Book Review – Geological Journeys

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

LeonDude

Bachelor Dog
Joined
Sep 26, 2007
Messages
10,278
Reaction score
300
Location
Gauteng - Centurion
Bike
Suzuki DR650
Book Review – Geological Journeys
A traveller's guide to South Africa's rocks and landforms
By Nick Norman and Gavin Whitfield

ISBN 978 – 1 – 11007 – 062 – 2

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to enjoy and appreciate a book like this. Written for the laymen, it explains all the terms that are used in the book.

The book takes in all the main highways in South Africa, and takes you on a hitherto unprecedented journey through South Africa. It highlights not the Fauna and Flora, but rather the geological aspects of the country.
We ride over these wonders with our motorbikes on every trip that we do, but this book will give you the insight of what you are riding over. It explains why Barberton is as spectacular as it is. It explains our country in terms of the last 3500 million years. Where needed, it takes a side journey into places like the cape fold mountains with the fantastic Meiringspoort and Swartberg pass and tells of how these mountains were created. In Golden Gate the authors explain about ancient swamps, great desserts and outpourings of lava on a truly continental scale that created the Drakensberg mountains.
From east to west and from north to south, this book will give you a great insight into the country in which you live, and through which we love riding.

Before starting on the highways, the book gives a thorough overview of the ancient processes that formed our country, and explains how certain types of rocks are formed.

Although the book takes in mainly the highways, it is not difficult to see how you can use the book to understand the geography of the country even off the beaten track where we travel. In fact, where we travel the context of the book becomes even more valuable. 
If you have ever marveled at the mountains, great plains and mineral riches of South Africa, this book is for you.
It is, indeed, a fantastic book to read.
(And a great big thanks to Cave Girl for introducing me to the book!)


 
Top