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.
Earth has been cooling 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 Earth 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 British Geological Survey. From investigating natural 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.
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 to the Earth, where they get stored in rocks, oceans and organisms, and then released back into the atmosphere.
The greenhouse effect
Burning fossil fuels puts more carbon dioxide into our atmosphere, which acts as an insulating blanket around the Earth, 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.
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.