will grow more and more important. The authors’ central theme that continental plate tectonics are the fundamental processes of Northwest geologic history leads to deeper understanding of the region’s geology and new insights in volcanic eruption prediction, disaster preparedness, and the environmental effects of mining.

"This volume contains guides for 34 geological field trips offered in conjunction with the October 2009 GSA Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon. Showcasing the region's geological diversity, the peer-reviewed papers included here span topics ranging from accreted terrains and mantle plumes to volcanoes, floods, and vineyard terroir. Locations visited throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho encompass Astoria to Zillah. More than just a series of maps, the accompanying descriptions, observations, and conclusions offer new insights to the geologic processes and history of the Pacific Northwest - insights that will inspire readers to put their boots on the evidence as they develop their own understanding of this remarkable and dynamic corner of the world."--Publisher's description.

The geologic history of the Pacific Northwest is as unique as the region itself. Completely reorganized and revised, the Third Edition of Geology in the Pacific Northwest brings the area's volcanism, earthquakes, tsunamis, and geologic environmental issues pinto sharp focus. William and Elizabeth Orr provide a singular perspective and explore the Pacific Northwest writ large, including Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and northern California. Descriptive and detailed photographs of the formations and terranes of each subregion are included, along with color plates that illuminate and expose the fundamental processes that shaped Pacific Northwest geology. The text reveals the geological origins, geographic features, phenomena, and natural resources of areas throughout the region.As urban development continues to expand in the tectonically active Pacific Northwest, environmental concerns and geologic hazards will grow more and more important. The authors' central theme that continental plate tectonics are the fundamental processes of Northwest geologic history leads to deeper understanding of the region's geology and new insights in volcanic eruption prediction, disaster preparedness, and the environmental effects of mining.

The Columbia River Gorge in Wash. State is one of the most majestic and unique areas in the world. Here the Columbia River carved out the only sea-level break through the Cascade range on its way to the Pacific Ocean. With the Cascades towering as high as 4,000 feet on either side of the river, one finds an everchanging panorama from lush Douglas-fir forests, craggy stands of pine and oaks, majestic stone-faced cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, to windswept plateaus and semi-arid conditions. This illustrated document brings together information on its history, geology, ecology, natural resources, fisheries, and mgmt. issues.