Looking not only at the geology but at the history and cultural influences that shaped the city of Oakland, geoscience writer Andrew Alden displays his fascination with science and his attachment to the area. Situated on the Hayward Fault, the area has been modified through the ages as tectonic forces have forced shifts in the land masses leading to the lovely Oakland Hills and its amazing assortment of rocks. Yet the Fault may still shift and lead to further changes. And then there is the aqueous gem known as Lake Merritt, named for an earlier Mayor in the 1800s. It actually is the arm of the bay and reflects its tidal fluctuations. Discover how this inland body of water suffered abuses in past ages, but is currently restored as part of a city park. Read how once upon a time, winds blew glacial sands to this site resulting in fertile soil eventually allowing Oak trees to dominate its surface. Follow the history of the Ohlone Indians, displaced by the Spanish, then the Mexicans, followed by the European immigrants and their impact on this environment. The meticulous pen and ink illustrations drawn by Laura Cunningham vitally complement the written descriptions. This book should appeal to geologists and especially to the local reader familiar with the Oakland area who can trace the described geological sites and recall its history through this excellent guide.
