NORTH DAKOTA'S GEOLOGIC LEGACY Our Land and How It Formed

North Dakota's Geologic Legacy is a finalist in the Nature category for the 2016 Midwest Book Awards.

North Dakota's Geologic Legacy is the story of the landscape why it looks like it does and how it formed. The book is designed for the physical and the armchair traveler. Most of the features portrayed can be seen from the road. The shape of the land, the geologic materials, the processes that shaped them, the length of time involved in their formation all of these comprise a fascinating puzzle.
North Dakota has a split geologic personality: rugged, erosional badlands and buttes in the southwest, formed during tens of millions of years, juxtaposed with a much younger, rolling landscape shaped by glaciers to the east and north. Separating the two styles of geology is the Missouri River, itself unsure of its own geology, a combination of the young, the very old, and time in between. Geology's influence transcends the mere appearance of the land. It once helped people settling the state decide where to live. Now, early in the 21st century, geology s challenge is to help us wisely develop our vast mineral and energy resources and deal with climate change and other environmental issues.
More than 150 full color photographs, maps, and charts

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Ch. 1: Geologic Origins of North Dakota s Landforms

Ch. 2: The Missouri Plateau

Ch. 3: The Missouri River Valley

Ch. 4: The Glaciated Plains and the Missouri Coteau

Ch. 5: Other Geologic Features

Ch. 6: The Devils Lake Basin

Ch. 7: The Red River Valley

Ch. 8: the Effect of Geology on the Human Environment

Ch. 9: North Dakota s Energy Resources

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

Appendix A: Ice Age Chronology

Appendix B: Glossary

Notes

Sources and Recommended Reading

Compilation of Pertinent Resources

Index

John Bluemle's main geologic interest is North Dakota s landforms, but during his 42 years with the North Dakota Geological Survey, he researched all facets of North Dakota geology, including mineral resources, geomorphology, stratigraphy, climate change, and public outreach.
John served as state geologist and director of the North Dakota Geological Survey from 1990 until 2004, when he retired. He mapped the geology of 23 of North Dakota s 53 counties and authored or co-authored about 450 reports and maps, many of which were published in refereed technical journals. He has degrees in geology from Iowa State University (BS), Montana State University (MS), and The University of North Dakota (PhD).