Living with Thunder: Exploring the Geologic Past, Present, and Future of the Pacific Northwest

"In geology, the present is the key to the past. And the past is also a touchstone of the future. We would do well to heed the stories the stones have to tell." --from the Introduction

Updated throughout, this second edition of Living with Thunder provides readers with a robust introduction to the geological history of the Pacific Northwest--a landscape born of thunderous volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and island-continent collisions. By combining engaging science writing with stunning color photographs, Ellen Morris Bishop presents an up-to-date geologic survey of Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and western Idaho. Whether examining new findings about the Yellowstone hotspot's rampage across Oregon, an updated history of Cascadia earthquakes, Mount Hood's 1793-1795 eruptions, the arrival of Indigenous peoples at least 18,000 years ago, or how Pacific Northwest eruptions and tectonics influenced past climate changes, Bishop's gift as a scientist and storyteller engages general readers, geological nonspecialists, and students of the Earth sciences, alike.

Highlighting the Northwest's exceptional record of past climate changes and the implications for our future, the book outlines new understandings about the climatic consequences of major geologic events and their dramatic influences on ecosystems and ancient life. It also examines the confluence of scientific findings with Native American experience, stories, and traditional knowledge of earthquakes, eruptions, and more. With new illustrations, enhanced maps, the latest geologic timescale, and an extensive list of updated references and recommended readings, Living with Thunder offers a key to understanding the Northwest's unique, long-term geologic heritage by giving voice to the rocks and their histories.

Author: Ellen Morris Bishop
Publisher: Oregon State University Press
Published: 10/28/2025
Pages: 312
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.98lbs
Size: 9.90h x 7.00w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781962645409

About the Author
Ellen Morris Bishop is the author of several books, including the award-winning In Search of Ancient Oregon: A Geological and Natural History. Connecting the public with the stories of geology--including past climates and ecosystems, geologic processes, and geologic landscapes--is an important part of her work. She serves as the conservation representative on the Oregon Department of Forestry's Independent Science and Research Team and lives on the southern flank of the Wallowa Mountains near Halfway, Oregon.