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Details: I went on a trip out West and found this book very useful. The organization of the material is outstanding, so that it's perfect for people who know a little or a lot about geology. The first section of the book covered basic introductory geology information. The book then covered the three provinces that make up Arizona. Each section covered the geology to be seen on specific highways, such as Interstate 40 as it goes from Flagstaff to Winslow in the Colorado Plateau Province. There are also geological bedrock maps included with the aforementioned highway section. Geological descriptions of the national parks in this state provided a better understanding of what the traveller is observing. I am also the proud owner of the Roadside Geology books for Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, and Utah. Non of these have let me down, and as my collection grows so will the number of stars for outstanding ratings. A big thanks goes out to the authors of these fabulous books! Your dedicated work is much appreciated! |
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Details: Yesterday I threw my "Roadside Geology of Arizona" away -- for the third time. Like the two copies before them, my latest had lasted about five years in my truck's door pocket, and it had gotten to the point that there was simply more duct tape holding the book together than there was paper, and at least four pages had disappeared. That's the way it is with any book by Halka Chronic. The folks who buy them, use them -- and usually use them up. I have had three "Arizona", two each "Colorado" and "New Mexico" and am on my third "Utah" Roadside series. I would no more drive somewhere without these books than I would without five gallons of water in the Southwest desert summers. The first chapter or two of all these books is a Geology 101 of the State -- including terms, an historical timeline, and discussion of the latest geological theories that have any bearing at all on the landforms you will see from your car or truck as you drive across the state. Then coomes the good part -- a series of chapters with exciting names like "Route 60; Globe to Mesa". As you drive, your companion reads the book, keyed to mile-markers, freeway exit ramps, small towns, etc. Every rill, dike, escarpment -- even the various colored rocks you see as you ride through the roadcuts on the freeway -- are explained. Follow the highways in the book, and you're and expert on Arizona geology. But it's never that simple, of course. Soon you're taking your friends and relatives from out of town through those same trips, showing them the beauties of your state that Halka Chronic helps make come alive. Out comes the book again and again, and finally it begins to fall apart from sheer, joyous use. That's why I threw away my third "Roadside Geology of Arizona" yesterday. But don't worry, I already bought my fourth copy -- and I'm sure I'll buy my fifth in another five years or so. |
out of 5 Reviews
