People living on the West Coast of the U.S. learn a little about geology in a tangible way: through earthquakes or the Mt. St. Helens volcanic eruption. In Tacoma the Washington State History Museum has well imagined exhibits that bring this sometimes esoteric discipline to life.
In addition to wall photography that illustrates geologic eras and events, there’s a video map display that graphically illustrates the dynamic forces that formed the lands and mountains we know in Washington State. The map progresses through eras showing joining of drifting plates, volcanic eruptions, ice flows, and the tilting of the plate that created the Olympic Mountain range. Fascinating stuff!
This exhibit impressed us so much we brought home a new book on Washington geology and later purchased a second one on the recommendation of a friend.
I think geology is a fascinating, how the earth is constantly changing.
One of my favorite college courses was geology. You will learn a great deal from the books you purchased after seeing these illustrations that you photographed so well.
Museums in general fascinate me… I’d really enjoy this place.
What a wonderful display – I am simply fascinated with Washington geology, and amazed at the boulders, rocks and mountains – seems Washington is mostly one huge rock. If you ever get over to Dry Falls in eastern WA you must go to the Interpretive Center – it has maps and descriptions of the gigantic falls and how it was formed and why it is now dry – it is bigger than Niagra Falls – fantastic views – we hope to go back next summer. All of eastern WA is fascinating – from the Palouse to the Basalt pillars. Which books did you buy?