Description
Book SynopsisThis is the story of the events that shaped the landscape of the Yellowstone Plateau and the Rockies. Offering a window into the dynamic processes within the earth's interior, it begins from events millions of years ago, and explains how the landscape was created by huge volcanoes and earthquakes.
Trade Review"Geologist Smith and science writer Siegel team up to tell the exciting story of how Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks came to be."--Bob Decker, former director of the U.S. Geological Surveys Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Professor Emeritus, Dartmouth College, and Barbara Decker, science writer "Good coverage of volcanism, tectonism, glaciation. Beautiful photos. Great field trip guides and references. Up to date."--Robert J. Carson, Whitman College "The photographs and diagrams are spectacular.Two interesting driving tours that cover both parks introduce readers to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country and are entertaining and informative. Windows Into The Earth bridges the gap between the highly technical analyses--of the Yellowstone hotspot, volcanism and active fault dynamics--and publications written for general audiences."--American Scientist "Windows represents the most contemporary and complete story of the geology and geophysics of Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. It will set a benchmark and should have a shelf life of geological proportions."--Jackson Hole NewsR "The book has more than 70 illustrations, including 52 in color. The final two chapters outline a driving tour of the parks to help visitors enjoy and understand the region's wonders. Smith and Siegel offer expert guidance through this awe-inspiring terrain."--Great Falls Tribune "The spectacular geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone are the world's best. They are in part the remains of a gigantic volcanic explosion 630,000 years ago that was a thousand times larger than the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens. They also portend future volcanic action in this beautiful wonderland. Geologist Smith and science writer Siegel team up to tell the exciting story of how Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks came to be."--Bob Decker, former director of the U.S. Geological Surveys Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Professor Emeritus, Dartmouth College, and Barbara Decker, science writer
Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. A Land of Scenery and Violence ; 2. In the Wake of the Yellowstone Hotspot ; 3. Cataclysm! The Hotspot Reaches Yellowstone ; 4. How Yellowstone Works ; 5. The Broken Earth: Why the Tetons are Grand ; 6. Ice Over Fire: Glaciers Carve the Landscape ; 7. Future Disasters ; 8. Grand Teton Tour ; 9. Yellowstone Tour ; References
