Geomorphological processes act continuously to shape the Earth into the landforms of mountains, hills, valleys, floodplains and coastlines we see around us.
A growing understanding of our geological past is being used to help predict changes in our environment, offering insights into climate change and how it will affect our lives.
Minerals and aggregates are a major economic resource. Many cities use distinctive building stones, for example Portland Stone was used extensively in London and other major cities.
Many protected landscapes and much of the coast, such as the Giant’s Causeway, are valued for tourism and have spectacular and fascinating geology.
The United Kingdom and wider British Isles are the cradle of the science of geology. Many periods of geological time were first defined and named here.