Abstract
California Geology by Deborah Harden is a clearly written and abundantly illustrated college textbook. In the preface, she states “This book is intended to acquaint … students with the basic geologic history of California and to cover those topics that do interest non-geologists.” As a California Professional Geologist and consultant formerly practicing in the state, I think the author meets this goal and much more. The book is divided into three parts. Part I, chapters 1 through 4, consists of the basic principles of geology. Part II, “Geologic Highlights of California,” contains chapters 5 through 17 and is the heart of the book. Part III, “California Geology: An Integrated View,” consists of chapters 18 and 19, which provide a summary and treat geologic hazards and resources. In the following paragraphs of this review, select chapters will be highlighted. Chapter 8 is entitled “The Sierra Nevada: Granite, Gold, and Glaciers.” This chapter lives up to its name; it includes excellent explanations for the origin of the Sierra Nevada Batholith (in the context of plate tectonics) and its overlying roof pendants, a detailed discussion of the Sierran gold deposits, both lode and placer, and a presentation of glaciers with fine illustrations and photos of glacial landforms. Boxed essays in the chapter include, among others, “Caves of the Sierra Nevada,” “the Discovery of Gold by James Marshall in 1848,” “Earth's climatic cycles in relation to glaciers,” and “Lake Tahoe.” A concise summary provides the reasons for the location of the batholith: a subduction zone was present west of the current position of granitic rocks; the zone was oriented parallel to today's California coast; subduction was active along the length of California during Mesozoic time; and the subducted plate melted …
Published Version
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