INTRODUCTION

Geology is the study of the earth’s history and formations. It provides a basis for observing and applying connecting and interrelated sciences – from physics to chemistry to biology. We can use these sciences to help us understand the very rocks that surround us.  

Geology also helps us understand the physical formations that have dictated how man, animals and plants have evolved. It provides a basis for understanding the history of the earth from its inception to the present day. It can also be used to help us understand the very solar system and universe our earth lives in. 

Yet Geology is seldom taught in US pre-college school systems.  

Studying it can mean trying to understand the earth’s make up, how it formed, the forces involved and what is recorded in the rocks that once was organic manner. To start with the earth generally is considered to be over 4.5 billion years old. Fossils show life beginning 3.8 billion years ago. During that time we have even observed 6 major periods of extinction when a large percentage of the species disappeared from the geological record.  

So we have a lot to learn. 

SITE INFORMATION

This site is dedicated to helping people understand some basic building blocks about geology. It is also meant to help foster an on going source of information and interest for those who wish to apply their knowledge. 

The purpose of the site is also to further the education of persons in the science of geology. To help you to be able to read the earth in your everyday travels. It is meant to compliment other geology sites - not compete. It is also meant to focus on geological topics. The goal is to help you understand what surrounds you.

Geology is a hands-on science. We are in the process of building a real live non-virtual interpretative site where people can visit and touch and feel (experience) what Geology is about. Our focus will be to provide a geological experience illustrated by the geology surrounding the Sheridan MT and Southwest Montana.  

When you get up in the morning, drive or bike to work or school – look at a sunset behind a mountain or the moon rise across the plains, what are you  seeing? We want you to stop and think about what what you are seeing as well as what lies beneath the surface. What caused it? What makes it up? How long ago was it formed? By learning about geology, eventually you will begin to be able to put the pieces together by yourself – no matter where you are in the world. When you are flying and can look down and see ancient rivers – cones or craters from volcanoes long gone quiet – mountain ranges that display the crushing forces of continents that collided, fault lines, ridges carved by glaciers, early river bed formations and even land scarred from massive glacial floods! 

Flying along the west coast - a view of Crater lake (a caldera)

Active Plume seen flying over Mt St. Helens

 As time progresses and intellectual contributions are made the site can be expanded. Some basics which the Geological Interpretative site will include Geological Principles

In addition links to area resources where additional information can be found include: Tobacco Root Geological Association, Montana Tech, USGS (go to Links page)

Please send us other links you would like to have included to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Additional subjects that could be included later include:  

References