Fire Mountains Of The West

For general readers or seasoned geologists, Fire Mountains of the West begins with an introduction to volcanoes, the processes that create them, and the glaciers that sculpt them. The heart of the book is a fascinating biography of each of the major volcanoes of the Cascades and Mono Lake area. Dramatic photos and illuminating maps and diagrams illustrate the visible features and hidden activity of these volcanoes. From the subterranean lava tube caves of the Medicine Lake volcano to the fire-and-ice formation of Mount Garibaldi, from the cataclysmic collapse of Crater Lake to the incinerating blast of modern Mount St. Helens, and from deadly volcanic gas presently killing trees at Mammoth Mountain to massive mudflows waiting to burst from Mount Rainier, this book brings to life in dynamic, crystal-clear language the geologic story of our western mountainscape.

Volcanic eruptions have killed thousands of people and damaged homes, villages, infrastructure, subsistence gardens, and hunting and fishing grounds in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The central business district of a town was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the case of Rabaul in 1994. Volcanic disasters litter not only the recent written history of both countries—particularly Papua New Guinea—but are recorded in traditional stories as well. Furthermore, evidence for disastrous volcanic eruptions many times greater than any witnessed in historical times is to be found in the geological record. Volcanic risk is greater today than at any time previously because of larger, mainly sedentary populations on or near volcanoes in both countries. An attempt is made in this book to review what is known about past volcanic eruptions and disasters with a view to determining how best volcanic risk can be reduced today in this tectonically complex and volcanically threatening region.

This magesterial and thrilling history argues that the story of American mountaineering is the story of America itself. In Continental Divide, Maurice Isserman tells the history of American mountaineering through four centuries of landmark climbs and first ascents. Mountains were originally seen as obstacles to civilization; over time they came to be viewed as places of redemption and renewal. The White Mountains stirred the transcendentalists; the Rockies and Sierras pulled explorers westward toward Manifest Destiny; Yosemite inspired the early environmental conservationists. Climbing began in North America as a pursuit for lone eccentrics but grew to become a mass-participation sport. Beginning with Darby Field in 1642, the first person to climb a mountain in North America, Isserman describes the exploration and first ascents of the major American mountain ranges, from the Appalachians to Alaska. He also profiles the most important American mountaineers, including such figures as John C. Frémont, John Muir, Annie Peck, Bradford Washburn, Charlie Houston, and Bob Bates, relating their exploits both at home and abroad. Isserman traces the evolving social, cultural, and political roles mountains played in shaping the country. He describes how American mountaineers forged a "brotherhood of the rope," modeled on America’s unique democratic self-image that characterized climbing in the years leading up to and immediately following World War II. And he underscores the impact of the postwar "rucksack revolution," including the advances in technique and style made by pioneering "dirtbag" rock climbers. A magnificent, deeply researched history, Continental Divide tells a story of adventure and aspiration in the high peaks that makes a vivid case for the importance of mountains to American national identity.

A fascinating and accessible introduction to the principles of physical and historical geology. For the millions who visit them each year, U.S. national parklands offer a glittering spectacle of natural wonders. But beyond the spectacular scenery, these national treasures have a much bigger, more awe-inspiring tale to tell--a sprawling story of upheaval and transformation, involving forces and time-spans almost beyond imagining. The purpose of this book is to provide you with the knowledge you need to read and interpret that story, and to make visits to the parklands even more special. Requiring no prior familiarity with the geological sciences, this region-by-region exploration of the U.S. parklands teaches the principles of physical and historical geology by example. It begins with a general introduction to all important concepts, terms, and principles. In the chapters that follow, the authors take you on a tour through the geological regions of the United States. Beginning with Hawaii and the Pacific borderlands and moving progressively eastward to the Appalachian Mountains and the coastal plains of the East Coast, they provide you with a geologist's-eye view of the landforms, mountains, and bodies of water encountered in over 70 national parks and monuments, and tell the fascinating story of their evolution. Lavishly illustrated with nearly 300 stunning photographs and maps and featuring greatly expanded coverage of the geological story, history, and culture of U.S. parks and monuments, this new edition of Dr. David Harris's classic text is an ideal introduction to the principles of geology for students and nature enthusiasts alike.

