Colliding Continents: A Geological Exploration of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Tibet - Hardcover

Searle, Mike

4.27

26 ratings by Goodreads

9780199653003: Colliding Continents: A Geological Exploration of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Tibet

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0199653003 ISBN 13: 9780199653003

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2013

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The Himalaya is the greatest mountain range on Earth: the highest, longest, youngest, the most tectonically active, and the most spectacular of all. Unimaginable geological forces created these spectacular peaks. Indeed, the crash of the Indian plate into Asia is the biggest known collision in geological history, giving birth to the Himalaya and Karakoram, one of the most remote and savage places on Earth.

In this beautifully illustrated book, featuring spectacular color photographs throughout, one of the most experienced field geologists of our time presents a rich account of the geological forces that were involved in creating these monumental ranges. Over three decades, Mike Searle has transformed our understanding of this vast region. To gather his vital geological evidence, he has had to deploy his superb skills as a mountaineer, spending weeks at time in remote and dangerous locations. Searle weaves his own first-hand tales of discovery with an engaging explanation of the processes that formed these impressive peaks. His narrative roughly follows his career, from his early studies in the north west Himalaya of Ladakh, Zanskar and Kashmir, through several expeditions to the Karakoram ranges (including climbs on K2, Masherbrum, and the Trango Towers, and the crossing of Snow Lake, the world's largest ice cap outside polar regions), to his later explorations around Everest, Makalu, Sikkim and in Tibet and South East Asia. The book offers a fascinating first-hand account of a major geologist at work-the arduous labor, the eureka moments, and the days of sheer beauty, such as his trek to Kathmandu, over seven days through magnificent rhododendron forests ablaze in pinks, reds and white and through patches of bamboo jungle with hanging mosses.

Filled with satellite images, aerial views, and the author's own photographs of expeditions, Colliding Continents offers a vivid account of the origins and present state of the greatest mountain range on Earth.

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About the Author:

Mike Searle is Professor of Earth Sciences at Oxford University. He has worked for the last 30 years on the geology of the Himalaya, Karakoram, Tibet, and Southeast Asia, combining geological field investigations with mountaineering expeditions to the greater ranges. He is the author of Geology and Tectonics of the Karakoram Mountains and has co-edited four books for the Geological Society of London. He has also starred on two TV series: BBC's Earth Story and the History Channel's How the Earth was Made.

Review:

An intimate anatomy of the greatest mountain range in the planet, revealed by a geologist who has walked, scrambled and climbed over virtually every inch of it. * Iain Stewart, Geologist and Broadcaster * This is a wonderful record of Mike Searles 30 year geological explorations of the high mountains of Asia. He writes as clearly and concisely as he talks, always making huge geological dramas intelligible and interesting to the layman as well as to the expert. Whether you view the Himalaya and Karakoram as a giant exercise bar or a place for spiritual renewal, you will find this geological history of the high mountains of Asia absolutely fascinating. * Doug Scott, Climber and Amateur Geologist * There's something here to please anyone on the geology spectrum: the student wanting to understand how the fundamentals are applied; the academic intrigued by the science; the climber dreaming of virgin territory. All can learn from the master in this excellent book. * Simon Cook, Oman Daily Observer * All can learn from the master in this excellent book. * Jonathan Wright, Geographical * Entertaining and informative, Colliding Continents is an easy read which should appeal to anyone with even a little interest in geology. * Danny Yee, dannyreviews.com *

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