Roadside Geology of New Mexico: An In-Depth Look at a New Book

Buckle up, geology enthusiasts and road trip aficionados! The Land of Enchantment just got a whole lot more enchanting with the recent release of “Roadside Geology of New Mexico” by local geologist and author, Magdalena Sandoval Donahue. This highly anticipated book, hitting the shelves in early 2024, promises to be the ultimate guide to understanding the fascinating geological formations that make New Mexico a sight to behold.

Magdalena Sandoval Donahue: A Los Alamos Native’s Journey into Geology

Born and raised in the heart of Los Alamos, Donahue’s path to becoming a geologist was as serendipitous as it was inspiring. It all began with a summer gig at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Okay, maybe not all glamour and groundbreaking discoveries, but it was there, amidst the beakers and scientific jargon, that a spark ignited. You see, her BFF’s dad, a bona fide geologist, shared his passion for rocks, minerals, and the Earth’s epic history. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good rock story, am I right?

Fueled by this newfound passion, Donahue decided to pursue a geology degree – alongside her art major, because why not embrace both sides of the brain? She then went on to earn her master’s and, eventually, her PhD in Earth & Planetary Sciences from the University of New Mexico. Talk about a rockstar! (Pun intended, of course.)

But her journey didn’t stop there. In true overachiever fashion, Donahue added “published author” to her already impressive resume. Her first book, “Colorado Rocks! A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Centennial State,” hit the shelves in 2021 after a professor, recognizing her talent and passion, recommended her for the project. Talk about a big break!

“Roadside Geology of New Mexico”: A Collaborative Effort

Now, let’s talk about her latest masterpiece, “Roadside Geology of New Mexico.” This isn’t just any ordinary geology book; it’s a collaborative labor of love, a true testament to the power of teamwork (and maybe a few late-night Zoom calls). This second edition breathes new life into the original, penned by Lucy Chronic’s mother, by incorporating the latest scientific discoveries and expanding on the existing content.

Donahue took the reins as lead writer from Chronic, collaborating with both Chronic and illustrator Chelsea Feeney to create this geological masterpiece. And get this, they pulled it off while living in different states! Talk about dedication. The project, six years in the making, showcases Donahue’s previous publishing experience and highlights the team’s remarkable ability to work together seamlessly, even from afar.

Exploring New Mexico’s Diverse Geology Mile by Mile

So, what makes “Roadside Geology of New Mexico” so special? Well, for starters, it’s not your average, sleep-inducing textbook. Think of it as your trusty road trip companion, a geological GPS guiding you through New Mexico’s diverse landscapes mile by mile. Whether you’re a seasoned geologist or just starting to appreciate the wonders beneath our feet, this book makes understanding the state’s complex geology easy peasy.

Donahue and her team have a knack for explaining even the most complicated geological concepts in a way that even your non-sciencey friends can understand (no offense to your non-sciencey friends, of course). Their goal? To make learning about the composition and formation of New Mexico’s unique landscapes fun and accessible for everyone!

New Mexico: A Geologist’s Paradise

Now, you might be thinking, “Why New Mexico?” Well, my friend, New Mexico isn’t just a haven for chile lovers and hot air balloon enthusiasts; it’s a geologist’s paradise! Donahue, a true daughter of the desert, knew that her home state, with its exposed and insanely diverse geology, would be the perfect subject for her next book. And trust me, she wasn’t wrong! We’re talking about a state that boasts some of the oldest and youngest rock formations in the continental U.S. – talk about covering all the bases!

From the vast plains to the towering Rockies, New Mexico has it all. Picture this: you’ve got the Great Plains stretching out like a giant welcome mat in the east, then BAM! The Rio Grande rift cuts through the state like a giant crack in the Earth’s crust (it’s as dramatic as it sounds). And if that’s not enough, you’ve got the mighty Rockies holding court in the north and a whole lotta plateaus scattered in between.

But wait, there’s more! New Mexico also throws some epic fossils and a whole lotta mining history into the mix, just to keep things interesting. It’s like a giant, outdoor geology museum, just begging to be explored.

Recommended Geological Sites and Future Plans

So, where should you go to witness New Mexico’s geological wonders firsthand? Well, Donahue’s got you covered. Her book highlights a bunch of must-see sites, like White Sands National Park (ever seen a desert made of gypsum? It’s wild!). Then there’s the Jemez Mountains, a volcanic wonderland just waiting to rock your world (pun intended, again). And don’t even get me started on Sandia Crest- those views!

As for Donahue’s future plans? Well, this geology rockstar has no intention of slowing down. With several book proposals already in the works, she’s clearly bitten by the writing bug (or should I say, “rock” bug?). She credits her upbringing in Los Alamos for instilling in her a deep love of learning and curiosity, the driving forces behind her success as both a scientist and an author.

Book Availability

Ready to embark on your own geological adventure through the Land of Enchantment? Of course, you are! “Roadside Geology of New Mexico” is available for purchase through all the usual suspects: online booksellers, Mountain Press Publishing (they’re the rockstars who published the book – see what I did there?), and even Amazon. And hey, if you’re in the Los Alamos area, swing by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center’s gift shop at the Los Alamos Nature Center – they’ve got copies too!