Our geology “series” began with me kind of getting what I asked for: a basic geology text--but graduate level, Annals of the Former World by John McPhee. Here’s the next episode, as McPhee explores the six days of creation. Take a look at the pic, from the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, as we enjoyed a Happy Hour gazing at this cliff face from the restaurant’s outside patio. Count the strata if you dare, 100 or more. Then, realize that each layer was laid down by an ocean moving in, dropping material, often sand, then receding. Over 100 times. And at various points, all was below the surface of the water. Somewhat boggles the mind, does it not? And what we see as layers was all under the surface—until erosion.

McPhee tells of...