The Earth changes over the course of millions of years, yet there is one place where the geological processes often occur right before our eyes: along the coastline of a great body of water. Piloting a Cessna 180, Michael Collier soars above North America's rivers and beaches, and with these collections of his aerial photographs he offers expert commentary and awe-inspiring perspectives on our world.

The source of tranquility, adventure, and sometimes even fear, rivers constantly affect the land and the lifeforms around them. No doubt enjoying himself, Collier shares here his privileged views of the Colorado River carving a gorge through a canyon; Green River endlessly loops toward Montana; and the Hudson glimmers in the evening sun.