Roadside Geology of Alaska

by Cathy Connor

The biggest US state is full of superlatives. Denali, the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet, is still rising, pushed upward as a tectonic plate collides from the south. The collision has also created huge mountains along Alaska�s Gulf Coast, where humid coastal air has produced the largest subpolar icefield in North America. The exceptional heights of Alaska�s mountains are mirrored below sea level by the 22,377-foot-deep trench of the active subduction zone along Alaska�s southern shore. Earthquakes associated with the subduction zone shake Alaskans frequently, and the magnitude 9.2 earthquake in 1964, with its epicenter in Prince William Sound, was one of the largest seismic events ever recorded.
Such an active geologic setting calls for an updated edition of this popular roadside geology guide. Since the first edition was published in 1988, volcanoes have erupted, faults have ruptured, glaciers have retreated, permafrost has thawed, and geologic interpretations have changed. Author Cathy Connor discusses the latest findings as she guides readers along the roads of Alaska and adjacent parts of British Columbia and the Yukon. In addition to roads and national parks, the book covers the �boatside geology� of Alaska, including the fjords of southeast Alaska, islands in the Bering Sea, and the Tatshenshini River. Roadside Geology of Alaska is a must-have for any Alaska rock enthusiast.

Genres: Science, Geology, History

328 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2014

Reviews

[Aayla]

Only read the Dalton Highway section but this kept me entertained until tires exploded and coolant leaked!

[Haley Boron]

This book reinforces that Alaska is the coolest state in the Union.

[Dr. Gary H. Kramer]

The book is a lovely production, clean white pages and excellent colour photos throughout.

The geology is detailed for each area being discussed with excellent maps explaining the complex geology of each area. The text summarizes the Rick types, their ages and origins and in some cases gives detailed directions on where to find the examples.

For anyone interested in the complex and diverse geology of Alaska this book is an essential part of that library. It will serve as a long-term reference work.

In addition to the geology of each area there is also brief historical narratives to put a perspective on the area. For example, the 1964 earthquake, the Exxon Valdez, the Lituya super tsunami.

[Travis Williams]

Having lived in AK most of my life and getting my degree from UAF in Geology, this book has been a companion for many years. I've used it on hikes, drives, flights, in my boat, etc. it has led me to many interesting sites and has always proved accurate. A great reference.

[Pratik Khare]

The northernmost U.S. state features extremes of climate, geology, and human settlements, all intersecting in as chaotic a manner as imaginable. From the coastal towns of Southeast Alaska to the fragmented Aleutian isles with their fragile faults, Alaska is a tapestry of rugged mountains, expansive polar ice fields, and crisscrossing rivers, all shaped by powerful, invisible, subterranean forces. The interior, featuring an even harsher climate with permafrost and glacial mountains, gives way to Arctic Alaska, a region so extreme that it has several months of darkness at a time. Nonetheless, this unfriendly terrain is dotted with human settlements, a true testament to human will and resilience.

Roadside Geology of Alaska takes us on a tour, first through time, as we learn the history of Earth's geography and geology, and then through Alaska's various terranes. No, Alaska is not just one big block of ice but is composed of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, both old (formed as early as the Proterozoic Eon) and new. It features lush green vegetation, sand dunes, steep bluffs, North America's tallest peak, and of course several intersecting rivers and glacial fjords.

The fragile fault lines and incessant tectonic plate collisions have given rise to numerous earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and glacial or mountain slides. Being a rich storehouse of resources, however, humans have interacted with Alaska for several thousand years. The Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th century and, more recently, the discovery of oil at the Prudhoe Bay oilfield sparked mass migration followed by indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources, leading to inevitable anthropogenic disasters.

This book makes geology a fun read and touches upon a diverse range of topics, including the many national parks in Alaska, which I found most interesting. A fun way to learn about something completely out of one's comfort zone, Roadside Geology of Alaska makes geology a subject to look forward to reading more about.

[Bcoghill Coghill]

As we travel about my home state of Alaska I enjoy reading paragraphs to my sweetie. It makes us feel that we understand our state so much better knowing 12 million years of history.

[Vanjr]

I love this series of books as a total non-geologist

[JMitch]

Fantastic geology book about the things you see as you drive by. I used this when I travelled in AK, have scanned it during Nick Zentner Alaska series (online), very helpful. If you are interested in Geology I highly recommend this book for your trip to Alaska.

[Jules]

Fun book to skim through while on holiday in Alaska, had a lot of really interesting details and ways to see in person and for yourself the geologic principles the book talks about.