Geologic History of Utah: A Field Guide to Utah's Rocks

By: Lehi F. Hintze and Bart J. Kowallis

This book is a thoroughly revised edition of the most widely utilized resource on the geology of Utah, now featuring enhanced color illustrations. It serves as a valuable supplement to the published geologic maps of Utah (Hintze, 1980, 1997, 2000) by providing a third dimension—thickness—to the various map units whose areal extents are displayed on these maps. Furthermore, it explores how these map units connect to Earth's plate tectonic system.

Since the publication of the first edition, significant new insights into Utah's geologic past have emerged. This updated version incorporates advancements in our understanding of plate tectonics, details about Precambrian rocks, the timeline and concepts surrounding volcanic activity over the past 30 million years, the history of Lake Bonneville in the last 30,000 years, and the activity of the Wasatch Fault within the past 5,000 years. Additionally, several new stratigraphic charts have been included.

Though primarily directed at students of geology, this book will also be beneficial to professional geologists working in Utah, who will find the stratigraphic and correlation charts particularly useful. Others with an interest in geology will undoubtedly find the expansive history of Utah’s geology intriguing.

We also take a moment to express our deep sense of loss upon the passing of Dr. Lehi F. Hintze on July 1, 2014, at the age of 93.

Other Information:
1st edition published January 2009
Reprinted 2017
2nd Edition, substantially revised 2021
Pages: 266