The Western San Juan Mountains their geology, ecology, and human history / managing editor, Rob Blair ; technical editors, Tom Ann Casey, William H. Romme, Richard N. Ellis.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Blair, Rob, 1943-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ecology--San Juan Mountains (Colo. and N.M.).

Ecology.

Geology--San Juan Mountains (Colo. and N.M.).

Geology.

San Juan Mountains (Colo. and N.M.)--History.

San Juan Mountains (Colo. and N.M.).

San Juan Mountains (Colo. and N.M.)--Description and travel.

San Juan Skyway (Colo.)--Guidebooks.

San Juan Skyway (Colo.).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (423 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Manufacture:

Baltimore, Md. : Project MUSE, 2012

Place of Publication:

Niwot, Colo. : Fort Lewis College Foundation, 1996.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The San Juan Skyway winds its way up, over, and through canyons, mesas, plateaus, mountains, plains, and valleys. The sheer variety of landforms makes the Skyway a veritable classroom for the amateur naturalist and historian. The most complete work published on the natural history of southwest Colorado's majestic mountain system, The Western San Juan Mountains: Their Geology, Ecology, and Human History is designed to be used while exploring the scenic 235-mile paved San Juan Skyway, which passes through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Dolores, and Cortez. The Western San Juan Mountains covers the physical environment, the biological communities, the human history, and points of interest represented on milepost signs along the highway. Some of the many topics covered include: how the San Juan Mountains were formed; why the landscape is so rugged and picturesque; why the vegetation changes from the lowlands to the alpine heights; energy and mineral resources of the area; why these mountains intrigued early explorers; factors that influence the unpredictable weather; and the first-known inhabitants. The contributions to this guide include Fort Lewis College geologists, biologists, archaeologists, historians, and other specialists. Together they have amassed more than one hundred years of study based not only on previous work but on their own research. This generously illustrated guidebook is aimed at all those who wish to understand this intricate mountain system in much greater detail than provided by most picture books.

Contents:

Origin of landscapes / Rob Blair

Paleotectonic history / Douglas C. Brew

Precambrian rocks / Jack A. Ellingson

Paleozoic history / John A. Campbell

Mesozoic and early Cenozoic history / Jack Campbell and Doug Brew

Volcanic rocks / Jack A. Ellingson

Ore deposits and minerals / Scott Fetchenhier

Energy resources / T.L. Britt and J.M. Hornbeck

Weather and climate / Richard A. Keen

Ecological patterns / Albert W. Spencer and William H. Romme

Biotic communities of the semiarid foothills and valleys / Lisa Floyd-Hanna, Albert W. Spencer and William H. Romme

Biotic communities of the cool mountains / David W. Jamieson, William H. Romme and Preston Somers

Wetlands, riparian habitats, and rivers / Preston Somers and Lisa Floyd-Hanna

The foragers of the forest / Philip Duke

The Anasazi : prehistoric farmers / Gary Matlock

The Spanish / Richard N. Ellis

The Utes / Richard N. Ellis

The miners : they builded better than they knew / Duane Smith

Points of interest along the San Juan Skyway / Rob Blair and Preston Somers

Points of interest along the Durango-to-Silverton narrow-gauge railroad / Rob Blair

Points of interest along the Alpine Loop / Barb Byron.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781607321316

1607321319

9780585025025

0585025029

OCLC:

912317891