The granite landscape : a history of America's mountain domes, from Acadia to Yosemite

cover image

Where to find it

Davis Library (8th floor)

Call Number
QH104 .W47 2001
Status
Available

Authors, etc.

Names:

Summary

This fascinating new book focuses on a rare and dramatic landscape: the granite summit balds of North American mountains. Tom Wessels synthesizes history, geology, biology, and personal narrative to enhance our understanding and appreciation of these high, wild places. He explores the unique and fragile ecosystem that is common to exposed granite expanses from Acadia to Yosemitehow it evolved slowly over millennia, and how it is threatened today by foot traffic and overuse. Wessels' dramatic photographs and Brian Cohen's beautifully detailed illustrations bring the denizens of the granite bald to life. The mountains they celebrate include: Acadia National Park in Maine; the White Mountains of New Hampshire; the Adirondacks of New York; the Wind Rivers of Wyoming; the Beartooths of Montana; the Enchantments of Washington; and Yosemite National Park in California. 18 black & white photographs, 30 illustrations, 1 map, glossary, index.

Contents

  • Acknowledgments p. 9
  • Introduction: Black Mountain p. 11
  • Part 1 The Making of Granite Domes
  • Chapter 1 Origins of Granite p. 21
  • Chapter 2 Sculpted by Glaciers p. 33
  • Chapter 3 Graced with Lichen and Moss p. 49
  • Chapter 4 Exposed by Fire and Ice p. 65
  • Part 2 America's Granite Mountains
  • Chapter 5 Acadia: Land of Fire and Fog p. 77
  • Chapter 6 The Whites and Adirondacks: Fragile Summits p. 93
  • Chapter 7 The Wind Rivers: Temples of Stone p. 111
  • Chapter 8 The Beartooths: Alpine Gardens p. 129
  • Chapter 9 The Enchantments: Land of Contrasts p. 143
  • Chapter 10 Yosemite: Range of Light p. 157
  • Part 3 Appendixes
  • Appendix A Geological Time Line p. 173
  • Appendix B List of Plants p. 175
  • Glossary p. 181
  • Selected Bibliography p. 189
  • Index p. 191

Other details