Parks and Plates: The Geology of Our National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores

Many of our national parks, monuments, and seashores were established because of their inspiring geological features. The geysers of Yellowstone, the volcanoes of Hawaii, and the granite peaks of Yosemite bear witness to the "national park idea" as one of our country's greatest contributions to society. Parks and Plates explains the fascinating geological processes that formed the mountain ranges, volcanoes, shorelines, and other dramatic landscapes of America's national treasures.

Robert J. Lillie, a gifted teacher and expert on park geology, takes a unique approach to the subject. By structuring each section of Parks and Plates around major geological features, Lillie highlights geologic patterns across many different parks. He explains these fascinating landforms using examples from over 100 park sites to introduce and illustrate plate tectonics, a simple yet eloquent way to visualize geological processes. Lavishly illustrated throughout with full color photographs, diagrams, and maps, Parks and Plates will enrich the National Park experience for curious travelers and armchair explorers alike. 336 full-color illustrations.