Feature Writer: 
The study of the Earth, or Geology, can give amazing insight into how natural processes have shaped, and are shaping, the world we live in.
Geologic processes can be abrupt and devastating, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and floods. Or they can happen so slowly beneath our feet that we may not even notice them - for example, the formation of minerals in magma chambers and rivers carving out deep canyons.
Geology can cover a variety of Earth Science topics, which include:
Read about these topics to gain a better understanding of the planet and how the wonderful world of Geology can open your eyes to the fascinating changes that are happening every second of every day.
In: Minerals
Minerals that are susceptible to breaking down during erosion processes are less likely to end up in sedimentary rocks. Tougher minerals are common. more...
The Geology of Glacier Bay National Park
In: Glaciology
The geology in this park is active. Under the surface, plates are converging and on the surface there is glacial movement. The glaciers are diminishing, though. more...
In: Volcanology
Volcanism requires both a source of heat and something to melt. The planet provides the material for melting and the heat comes from a variety of sources. more...
As far back as the 1700s, early geologists used fossils to correlate rock formations over widely scattered areas in order to create geologic maps. more...
In: Minerals
Metamorphism of rocks is a result of a sedimentary, igneous or other metamorphic rock being subjected to heat and pressure. more...
In: Glaciology
New data show that glaciers are retreating in response to climate change. more...
In: Volcanology
The shapes and sizes of volcanoes are dependent on how frequently they erupt as well as the style of eruption. more...
The Geology of the Grand Canyon
The rock formations that make up Grand Canyon National park were deposited more than two billion years ago. more...
All feature articles in Geology/Ecology
All contributors in Geology/Ecology
Fun Meets Learning at the EcoTarium in Worcester
By: Andrea Lettic
Examples of Ecological Succession
By: Megan Jungwi
Island Conservation in California and Mexico
By: K. Gregg Elliott
Where Beach Tar Comes From & How to Remove It
By: Gretchen Martin
Causes of Five Mass Extinctions
By: Jenny Ashford
All contributing articles in Geology/Ecology