Guidebook to the Geology of Northern & Western Idaho & Surrounding Area. (Illus.). 156p. 1989. pap. 24.00 (ISBN 1-55765-027-6). Idaho Geol. Survey Pr. With this book those with a smattering of geology enjoy at their leisure, in easy-to-follow road logs, self-directed educational tours from the comfort of their cars. The book consists of nine field trips in Idaho & adjoining parts of Oregon & Washington. Articles cover late Cenozoic lake environments, the Idaho batholith & accreted terranes, tectonic & sedimentary sequences, & the Coeur d'Alene mining district. For those interested in other parts of Idaho, a companion volume includes broad areas of the rest of the state. Guidebook to the Geology of Central & Southern Idaho (Illus. 319p. 1988. pap. 35.00 ISBN 1-55765-026-8) contains 21 road logs describing the geology of central Idaho, the Snake River Plain, & southwest Montana in addition to the Paleozoic stratigraphy, economic geology, & Quaternary geology on this extensive region. Both guidebooks provide long-awaited summaries of the current geologic knowledge of the state. Another book of interest to serious students of geology is the Cenozoic Geology of Idaho (Illus. 725p. 1982. pap. 39.00 ISBN 1-55765-025-X).

The geologic history of the Pacific Northwest is as unique as the region itself. Created via tectonic plate movements and accretionary events, the original terranes were subsequently covered by sedimentary layers, ash, lavas, and glacial debris. These processes, begun millions of years ago, continue to affect the area, as seen in the eruption of Mount St. Helens and catastrophic Japanese tsunamis created by earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest. Understanding of the regions geology has led to new insight in volcanic eruption prediction, disaster preparedness, the environmental effects of mining, and urban development as it relates to geologic hazards. The Orrs detailed and informative writing style appeals to those with geologic training as well as beginners with an interest in the region. Each chapter covers a specific subregion, allowing for maximum flexibility both in the classroom and for the casual reader. The authors central theme that continental plate tectonics are the fundamental processes of Northwest geologic history permeates throughout the book.