Gorges History: Landscapes and Geology of the Finger Lakes Region

Gorges History: Landscapes and Geology of the Finger Lakes Region

Former Cornell Professor Arthur Bloom takes the reader on an exploration of the unique landscape of the Finger Lakes Region—a combination of deep lakes, numerous waterfalls, unusual hills, salt deposits, and gorges—that holds a fascination for both its residents and the thousands of annual visitors who make upper New York State a destination each year.

Here the geological history of this “gorges” landscape is told by Cornell University master teacher Art Bloom (1928 - 2017), who introduced generations of students and curious individuals of all ages to the story behind the region’s beautiful scenery, its glacial history, and its world-class examples of many landforms: drumlins, through valleys, bedrock-cut channels, and more. The first five chapters provide overviews of the regional geology, as well as important terms and concepts. Gorges History concludes with a series of site-specific descriptions of places in the area that you can visit to learn even more. Most of the illustrations, photographs, and maps published in the book may be viewed and downloaded here.