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Roadside Geology Series #30
Roadside Geology of Florida
Walt Disney World, the moon landing, shark attacks: these are things the average person readily associates with Florida, but geology? Not so much.
Roadside Geology of Florida is fixing to change that. From the panhandle through the Central Lakes District all the way to the Dry Tortugas, authors Bryan, Scott, and Means lead you through a world of cavernous limestone, roiling springheads, and rock strata containing the remains of some of the strangest animals that ever walked the Earth. The latest in this one-of-a-kind series, the Roadside Geology of Florida is divided into five regions, following Florida's roads to its geological wonders.
Along the roads you'll encounter a sinkhole that swallowed several buildings in Winter Park; sand dunes stranded high and dry with no shoreline in sight; and Titanis walleri, a 6-foot-tall, predatory flightless bird. With its concise descriptions, clearly written explanations, and voluminous color photographs and illustrations, this book will enthrall readers as they tour the Sunshine State, which, by the way, is the most recent addition to the North American continent.
Roadside Geology of Florida is fixing to change that. From the panhandle through the Central Lakes District all the way to the Dry Tortugas, authors Bryan, Scott, and Means lead you through a world of cavernous limestone, roiling springheads, and rock strata containing the remains of some of the strangest animals that ever walked the Earth. The latest in this one-of-a-kind series, the Roadside Geology of Florida is divided into five regions, following Florida's roads to its geological wonders.
Along the roads you'll encounter a sinkhole that swallowed several buildings in Winter Park; sand dunes stranded high and dry with no shoreline in sight; and Titanis walleri, a 6-foot-tall, predatory flightless bird. With its concise descriptions, clearly written explanations, and voluminous color photographs and illustrations, this book will enthrall readers as they tour the Sunshine State, which, by the way, is the most recent addition to the North American continent.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 16, 2026
This is certainly an unusual book in the "Roadside Geology" series, but I think it works well.
The "Roadside Geology" series works under the premise that roadcuts expose all sorts of neat geology, if only you could pull over, step out, and take a look. This premise doesn't work in Florida, where there's virtually no hills and where the surface rock is all limestone anyway.
Rather than say "No roadcuts, go home everyone" and conclude the book on Page 1, the authors went in a slightly different direction. They instead direct people to state parks, museums, and public lands, and explain the cool geological features there. I think this is an excellent modification for the state of Forida, and it helps us appreciate the public lands and what they contain in terms of fossils, archaeology, and cool karstic landscapes.
The writing is clear, you will learn about all sorts of cool places to visit, and there is SO much information on distinguishing different types of carbonate rocks.
The "Roadside Geology" series works under the premise that roadcuts expose all sorts of neat geology, if only you could pull over, step out, and take a look. This premise doesn't work in Florida, where there's virtually no hills and where the surface rock is all limestone anyway.
Rather than say "No roadcuts, go home everyone" and conclude the book on Page 1, the authors went in a slightly different direction. They instead direct people to state parks, museums, and public lands, and explain the cool geological features there. I think this is an excellent modification for the state of Forida, and it helps us appreciate the public lands and what they contain in terms of fossils, archaeology, and cool karstic landscapes.
The writing is clear, you will learn about all sorts of cool places to visit, and there is SO much information on distinguishing different types of carbonate rocks.
November 13, 2012
ROADSIDE GEOLOGY OF FLORIDA is one of 35 books in the 'Roadside Geology' series. Loaded with fun facts, it is an outstanding book to read if you want to learn about the state. Or take with you on a day-trip with the family. Or for high schoolers or college kids to write papers. Or for writers to access when using Florida as a setting. The reasons are numerous.
If you have lived in Florida for any length of time you know we live in an awesome state. Divided into five sections, the book covers what each area of land was like millions of years ago until the present day. Not only will you learn about geology but why many of our visitors' attractions began.
Packed with great pictures and interesting bits of information, the authors took the time to make learning about Florida exciting. Two of the three authors lived here all their lives and the third moved here when he was six. My guess is that you have more than 100 years of exploration between the three men.
So whether you are a parent looking to take your kids exploring, a teacher trying to excite your students with fun facts, a landscaper trying to figure out what you just dug up on your job or anyone looking for a pleasant afternoon read, take the opportunity to enjoy ROADSIDE GEOLOGY OF FLORIDA. You will be glad you invested your time.
If you have lived in Florida for any length of time you know we live in an awesome state. Divided into five sections, the book covers what each area of land was like millions of years ago until the present day. Not only will you learn about geology but why many of our visitors' attractions began.
Packed with great pictures and interesting bits of information, the authors took the time to make learning about Florida exciting. Two of the three authors lived here all their lives and the third moved here when he was six. My guess is that you have more than 100 years of exploration between the three men.
So whether you are a parent looking to take your kids exploring, a teacher trying to excite your students with fun facts, a landscaper trying to figure out what you just dug up on your job or anyone looking for a pleasant afternoon read, take the opportunity to enjoy ROADSIDE GEOLOGY OF FLORIDA. You will be glad you invested your time.
May 11, 2012
I am a little bias, as my husband is a co-author and I was present at some photographic parts of this book. It is a great stop and seek out guide!
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September 24, 2014Jonathan R. Bryan (B.S. '84) and Thomas M. Scott (Ph.D. '86)
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews