Centre for Science - Geology learning resources

Geology software

• Savage Earth web site of the PBS series dealing with earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and other disasters

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Geology groups

• List of Climate Research Centres (Global)
• Earth Science Resources on the Internet an Internet hyperlink to Earth Science resources designed for undergraduate courses.
• Earth Science World—general information on various aspects of Earth science
• Geology.com—for current events, maps, articles, careers and satellite images associated with the world of geology and Earth science
• GeologyLink ® daily geo-news updates, discussion forums, an expansive directory of links, virtual field trips, geology classes, and a glossary.
• The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research
• Geology: Natural Resources of Canada
• Illustrate Glossary of Geology
• International Ocean Discovery Program international partnership of scientists and research institutions organized to explore the evolution and structure of Earth.
• Geology of National Parks
• This Dynamic Planet
• Saguaro National Park 3D Geology Tour

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Rocks and minerals

This collection presents some of the most common rocks and rock forming minerals. Minerals are the fundamental constituents of most rocks and they form under specific natural conditions and factors that include heat, pressure and chemistry. For a substance to be called a mineral, it has to be naturally occurring, a crystalline solid and have a chemical composition that can be defined within narrow confines. A mineral will also be characterized by distinct physical properties.

In excess of 4500 minerals are known to man but the majority of these minerals are rare and less than 40 form the vast majority of all rocks.

To identify minerals, geologists can examine a range of properties including physical attributes such as color, luster, hardness and the transmission of light under a microscope as well as the chemical composition of the minerals involved.

This site can be used interactively to identify a mineral based on its physical properties such as hardness, color, streak and luster.

To see other collections that the AU Library has to offer please visit the Digitization Portal.

Credits

This project is a partnership between the Centre for Science, and the Athabasca University Library. The team members are:

• Library Digitization Team
• Elaine Goth-Birkigt: Science Technician
• Anna Husch: Summer Student
• Dana Lee: Summer Student
• Helen Makovey: Student and Academic Services Web Developer
• Dr. Kennedy Munyikwa: Assistant Professor, Earth Sciences
• Brad Rathwell: Science Laboratory Coordinator

If you're interested in other collections that the AU Library has to offer please visit the Digitization Portal.