Over the Coasts: An Aerial View of Geology

Geologist, photographer, author and pilot Collier presents a third volume of aerial photography (following Over the Mountains and Over the Rivers), this time examining coastal processes: how waves interact with promontories, dunes, sand spits, barrier islands and human constructions. Collier describes basic wave behavior-how they're generated, how they move-as well as more unfamiliar phenomena like active and passive plate margins in his initial overview. The next section is regional, featuring the Gulf of Mexico, the Southern and Northern Atlantic, the Great Lakes, the Pacific and Alaska, explaining how these coastlines' formation affected the resulting landforms. Collier then looks at the human footprint: expensive beach houses built on impermanent barrier islands, artificial islands formed by dredging, hazardous runoff from industrial and residential development, and damaging recreational implements like dune buggies. Coastal wetlands make a familiar (dis)appearance; many have been lost forever to negligence and development, just as their enormous importance becomes clear. Spot maps, a continental overview map, and a helpful glossary are all included, as well as a short reading list worth pursuing should this beautiful, informative volume intrigue.