The tale of the Northwest's geology began more than two billion years ago when an ancient continent split, creating oceanfront property in what is now western Idaho. Pacific islands mashed into that coastline, making large parts of Washington and Oregon. These events were followed by monstrous volcanic eruptions, catastrophic ice age floods, and mountains rising to an accompaniment of earthquakes. "This book is worth having . . . [it] provides answers for anyone who has wondered why the beautiful, diverse place we live in looks the way it does" --Jeff Baker, Oregonian David Alt was a geology professor at the University of Montana in Missoula. Dedicated to bringing geology to the general public, he cofounded the popular Roadside Geology series. He wrote a number of books in the series with coauthor Donald Hyndman, and helps edit others. Dave Alt passed away in 2015, but his love of geology and wry humor lives on in the many books he authored. Donald W. Hyndman is dedicated to bringing geology to the general public, and cofounded the popular Roadside Geology series. He has written a number of the series titles with coauthor David Alt, and helps edit others. Hyndman is retired from teaching geology at the University of Montana in Missoula. Paperback with scene of the landscape, rivers, and sky, 443 pages