Have you ever picked up a rock and wondered how it was made or where it came from? You’re not alone. Rocks may seem ordinary, but they hold incredible stories about the Earth’s history—millions (even billions!) of years in the making. Whether you’re a curious student, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone just getting into geology, … Read more
The effects of dissolution are well illustrated by the formation of caves, sinkholes (dolines) and other karst features. Atmospheric and soil carbon dioxide, produced largely by organic respiration and bacterial decomposition, combine with water to produce carbonic acid, which progressively dissolves carbonate or evaporite minerals (Figure). Karst features are particularly common in warm, humid climates … Read more
Weathering is the in place (in situ) breakdown of rock materials at or near Earth’s surface. Weathering processes are fundamentally important in the generation of the soils, sediments and sedimentary rocks that cover more than 80% of Earth’s surface. Most sediment originates as solid detrital particles and dissolved solids produced during weathering. These materials are … Read more
Volcanoes are one of the most potent geological phenomena on Earth. While they are often associated with destruction and natural disasters, they also provide a wide range of valuable resources that have significant economic, industrial, and scientific value. From precious metals and rare earth elements to geothermal energy and fertile soils, volcanoes are natural treasure … Read more
The Earth’s crust is made up of different geological structures that have formed over billions of years through complex processes like tectonic activity, erosion, and sedimentation. Among these structures, the terms craton, shield, and platform are used to describe the oldest and most stable parts of the continental crust. These structures play a crucial role … Read more
Definition An unconformity is a surface of erosion or non-deposition indicating a gap in geological record. It signifies a time break between two rock formations, indicating past geological events such as uplift, erosion, or changes in sedimentation rates. The strata lying above the unconformity are always younger than the strata lying below. The younger rocks … Read more