Geology
Geology means, literally, the study of the Earth. Explore this section to understand the structure of the Earth and its surface features, what causes earthquakes and tsunamis, and why volcanoes form and erupt. Learn about minerals, which form the building blocks of rocks, and how rocks are made and destroyed. Learn about Earth’s fascinating history, the variety of life forms which have roamed the surface over the millennia, and the dramatic changes that have happened over Earth’s long history.
You can get your own minerals and fossils, as well as the Fall 2010 issue of The Earth Scientist on Rocks and Minerals in our online store!
What's New on the Site?
When Nature Strikes - Earthquakes
When Nature Strikes - Volcanoes
When Nature Strikes: Tsunami Classroom Activity
When Nature Strikes: Wildfires - Why are they a challenge to stop?
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Explore Geology
Earth's Interior and Surface
Earth, the largest and densest rocky planet, was formed about 4.5 billion years ago. The Earth's ...Read more
Minerals (and the Stuff They Are Made Of!)
Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. They are non-living, solid, and, like all matter, ...Read more
Rocks and the Rock Cycle
Rocks are always on the move through the rock cycle! Click on parts of this rock cycle diagram ...Read more
Earth's Layers and Moving Plates
The main force that shapes our planet's surface over long amounts of time is the movement of ...Read more
Earthquakes
The expression "on solid ground" is often used to describe something as stable. Usually the ...Read more
Volcanoes
There are several ways in which a volcano can form, just as there are several different kinds ...Read more
Fossils and Earth History
The Earth has been around for approximately four and a half billion years! The geologic time ...Read more
Scientists Who Study Rocks
Geology is the study of rocks and geologists are the people who study them! There are many ...Read more
Rocks, Minerals, Fossils in Online Store
Available Now! Beautiful specimens that inspire curiosity and demonstrate the inherent beauty of our planet. ...Read more
Earth Science Literacy Framework
This Earth system science literacy guide identifies the Big Ideas and fundamental concepts ...Read moreHistorical Events
Full Earth and Space Science History Calendar (Members only)
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Did you know?
Do you know why and where earthquakes happen? Check our our expanded content on earthquakes!What are dip-slip and transform faults? Find out more on our geologic fault page!
Earth and Space Science Concept of the Day
Do you know what this word or phrase means?Tsunami
xTsunami : A tsunami is a sea wave of local or distant origin that results from large-scale seafloor displacements associated with large earthquakes, major submarine slides, or exploding volcanic islands.
Click on the word to find out!
Research Highlights
Silver Tells a Story of Early Earth: Water Here Since Planet's Very Early Days
A new study shows that water might have been present very early in the formation of Earth. Before this new information, scientists thought water came to Earth from comets. Scientists have learned this...Read more
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Windows to the Universe, a project of the National Earth Science Teachers Association, is sponsored in part is sponsored in part through grants from federal agencies (NASA and NOAA), and partnerships with affiliated organizations, including the American Geophysical Union, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Earth System Information Partnership, the American Meteorological Society, the National Center for Science Education, and TERC. The American Geophysical Union and the American Geosciences Institute are Windows to the Universe Founding Partners. NESTA welcomes new Institutional Affiliates in support of our ongoing programs, as well as collaborations on new projects. Contact NESTA for more information.
