DigeeBooks

The incredible story of the creation of a continent—our continent— from the acclaimed author of The Last Volcano and Mask of the Sun.The immense scale of geologic time is difficult to comprehend. Our lives—and the entirety of human history—are mere nanoseconds on this timescale.  Yet we hugely influenced by the land we live on.  From shales and fossil fuels, from lake beds to soil composition, from elevation to fault lines, what could be more relevant that the history of the ground beneath our feet? For most of modern history, geologists could say little more about why mountains grew than the obvious: there were forces acting inside the Earth that caused mountains to rise.  But what were those forces?  And why did they act in some places of the planet and not at others?  When the theory of plate tectonics was proposed, our concept of how the Earth worked experienced a momentous shift.  As the Andes continue to rise, the Atlantic Ocean steadily widens, and Honolulu creeps ever closer to Tokyo, this seemingly imperceptible creep of the Earth is revealed in the landscape all around us.  But tectonics cannot—and do not—explain everything about the wonders of the North American landscape.  What about the Black Hills? Or the walls of chalk that stand amongst the rolling hills of west Kansas? Or the fact that the states of Washington and Oregon are slowly rotating clockwise, and there a diamond mine in Arizona? It all points to the geologic secrets hidden inside the 2-billion-year-old-continental masses.  A whopping ten times older than the rocky floors of the ocean, continents hold the clues to the long history of our planet. With a sprightly narrative that vividly brings this science to life, John Dvorak's How the Mountains Grew will fill readers with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the land we live on.

Unveiling the Geological Tapestry of North America: A Journey through "How the Mountains Grew"

Embark on an extraordinary expedition into the captivating world of North America's geological history with John Dvorak's remarkable book, "How the Mountains Grew." This comprehensive narrative delves into the forces that have shaped the continent's diverse landscapes, unveiling the intricate interplay between plate tectonics, volcanic eruptions, and the relentless passage of time.

Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Dvorak paints a picture of a dynamic and ever-changing continent, where mountains rise and fall, oceans advance and recede, and the Earth's crust undergoes constant transformation. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the vast expanse of the Great Plains, each chapter unveils a new chapter in the geological saga of North America.

Discover the secrets behind the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, the result of a titanic collision between two ancient continents. Witness the cataclysmic volcanic eruptions that birthed the Columbia Plateau, leaving behind a legacy of awe-inspiring lava flows. Delve into the mysteries of the Great Lakes, remnants of a colossal ice sheet that once covered much of the continent.

"How the Mountains Grew" is not merely a chronicle of geological events; it is a testament to the enduring power of nature and the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. Dvorak weaves together scientific Erkenntnisse with personal anecdotes and stunning visuals, creating a narrative that is both informative and deeply inspiring.

Whether you are a seasoned geologist, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone fascinated by the world around us, "How the Mountains Grew" offers a captivating journey through the geological tapestry of North America. Prepare to be amazed, enlightened, and humbled as you witness the grandeur and complexity of our planet's history.