Roadside Geology of Montana

Montana can be a rough rugged place. This book shows it in a much more user friendly light Have purchased a number of books in this series. All were very useful. Whether a student of geology [i am] or just someone who enjoys an enhancement to a trip. This is a wonderful travel companion.

This is a great book in the Roadside Geology series. If you are even remotely curious about the story of why the road cut you just drove though looks the way it does and what all those different colored rocks are, then this is your book! You do not need to have a geology degree to understand what Mr. Alt writes about----the book is written for the layman. But that does not mean that it is light reading. This is one of those books you keep getting more and more out of. To truly understand the book (and the geology of Montana) you need to have this book with you as you are driving. Do what I did: when you see something interesting, pull over (safely, of course) and read what Mr. Alt has to say about what you are looking at. By using this method, you will really begin to understand the geology of Montana. Also, if you are a rock hound, this is a great book to use to help you round out your rock collection. By using this book, you can be certain of what you are collecting and how old it is. The illustrations are also very helpful, as are the maps. My only quibble is that there are not enough illustrations (this is why it is not five stars). A nice set of color photos of rocks would be a great addition! Anyway, if you are looking for a book to help you understand what your are looking at during that long (and it is long) drive through Montana, here you go! Just make sure you don't miss the Beartooth Highway! Enjoy!

In this guide, you will learn why underground coal fires have played a prominent role in shaping the surface topography and nature of the overlying strata in parts of eastern Montana. You will learn why widespread dryland farming in the early 20th century often caused devistating salinization of the soil. Filled with numerous photos and illustrations, the past and present of Montana's geology is at your fingertips. From the sedimentation, coal formation and general uplift of eastern and central Montana, to the dominant influence of tectonic and igneous events in the western region, to the recent effects of glaciation in the northern regions, Alt and Hyndman provide you with a detailed description and explanation.

The saga of Glacial Lake Missoula was so gripping I had to buy Roadside Geology of Washington to see how it came out! Alt and Hyndman are the best authors I've found in this series. While you're at it, don't miss Alt's "Glacial Lake Missoula and Its Humongous Floods."

Great little book. I've read it until the covers have fallen off, and it's still a bigger story than I can adequately understand. I'm afraid we live in a very complex state. Dr. Alt's book is exactly the thing to carry around in car while one travels. I only wish it was 20 times longer, bigger - with more pictures. Once in a conversation with Dr. Alt he promised me that in the newer additions of his book would be naked pictures of the geologists - but that hasn't shown up yet. It's perhaps for the best. Great book.