Geology

How would you explain the difference between a rock and a mineral to someone new to geology? What are the three major rock types, and how does each form within the rock cycle? How can the minerals in a rock reveal information about how and where it formed? What role do weathering and erosion play in constantly reshaping Earth’s surface? Have you ever collected rocks or fossils, and what drew you to particular specimens?

What evidence convinced scientists that continents move and that plate tectonics is real? How do interactions at plate boundaries create earthquakes, volcanoes and mountain ranges? What kinds of data do scientists use to monitor and assess earthquake hazards? How do building design and land-use planning reduce risks in earthquake-prone regions? How might living near an active fault influence your sense of risk and preparedness?

What factors determine whether a volcano erupts gently with lava flows or explosively with ash and pyroclastic flows? How do volcanic eruptions affect climate and air travel on regional and global scales? What tools and measurements help scientists forecast volcanic activity and issue warnings? How do communities weigh the risks and benefits of living near fertile but hazardous volcanic regions? What stories or images about famous eruptions have most shaped your perception of volcanoes?

How do geologists use rock layers and fossils to reconstruct Earth’s history over billions of years? What does the concept of 'deep time' mean, and why is it hard for many people to grasp? How have mass extinctions reshaped life on Earth multiple times in the past? What methods, such as radiometric dating, allow scientists to estimate the ages of rocks and fossils? How does learning about Earth’s long history influence your view of present-day environmental change?

Which mineral and energy resources does modern society depend on most heavily? How do mining and drilling operations alter landscapes, water systems and communities? What are some strategies for reducing the environmental impact of resource extraction? How might recycling, alternative materials and changes in consumption reduce pressure on geologic resources? If you mapped the resources that power your daily life, which parts of the world would be most involved?