Geology and Landscapes of America's National Parks

The US National Parks have been called 'America's Best Idea'. They also provide a beautiful and accessible set of examples around which to structure an introductory geology course, motivating students' curiosity about the science that explains the dramatic landscapes of our nation's unique protected lands. This book introduces core geologic concepts such as volcanism, mountain building, deep time, tectonics, sedimentation and glaciation using our beloved Parks as touchstones. Each chapter builds a broader narrative of how the country's geologic foundations were constructed through time, demonstrating the broader connections between national parks rather than viewing them as isolated entities.

“"The book is well written in a scientifically meaningful, but welcoming, conversational style. Any individual interested in visiting one of the Parks covered in the book will find they will be well prepared. The friendly style of reading will encourage students to get into the text, as willthe companion illustration set."--Christopher Fedo, University of Tennessee”

The book is well written in a scientifically meaningful, but welcoming, conversational style. Any individual interested in visiting one of the Parks covered in the book will find they will be well prepared. The friendly style of reading will encourage students to get into the text, as will the companion illustration set.Christopher Fedo, University of Tennessee
The descriptions are engaging and clear. Many paragraphs read as if you are right there on a field trip with the author.-Stephen O. Moshier, Wheaton College, Illinois
An engaging text illustrating geologic processes through the lens of our national parks.-Jeffrey Gee, University of California, San Diego

David Osleger (Ph.D. Virginia Polytechnic Institute) is a Professor at the University of California Davis. He was the recipient, in 2012, of the UC Davis Academic Senate Undergraduate Distinguished Teaching Award. In his research Dr. Osleger applies stratigraphy and sedimentology to paleoenvironments, paleoceanography, and paleolimnology.

The US National Parks have been called 'America's Best Idea'. They also provide a beautiful and accessible set of examples around which to structure an introductory geology course, motivating students' curiosity about the science that explains the dramatic landscapes of our nation's unique protected lands. This book introduces core geologic concepts such as volcanism, mountain building, deep time, tectonics, sedimentation and glaciation using our beloved Parks astouchstones. Each chapter builds a broader narrative of how the country's geologic foundations were constructed through time, demonstrating the broader connections between national parks rather than viewing them as isolated entities.

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