The Blue Mountains: Exploring landscapes shaped by the underlying rocks, uplift and erosion

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Peter Hatherly Ian Brown

The Blue Mountains

Exploring landscapes shaped by the underlying rocks, uplift and erosion

Peter Hatherly, Ian Brown

$75

Hardback

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English

01 August 2022

Mathematics & Sciences; Earth sciences

ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- The landscapes of the Blue Mountains display many geological features readily apparent to the trained eye, and this splendidly illustrated book will show the interested general reader what underpins the views. The authors are geologists, ecologists and keen bushwalkers with a deep knowledge of the Blue Mountains. Although some basic knowledge of geology is assumed, the explanations are clear and well supported by fine photographs, maps and three-dimensional representations. Processes of erosion and weathering on the geology are described in the first part. The second part shows the relationship between landscapes and flora and fauna, and indigenous habitation. In the last section the authors walk you through the landscapes of the region, pointing out much of geologic interest and providing explanations of what you are seeing. This is a very fine production, and will be appreciated by anyone who wants to understand more of the fascinating geology, landscapes and nature of the mountains. Lindy

Have you ever wondered how the Blue Mountains came to be? Or pondered on what shaped the fabulous views? This book explains all this and more.

As Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW Chief Scientist and Megalong resident, said: “Here is something exhilarating and inspiring for every Blue Mountains lover…a new way of understanding and participating in the history of this beautiful landscape”. Tara Cameron Past President of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society added, “looking at the view becomes a richer experience after reading this beautiful book. By explaining the geological formation of the landscapes and how these affect the development of the various plant and animal communities, the authors help readers gain a greater appreciation of the Blue Mountains… A great contribution and resource for residents, visitors and lovers of the mountains alike”.

This book is aimed at the general reader and is lavishly illustrated with photographs, explanatory diagrams and original maps based on airborne LiDAR surveys. The illustrations help readers understand the geological processes and locations within the mountains, both familiar and unfamiliar.

It starts with the geological history of the Blue Mountains and an explanation of the relevant land-shaping processes. This is followed by chapters on how the rocks and landscape influence the ecology and traditional Aboriginal life.

The second half of the book is a comprehensive guide to all the main landscapes of the Blue Mountains, from the south in the Bindook Highlands and Kanangra Walls, through to the central areas including Katoomba and Blackheath, to the lower Blue Mountains, and finally to the Wolgan and Capertee valleys in the north. Views from roadsides, lookouts and many popular walking tracks are explained.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Peter Hatherly

With BSc and PhD degrees in geophysics, Peter has had a career in research, academia and consulting. As a keen bushwalker and resident of Sydney for most of his life, he is also familiar with most places in the Blue Mountains and what makes them tick, geologically. With regards to the Blue Mountains, he is the author and co-author of three papers on their geological evolution published by the Geological Society of Australia in the Australian Journal of Earth Sciences.

Geological interpretation is not a common genre in Australia. Peter hopes that the book fills a void and provides an accessible and refreshing explanation of the much-loved Blue Mountains.

Ian Brown

Ian developed a commitment to conservation at university and studied geomorphology and ecology, followed by a twenty-year career as a national park ranger and senior manager, mostly in the Blue Mountains. He then moved into private practice, consulting in protected area management and natural heritage interpretation (signage, publications, etc) while pursuing his photographic and writing interests as well as voluntary environmental work. He has been bushwalking and climbing since his teens, and has lived in the Blue Mountains with his family for nearly four decades.

With an abiding interest in landscape, this book is a major step in Ian’s almost lifelong habit of encouraging the appreciation and protection of the Greater Blue Mountains and the wider natural world.

By: Peter Hatherly, Ian Brown
ISBN: 9780975098936
ISBN 10: 0975098934
Publication Date: 01 August 2022
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active