Geology and Landscape Evolution: General Principles Applied to the United States, Third Edition is an accessible text that balances interdisciplinary theory and applications within the physical geography, geology, geomorphology and climatology of the United States. The vast diversity of terrain and landscape across the United States makes this an ideal tool for geoscientists worldwide who research the country's geological and landscape evolution. The book provides an explanation of how landscape forms and how it evolves. This edition is fully updated with 3 additional sections: Geologic and Tectonic Processes and Provinces; Surface Processes and Provinces; and Compressional Mountain Systems. Rather than limiting the coverage specifically to tectonics or to the origin and evolution of rocks with little regard for the actual landscape beyond general desert, river, and glacial features, this book concentrates specifically on the origin of the landscape itself, with specific and exhaustive references and examples from across the United States. The book goes on to apply those concepts to specific examples throughout the United States, making it a valuable resource for understanding theoretical geological concepts through a practical lens.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Landscape Evolution PART 1 COMPONENTS, FORCING AGENTS, AND MECHANISMS 2. Component: Rock/Sediment Type 3. Component: Structural Form 4. Forcing Agent: The Tectonic System 5. Forcing Agent: The Climate System 6. Forcing Agent: Isostasy 7. Forcing Agent: Sea Level Change 8. Mechanisms That Impart Change to Landscape PART II REGIONAL LANDSCAPE, GEOLOGY, AND TECTONICS 9. Physiographic Regions and Provinces 10. River Systems 11. Glaciated Landscape 12. Tectonic Setting and Distribution of Rock 13. Rock Successions and Tectonic Provinces 14. Active Geology 15. Structural Provinces PART III LANDSCAPE AND GEOLOGY OF STRUCTURAL PROVINCES 16. Paths To Landscape Evolution 17. Nearly Flat-Lying Sedimentary Layers 18. Crystalline-Cored Mid-Continent Anticlines and Domes 19. Foreland Deformation Belts 20. Hinterland Deformation Belts 21. Young Volcanic Rocks of the Cordillera 22. Normal Fault Systems 23. Cascade Volcanic Arc System 24. California Strike-Slip System PART IV MOUNTAIN BUILDING 25. Early Theories on The Origin of Mountain Belts 26. Keys to the Interpretation of Geological History 27. Growth and Gravitational Collapse of a Convergent Orogen 28. The Appalachian Orogen
