This NASA-hosted site is a section of the Mars Pathfinder Science Results Directory with a specific emphasis on the geologic and geomorphic characteristics observed. Many photos and satellite images are available, with the option to view and download full size images. Scientific theories are offered as to the probable geomorphic agents sculpting Mars' surface. Full description.

This activity has students dump a mixture of soil and gravel into water to simulate how deposited sediments form layers in the bottom of a sea such as the Inland Pierre Seaway that once covered the Badlands. Students will discover that the gravel and soil that make up the sediment sank through the water to form layers and because the mixtures of gravel and soil were added in ten minute intervals, ... Full description.

This article, from Earth: Inside and Out, provides insight into what scientists are learning about Mt. Rainier's volcanic past and future. It provides an overview of the nature of the work of Tom Sisson as a mountaineer and geologist with the Volcano Hazards Program at the United States Geological Survey, and the on-the-job hazards he faces. It explains how Sisson is creating a three-dimensional map ... Full description.

This Great Basin National Park site contains park geology information, park maps, visitor information, and teacher features (educational resources and links for teaching geology using National Park examples). The park geology section discusses the region's biogeography, glacial history, and the Lehman Caves. A park map and a features/relief map of the Great Basin National Park are included. Full description.

This division of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) is located in Woods Hole Massachusetts, and is one of three teams conducting coastal and marine research. The project pages include research information about Boston Harbor, Stellwagen Bank, New York Bight, North Carolina, gas hydrates, coastal vulnerability, glacier studies, coastal sediments, transport, and erosion. Operations include coastal ... Full description.

This resource defines and describes composite volcanoes, stratovolcanoes, subduction-zone volcanoes and composite cones. The information is from different sources and therefore the site gives a broad picture of these forms. The shape of the volcano is described as a function of the type and frequency of eruption and its proximity to plate boundaries. Full description.

In this activity students become familiar with the nature and use of the Surficial Geologic Map of Maine and gain practice in using maps other than topographic maps. They will discover that surficial geology deals primarily with the geologically youthful, unconsolidated sedimentary materials that exist at, or close to the surface of a specific area and are important because the surface deposits filter ... Full description.

This site describes the three forms of volcanoes, which are cinder cones, the shield type and the composite or stratovolcano. The six major types of eruptions (Icelandic, Hawaiian, Strombolian Vulcanian, Pelean, and Plinian) are discussed. The site has diagrams and photographs to illustrate both the forms of the volcanoes and the types of eruptions and the relationship between them. The site also ... Full description.

This plate tectonics unit was designed to be used with a college course in physical geography. Subject matter covered includes: the development of the theory including Wegener's Continental Drift Hypothesis and the existence of Pangaea, Harry Hess and his work on sea-floor spreading, and the final theory. It points out that global features such as deep oceanic trenches, mid-ocean ridges, volcanic ... Full description.

In this activity, students will investigate the weathering of rocks by chemical processes. They will use effervescent cleansing tablets as a model for rock, and vary surface area, temperature, and acidity to see how rapidly the "rock" dissolves. This investigation will help them understand three of the factors that affect the rate of chemical weathering and develop better understanding of how to design ... Full description.