Since its beginnings, Open Spaces has been on the cutting edge of thinking about the Pacific Northwest - an intelligent, provocative, beautifully conceived magazine for thoughtful readers who are searching for new ways to understand the region, themselves, and many of the major issues of our time. The Pacific Northwest is known for its innovative solutions. Whether the challenge is integration with the natural world, the relationship of science and policy, learning to use what we know, or simply enjoying a balanced and fulfilling life, these writers, leaders in their respective disciplines, provide the background necessary to understand the issues and move forward. This lasting collection from the magazine is an invaluable resource for students, educators, and practitioners working in various fields as well as decision makers in government, business, and other sectors looking for real-world answers to ongoing conflicts. Collectively, the writers in this volume apply their expertise and talent to provide an intelligent and informed context through which to see public issues and make sense of the changes that continue to shape the region and our world. Individually, they touch on our deepest sense of human experience and continuity and reflect the spirit of the Northwest. Open Spaces enlightens, challenges, and inspires. Featured writers:Bruce BabbittR. Peter BennerLinda BesantEmory BundyJeff CurtisBob DavisonSandra DorrAngus DuncanDavid James DuncanTom GrantStephen J. HarrisRoy HemmingwayThomas F. HornbeinWilliam KittredgeJane LubchencoKathleen Dean MooreLee C. NeffJames OpieDiarmuid F. O'ScannlainJarold RamseyRichard RapportEric RedmanWilliam D. RuckelshausRobert SackEdward W. SheetsScot SiegelKim StaffordJohn StruloeffAnn WareCharles Wilkinson For more information go to: http://www.open-spaces.com

Edgar Cayce, America's best documented psychic, gave upwards of 44 readings that dealt with lost continents, geophysical changes to Earth beginning 1958-1998, and a pole shift due to begin about now. In this book, geologist William Hutton and researcher Jonathan Eagle look for correspondences between results of geophysical research studies and psychic descriptions of prehistoric catastrophes. They also seek scientifically to test readings' predictions of catastrophic Earth changes, all the while investigating the following fascinating subjects: * Development and calibration of a comprehensive pole-shift model * The countries predicted to be most affected by a sudden, 1° pole shift. * The geologic trend for a mineralized gold vein at Bimini, Bahamas. * The authors' discoveries of correlations between: - a 2002 arctic earthquake and the eruption of torrid-area volcanoes, - the dropping of atom bombs in 1945 and a significant increase in sunspots following, and - the peaceable nature of Europe in 1645-1715 and the period's near total lack of sunspots. (Cayce readings implied or predicted all three phenomena.) * The first-ever analysis of the sources of Cayce's channeled readings, including a ranking of the veracity and reliability of the most important Earth changes and pole-shift readings. * Moralistic reasons for future catastrophic geophysical changes to Japan, China, and America. * Locations of post-pole-shift safety lands in Canada and America. * Locations of the records of the Atlantean civilization, to be found when Earth changes begin. * How to awaken to the New Cycle presently opening before humanity. * Evidence for Atlantis in the mid-Atlantic ridge area and for Lemuria (or Mu) in the Pacific. * The consuming religious war in which we find ourselves, and an answer to world conditions today. * Visions of an imminent Age-ending fire, as found in a Cayce reading, in a channeled book by Phylos the Tibetan, and in the 1960s visions of girls at Garabandal, Spain. * Doubtful interpretations of Earth-changes and pole-shift readings advanced by managers and writers of Cayce's legacy organization, the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. From the Foreword by the Editor: "The acid test of pole shift and other Earth change predictions is their scientific credibility. If true, momentous societal and political changes are imminent. The geopolitical map of the world will be redrawn. The authors are exploring the transition from the end of one Age to the beginning of another."

Details information about volcanoes found in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.

Here is an excellent opportunity to learn about the volcanic events and landforms of the American West while hiking ten trails through its most scenic mountains. Hikes in New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, California, Oregon and Washington reveal the fury of past events and demonstrate the power of volcanic activity today. In this book and on the trails, geology and archaeology intersect to tell a tale of landforms rising from the earth and the ancient people's struggle to persist and adapt. Geologists have died studying volcanic eruptions. Native Americans wrote gods into their history while watching fire burst from the ground. Hiking these mountains turns exercise into awe and respect for the energy still building under these massive ranges. The author explores the most interesting landforms, with some trails to summit craters and others through the innards of decapitated volcanoes still standing as high mountains. For more than thirty years Tom Prisciantelli has driven the roads and hiked the trails of the American West. In his first book, "Spirit of the American Southwest," he explored along hiking trails the geology of the Southwest and the arrival of the Native American's ancestors. From that exercise he was fascinated by a particular chapter in the geology lesson he learned on the road: that dealing with volcanoes. His research for this book took him along that path. The author and his wife live in a solar-powered adobe home in northern New Mexico, in full view and respect for one of the volcanoes about which this book was written.

