Geology is the earth's history of itself

- Daniel Webster

Geology is the science that investigates the successive changes
that have taken place in the organic and inorganic kingdoms of Nature

- Charles Lyell


Key words or concepts:
James Hutton
Principle of Uniformitarianism
(The Present is the Key to the Past)
What practical use does Historical Geology have?
INterpretation of strata undergound, why?
search for minerals, ores
energy - oil, coal, uranium
depth to groundwater
environment - disposal of toxic wastes, for example
Subdisciplines of Historical Geology
Structure of course
Reading the book is considered essential
First assignment, learn geologic time scale

Useful links:

Earth Science Picture of the Day
Geologic Research Materials for Maine
What does a Geologist do?
Geology Glossary


Return to Historical Geology syllabus