Discovering Geology
Discovering Geology introduces a range of geoscience topics to school-age students and learners of all ages. Explore these pages to discover the fascinating processes and properties that shape our dynamic planet.
The Earth has been cooling down since it formed 4.6 billion years ago. Over that time, its surface has changed constantly, driven by the movement of magma deep within the planet and aided by the processes of erosion, deposition and weathering. New oceans have appeared as tectonic plates move apart, great mountain ranges have formed as tectonic plates crash together, valleys have been created as glaciers move and the wind has carried sediment particles over great distances to form new landscapes.
Discovering Geology explores the processes that have shaped current and past landscapes and how our planet’s diverse range of rocks and minerals formed. We also investigate how rocks and fossils can be used to explain the changing climates of the past and why learning from the past is the key to understanding our sustainable future.
Throughout Discovering Geology, we link topics with the scientific research and monitoring work that we carry out at the BGS. From investigating natural earth hazards to understanding past environments, our research aims to offer geoscientific solutions for a safer, more sustainable and prosperous planet.
Start discovering geology!
Climate change
Climate is the pattern of weather of an area averaged over many years. We can only show whether climate change has occurred after decades of careful measurements and analysis.
Rocks and minerals
Find out more about the differences between rocks and minerals and how they are formed.
Geological processes
Planet Earth is dynamic with a surface that is always changing. Find out about the processes that cause these changes.
Fossils and geological time
Take a look at the history of the Earth, from its formation over four and a half billion years ago to present times.
Earth hazards
The Earth beneath our feet is constantly shifting and moving, and violently with catastrophic and immediate results. Find out more about earth hazards.
Maps and resources
Download and print free educational resources.
Climate change
Our climate is intimately connected to the evolution of life, to the erosion and formation of rocks, and even to the generation of mountains.
The carbon story
The carbon cycle describes the process in which carbon atoms continually travel from the atmosphere into the Earth, then released back into the atmosphere.
The greenhouse effect
Gases in the Earth’s atmosphere act as an insulating blanket around the planet, trapping more of the Sun’s heat.
What causes the Earth’s climate to change?
Geological records demonstrate that there have been a number of large variations in Earth’s climate in the past.
Earth hazards
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are among the most deadly natural hazards. They strike without warning and many earthquake zones coincide with areas of high population density.
Understanding landslides
What is a landslide? Why do landslides happen? How to classify a landslide. Landslides in the UK and around the world.
Rocks and minerals
Rocks and minerals
Find out more about the differences between rocks and minerals and how they are formed.
Landforms and processes
Deposition
Deposition is the laying down of sediment carried by wind, water, or ice.
Fossils and geological time
Fossils and geological time
Take a look at the history of the Earth, from its formation over four and a half billion years ago to present times.