Overview

The science of the Earth in all its splendor. Over the Rivers is the second volume in the exciting Aerial View of Geology series (the first was the highly praised Over the Mountains). As as a geologist, one of America's premier aerial photographers and a gifted science writer, Michael Collier is exceptionally well qualified to present these spectacular landscapes and stunning aerial photographs that vividly demonstrate geological processes. Vivid text and clear captions guide readers through the exciting photographs, enhancing their understanding of fundamental geological processes. Collier explores, for example: How a 6,000-foot-deep canyon was carved out by the erosive power of a single river How violent tectonic forces millions of years ago vaulted a river over a mountain Why one river takes its time meandering, another suddenly drops over a cliff, and a third slowly separates into a sprawling delta. Over the Rivers inspires as it informs, and dazzles as it enlightens.

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9781931414210

Table of Contents

Reviews

From [Collier] flows this instructive, beautiful work that combines his passions for aviation, geology, photography, and rivers....very descriptive and instructive...Recommended. -- R. E. Kelly IV, Hutchinson Community College Choice (06/01/2009)

Stunning photographs in this large and memorable book illustrate the geological dynamics of many rivers in the continental U.S.... The organization and detail make it an ideal source from which to structure students' observations... Inspired by the many photos of landforms sculpted by water, readers will be motivated to learn more from the text, a map of continental U.S. landforms, and diagrams.-- (01/01/2009) Get into Michael Collier's little Cessna 180 and discover what he sees in this remarkable photo collection. These aerial views provide brief, intimate and unique glimpses of rivers. Collier, a science writer and geologist, also provides insightful captions that describe the geological processes of how rivers work.-- (12/01/2008) This book contains stunning photographs illustrating the geological dynamics of many rivers in the continental United States... This would be a great text for an Earth science classroom to enhance the study of weathering, erosion, and depositions in the development of landscapes sculpted by running water.-- (03/01/2009) Altitude allows [Collier] a broad perspective on drainage basins, sometimes from mountain to sea. He brings his knowledge and experience with rivers to the reader in this beautiful, large-format book of brilliant color photos.... Collier's writing is clear, friendly--and even humorous in imagining tectonic plates careening and crashing. Photos have been skillfully retouched to emphasize the geology and mute the marks of civilization. Buildings disappear, but roads lend scale and orientation. Drama and clarity in the photos are due to a blend of knowledge and the patience to wait for the right lighting--when shadows sculpt the land.-- (02/01/2009) Collier combines a keen photographer's eye with his background as a geologist, science writer, and oarsman on the Grand Canyon to deliver this well-rounded, informative book. The vast aerial views of North American Rivers make Over the Rivers worthy to rest on a fine mahogany coffee table, but the explanations of the science behind the beauty make this hardbound worth lugging on the bus.-- (10/01/2008) Collier, a structural geologist and award-winning author/photographer of other geological books and articles... acknowledges, Rivers run in my blood. From him flows this instructive, beautiful work that combines his passions for aviation, geology, photography, and rivers. The photography commands center stage, making it easy to overlook a very descriptive and instructive text that pleasantly wanders and meanders, not unlike its subject matter.... The work explores how rivers shape landscapes and how landscape shape rivers, and it touches briefly upon humanity's long, loving, and sometimes troubled relationship with rivers. ...The introductory Waiting to Row and concluding A Sense of Moving Waters chapters provide a personal sense of welcome and goodbye... Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, lower-division undergraduates, two-year technical program students, and professionals.-- (06/01/2009)

Author Information

Michael Collier has written 14 books on geological themes. In 2005, the American Geological Institute honored his work with its prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of Geosciences Award. An exhibition of Michael Collier's aerial views of geology will be held at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (September 13, 2008-March 1, 2009) and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (March 15-August 1, 2009).

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