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

Explore
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

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

Introduction to Plate Tectonics

Explore
Image

Quick Guide to Common Fossils

Explore
Image

Introduction to Earth Hazards

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

Introduction to Climate

Explore
Photograph of a lake in northern Wisconsin.

Introduction to Glaciers

Explore
Photograph of Hubbard Glacier in Alaska.

Introduction to Energy

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