* Explains the geologic natural history of the North Cascades * Appeals to hikers who are fascinated by the region, as well as amateur geologists * Authors are both geologists with the US Geological Survey Composed of everything from volcanic island arcs and deep ocean sediments, to parts of old continents and even pieces of the deep subcrustal mantle of the earth, Washington's North Cascade region is a true geologic mosaic. Here, authors Tabor and Haugerud reveal that the spectacular scenery of these mountains is matched by equally spectacular geology. Beginning with a summary of the geologic history of the North Cascades, the first section also offers the novice a primer on geologic terms and processes. The second section covers more than 150 accessible sites of geologic interest, arranged by reference to the rivers and streams of the range. Many new ideas about the rocks and geologic processes in the North Cascades are introduced, making this a must-read for those studying the region.

Building Plant Earth presents a description of Earth as a planet, commencing with its physical and chemical evolution out of the primordial solar nebula. The condensation of elements and their redistribution are described, leading into a section dealing with mapping, geophysical and geochemical studies. This establishes the gross structure of the Earth, following which basic principles and processes of plate tectonics are then described, leading to the elucidation of the working of geological cycles. The main thrust of the remainder of the book is a description of the geological evolution of the Earth. Volcanism and seismicity, ice ages and climate, isotopic techniques and age dating, are all treated. The impact of mass extinctions, global-warming and ozone holes are included. The book is illustrated profusely and closes with a number of useful appendices.

California has some of the most distinctive and unique geology in the United States. It is the only state with all three types of plate boundaries, an extraordinary history of earthquakes and volcanoes, and it has many rocks and minerals found nowhere else. The Golden State includes both the highest and lowest point in the continental US and practically every conceivable geological feature known. This book discusses not only the important geologic features of each region in California, but also the complex geologic four-dimensional puzzle of how California was assembled, beginning over 2 billion years ago. The author provides up-to-date and authoritative review of the geology and geomorphology of each geologic province, as well as recent revelations of tectonic history of California’s past. There are separate chapters on some of California’s distinctive geologic resources, including gold, oil, water, coastlines, and fossils. An introductory section describes basic rock and mineral types and fundamental aspects of plate tectonics, so that students and other readers can make sense of the bizarre, wild, and crazy jigsaw puzzle that is California's geological history.

A compendium of information and trivia about Mount Ranier and the surrounding national park, with fun facts and statistics in sections on early exploration, the human and natural history of the area, the park service, colorful characters, Indian tribes, park facilities, glaciers, landmarks, events, spiritual aspects, trails, roads, wildlife, activities, and volcanology. Includes b&w photos and maps. c. Book News Inc.

In The Measure of a Mountain, Seattle writer Bruce Barcott sets out to know Rainier. His method is exploratory, meandering, personal. He begins by encircling it, first by car then on foot. He finds that the mountain is a complex of moss-bearded hemlocks and old-growth firs, high meadows that blossom according to a precise natural timeclock, sheets of crumbling pumice, fractured glaciers, and unsteady magma. Its snow fields bristle with bug life, and its marmots chew rocks to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Rainier rumbles with seismic twitches and jerks—some one-hundred-thirty earthquakes annually. The nightmare among geologists is the unstoppable wall of mud that will come rolling down its slopes when a hunk of mountain falls off, as it does every half century (and we’re fifty years overdue). Rainier is both an obsession and a temple that attracts its own passionate acolytes: scientists, priests, rangers, and mountain guides. Rainier is also a monument to death: every year someone manages just to disappear on its flanks; imperiled climbers and their rescuers perish on glaciers; a planeload of Marines remains lodged in ice since they crashed into the mountain in 1946. Referred to by locals as simply "the mountain," it is the single largest feature of the Pacific Northwest landscape—provided it isn’t hidden in clouds. Visible or not, though, it’s presence is undeniable.

In the final volume of this epic fantasy, good is pitted against evil when the worshipers of the God of Light battle the servants of Eternal Night for the future of Thrull.