This book gracefully ties the glaciated eastern half of the state, where artesian wells flow with water that fell as precipitation in the Black Hills, with the arid western half, where sedimentary layers contain fossilized sea creatures.

FROM THE BACK COVER: South Dakota fills the landscape with geologic diversity, from the glaciated rolling prairies in the east, across the Missouri River, and west to the rugged Badlands Wall and granitic domes of the Black Hills. Written for the layperson and amply illustrated with photographs, maps, and diagrams, this book describes and interprets the rocks and landforms visible along the state's highways and the geology that lies hidden beneath prairie sod and in caves and mine shafts. Included are geologic tours of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and many other points of interest.