What is Geology? §
- The study of solid Earth
- Also other terrestrial planets, moons
- Applies physics, chemistry, biology to understand Earth’s systems
- Physical Geology
- Materials/processes that compose and operate on the surface of, and within, the Earth (Geology 1 - EAPS 111)
- Historical Geology
- Geologists
- Explore for mineral and energy resources
- Solve environmental problems
- Work to predict natural disasters
Why is Historical Geology Important? §
- Observations of our environment
- We have instrumental records spanning only about 100-200 years
- Historical records span only a few thousand years
- It’s difficult to understand processes operationg over longer time spans
- Provides a much longer-term persepctive
- Current conditions compared to prehistoric time periods
- Helps us understand how the Earth’s systems have worked together through geologic time
- How might humans affect the delicate balance between these systems
- How Earth interacts with humanity via natural hazards (Volcanoes, Landslides, Floods etc, Natural Disasters Class)
- Earth materials are the source of most energy used on the planet