California Rocks!: A Guide To Geologic Sites in the Golden State

by Katherine Baylor

Californians live on the edge . . . of a tectonic plate, that is. In this geologically tenuous location, where a tsunami, earthquake, or volcanic eruption is just another hazard, the rocks and landforms are dynamic too. From erupting geysers and boiling mud pots to collapsing sea arches and crawling landslides, California is a land in motion. In fact, rocks on the west side of the San Andreas Fault have moved northward nearly 200 miles in the last 20 million years.
With lively prose and beautiful photographs, California Rocks! explores sixty-five geologic sites at parks and other publicly accessible places. Learn why so many saber-toothed cats were preserved in La Brea Tar Pits, how hollow tubes formed in the flowing lava of Lava Beds National Monument, and what forms the big waves at Mavericks surf break.

Genres: Geology

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2010

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book as a reference, in case I want to find specific rocks from California's geologic landscape. It looks servicable.

[Joyce]

This is the perfect book to take along during summer camping jaunts and local daytrips, especially to California state parks. It will add interest to your hikes to learn a little about the specific rocks you pass by. I have to confess I was sort of dumbfounded how many very interesting geological formations I hike through on a regular basis and yet know next to nothing about. You aren't going to learn much about the bigger picture forces that created California -- see John McPhee's "Assembling California" for that -- but you'll have more fun outdoors. Good photos and easy text make it suitable for kids.

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is perfect for quick jaunts. There are 65 sites, each of which has 1 page with a 2-3 paragraph description, photos of major features, and a map if it is relevant. I would definitely take this with me, or at least review it before I visit these places.

[YL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely organized, good pictures, succinct descriptions, not too much special terminology.

[jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief survey of California visitworthy geologic sites. Nothing special to recommend.