California's central coast is one of the most dynamic regions of the Pacific Rim, shaped by sea, weather, earth movements, and plate tectonics. Two expert authors introduce readers to the processes at work on the coast, to coastal landforms, and to ecological trends, and then provide an almost mile-by-mile guide to sites along the coastline. Generously illustrated with photos, maps, charts, and diagrams, this book is a useful resource for earth and life science professionals, and will be of great interest to many general readers--especially those living in or visiting the region. Distributed by Heyday Books. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)