Geological Evolution of the Colorado Plateau of Eastern Utah and Western Colorado

by Robert Fillmore

Robert Fillmore’s clear, easy-to-read text documents spectacular features of the eastern Colorado Plateau, one of the most interesting and scenic geologic regions in the world. The area covered in detail stretches from the Book Cliffs to the deep canyons of the San Juan River area. The events that shaped this vast region are clearly described and include the most recent interpretations of ongoing geologic forces. The book also includes mile-by-mile road logs with explanations of the various features for most of the scenic roads in the region, including Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the Natural Bridges area.

Genres: Geology, Science, Nonfiction

524 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2011

Reviews

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title indicates, this describes the geologic evolution of the eastern part of the Colorado Plateau. The book begins with an overview of the science of geology (uniformitarianism, the rock cycle, rocks and minerals, faunal succession and evolution, and deep time) and then proceeds to move through the stratigraphy of the region from oldest exposed rocks to the youngest sediments.

Each chapter chapter covers a major time division and describes the tectonic settings, the rock units and their depositional environments, and the geologic structure. Paleogeographic reconstructions are presented for most of the rock units. The books also includes many color plates showing the locations and rock units described in the text. There are also nine road logs for field trips.

I really enjoyed reading this. It really informed me of the geologic story of one of my favorite places on Earth. In many ways, it was like a refresher course from my undergraduate days taking petrology and stratigraphy classes at Wazzu.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the geology of the region around Moab, Utah. It would be an excellent addition to a geologic history class at the undergraduate level or a geology of the National Parks course centering around Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

[Robert Banghart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book opens with excellent introduction to geology followed by an in-depth review of the geology of the Colorado Plateau. I live in Utah and plan to follow each of the road logs at the end of the books

[Tim Wilder]

The Colorado Plateau is complex enough that this book can provide a good introduction to geology. Not only that, but much of it is in plain view if you want to drive over and look at it.

[Aidan Peairs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great walkthrough of all the rocks, it’ll be useful as a field guide in the future

[Dave Schey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice summary of the geology of the eastern Colorado Plateau (one of my favorite places). It is well written, and I highly recommend it if you are interested in geology and plan to spend any time in this area. All geologic concepts are well explained. Very little knowledge of geology is required.

[Lorraine Weis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of geology background material, and goes through each of the relevant layers and the processes that formed them. The road guides combine interesting history tidbits and detailed descriptions of what you can see.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

The great uplift of the Colorado Plateau has been a part of our history for many millions of years. The most difficult part of this book is trying to imagine the scope of time.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Now I want to take a road trip and use the road guides in the back of the book!