Roadside Geology of Massachusetts by James W. Skehan, Mountain Press,
Missoula, Montana, $20, ISBN 0878424296
ROAD builders do their part for geology by cutting through hills, exposing
layers of rock that would otherwise be hidden from view. Mountain Press’s
Roadside Geology series expands on the idea by mapping interesting sites on and
along regional highways. It started in the western US, but the 23 volumes in the
series now cover states from Washington to Maine, and Louisiana to Arizona.
Like other volumes I’ve seen, the Massachusetts book explains the state’s
history, beginning with the plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions that built
the bedrock, and closing with the glacial retreat that shaped the surface. The
heart of the book is a guide to interesting sites along, or near, major roads.
Retired Boston College geologist James Skehan nicely covers the small state’s
varied terrain. His tours of the rural western part of the state range through
glacial lake deposits to abundant exposures of the granite bedrock.
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Almost every two-page spread has at least one photo, two-colour map or other
illustration to help you find your way and understand what you see. No 350-page
book can completely cover even a compact state like Massachusetts. Skehan nicely
covers all the high points. Great fun for the traveller interested in geology or
the landscape.