Photograph of Devonian sedimentary rock layers.

Quick Guides to Earth Science

Find quick introductions here to Earth science topics.

Last updated July 26, 2022.

Image above: Devonian-aged strata in New York State.

The Geologic Time Scale


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Image showing the geologic time scale, including a pie chart that depicts the relative proportions of time represented by each geologic eon.

Introduction to Rocks


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Photograph of rocks in Hawaii, including pieces of black basalt and white limestone made by corals.

Introduction to Plate Tectonics


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Quick Guide to Common Fossils


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Introduction to Earth Hazards


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Photograph showing damage resulting from the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906.

Introduction to Climate


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Photograph of a lake in northern Wisconsin.

Introduction to Glaciers


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Photograph of Hubbard Glacier in Alaska.

Introduction to Energy


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An aerial photograph of energy production infrastructure in the Williston Basin, Montana