Geology 101 — Introduction to Earth Science

Lessons in Geology 101 — Introduction to Earth Science

• What Is Geology? — What Is Geology? Geology is the scientific study of Earth — its materials, processes, history, and the forces that shape it.
• Earth's Structure — Earth's Structure If you could slice Earth in half like an apple, you'd see it has distinct layers — each with different composition, temperature, and…
• Plate Tectonics — Plate Tectonics Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology. It explains earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain ranges, and even why continents move.
• Geologic Time — Geologic Time One of geology's most profound contributions to human knowledge is the concept of deep time — the realization that Earth is…
• Minerals: The Building Blocks — Minerals: The Building Blocks Minerals are the fundamental building blocks of rocks — and understanding them is the foundation of all geology.
• Rocks & the Rock Cycle — Rocks & the Rock Cycle Rocks are aggregates of one or more minerals. Every rock on Earth belongs to one of three families, and any rock can transform…
• Volcanoes & Igneous Processes — Volcanoes & Igneous Processes Volcanoes are among Earth's most dramatic features — windows into the molten interior that continuously reshape our…
• Weathering, Erosion & Sediment — Weathering, Erosion & Sediment The moment a rock is exposed at Earth's surface, it begins to break down.
• Deformation & Mountain Building — Deformation & Mountain Building Rocks may seem permanent and rigid, but under the right conditions, they bend, break, and flow — creating folds, faults…
• Earth Resources & Mining — Earth Resources & Mining Everything we build, power, and manufacture comes from Earth's geological resources.

Verification resources

Cross-check terminology, classification, methods, and safety with these authoritative external resources.

• Geology education — U.S. Geological Survey. Government educational material on Earth structure, geologic time, rocks, minerals, and plate tectonics.
• The life cycle of a mineral deposit — U.S. Geological Survey. A scientific teaching guide connecting geologic processes, mineral deposits, extraction, use, and reclamation.

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