Advice on Geology book for Big Bend/Texas and comments

[optique]

Does anyone have a good suggestion for a geology book on Big Bend (and Texas)? For the beginner adult level.

I have two books now:
1. Big Bend Vistas, A Geological Exploration of the Big Bend
2. Roadside Geology of Texas

I would like a third book preferably with lot of pics, and/or drawings, showing, for instance, Big bend faults/folds/grebens, etc.

I made the mistake of buying the first book on about my last day there. I read some, then discovered a whole new dimension to the park. To me, the book is not for the beginner, though the author says it is, but I guess I am growing into it. The book has many good color pics, and if the glossary was better, and if the intro chapter was longer with more examples and drawings, it could be a great book for BiBe. On the way out of the Park, I stopped south of Marthon and picked up some Novaculite, which is almost black and very hard. This is the stuff that knife sharpening stones are made from, nearly all from Arkansas. Speaking of Marathon, what an interesting place for Geology.

I borrowed the second book from my Dad. It is much more novice friendly but of course is diluted by non-BiBe content. As soon as I got it, I took a trip as described on page 241, from ft worth south on 377 (Granbury, Glen Rose, Dino Valley State Park). I stopped in Glen Rose first, to see Glen Rose Limestone, which is full of fossils, then on up to a roadcut near Cresson, but I am not sure if I am identifying the three limestones mentioned: Duck Creek, Kiamichi, and Comanche Peak) See what I came up with: http://www.pbase.com/stevep/ntexas I don't know why the photos look bad!

Now if I had a book like "Roadside Geology of Big Bend", I would be in geology heaven.

My beginner mind is shocked at the complexity of the geological events that shaped Big Bend!

This is getting longer than I intended, so I'll stop!

Thanks in advance.
Steve.

[okiehiker]

I still love Ross Maxwell's book, "Big Bend of the Rio Grande, A Guide to the Rocks, Landscape, Geologic History, and Settlers of the Area of Big Bend National Park."  Published by the University of Texas and the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, 1968.  It has a huge geologic map of the park which I still love to carry with me when I am doing long trips.  He was not a great writer and I may love it just because he was a good friend.  But the map alone is worth the price.   

[jim2]

there is book called the roadside geology of big bend . now out of print . i have tried amazon and ebay but can't find another copy . i left my copy lay and was never able to retreive it .i purchased my copy through the big bend bookstore online. perhaps if we generate enough interest they will reprint it . i think it was a park service publication? very handy little book ,great glossary, i used it's glossary while reading big bend vistas . jim2

[RichardM]

there is book called the roadside geology of big bend . now out of print . i have tried amazon and ebay but can't find another copy . i left my copy lay and was never able to retreive it .i purchased my copy through the big bend bookstore online. perhaps if we generate enough interest they will reprint it . i think it was a park service publication? very handy little book ,great glossary, i used it's glossary while reading big bend vistas . jim2

I seem to recall my wife getting my Dad that book back in 2000.  He probably still has it somewhere....

[Hoodoo]

I still love Ross Maxwell's book, "Big Bend of the Rio Grande, A Guide to the Rocks, Landscape, Geologic History, and Settlers of the Area of Big Bend National Park."  Published by the University of Texas and the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, 1968.  It has a huge geologic map of the park which I still love to carry with me when I am doing long trips.  He was not a great writer and I may love it just because he was a good friend.  But the map alone is worth the price.   

I enjoyed this one also. Here is a link to it online at the nps/bibe website.
"Big Bend of the Rio Grande".

A link to other "Historic Research/Resource Reports"

[chisos_muse]

While I would agree that Ross Maxwell's book is wonderful, I have been told by the park geologist and other rangers that some of the information in it may be inaccurate and/or dated. Also, the interpretive display for Goat Mountain has been changed from it's original theory of how it was formed. I do agree that the map included is wonderful and still recommended by the park staff.

I would suggest calling the fine folks at BBNHA to get the best recommendation. 432-477-2236 Sometimes things get busy and new items aren't put on the website immediately either.

Perhaps Mr. Viper could throw his 2 cents in on this one?