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.
Some rocks in the core of the Appalachian Mountains are more than 1 billion years old and construction of the mountains relates to the Supercontinent Pangea. more...
Landslides are one of the most destructive geologic processes. They can happen with very little warning almost anywhere in the country. more...
In: Glaciology
Lambert Glacier is a major glacier in East Antarctica and is also the largest glacier in the world. more...
Antarctica's Mount Erebus Volcano
In: Volcanology
Antarctica is most well-known for its glaciers and penguins, but this snow-covered continent is very much alive with geothermal and volcanic activity. more...
In: Minerals
Geologists use many mineral properties to identify minerals and better understand the rocks they are studying. more...
Spaceborne Lasers Detect Thinning Ice Sheets
In: Glaciology
NASA's Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) has taken more than 1.9 billion measurements during its 6 year orbit using a laser instrument. more...
Mountains are major geological features located all over the surface of the Earth. Many geological processes go into making these features. more...
Mining activities benefit communities by supplying jobs and creating resources. However, many of these communities also have to deal with the resulting toxic pollution. more...
All feature articles in Geology/Ecology
All contributors in Geology/Ecology
U.S. Atlantic Coast and Sea Level Rise
By: Sara E. Lewis
In: Minerals
By: Molly Markey
How the Earth's Continents Move
By: Jeri Schott
Southern Hemisphere Climatic Similarities
In: Glaciology
By: Rhonda Chalmers
The Abiotic Theory of Petroleum Formation
By:
Rupert Taylor
All contributing articles in Geology/Ecology