Welcome to Introduction to Geology Lab. The goals of this text is to introduce you to fundamental geological concepts, to acquaint you with some of the many societal uses of geologic information, and to familiarize you with the amazing geologic history of the Boulder area.

Geology surrounds us every day of our lives and it has been said (correctly, to my mind) that life exists by geologic consent. The materials from which we have constructed our civilization and the fuels that power it exist thanks to particular combinations of geologic circumstances at specific places and times in Earth’s past. The study of geology can guide our decisions about how to handle most effectively the many environmental problems society faces today and it can guide our thoughts and opinions regarding controversial topics, such as global warming. Geology is therefore relevant to each and every one of us regardless of our major or our path in life. We come in contact with geology on a daily basis, even if we don’t consciously think about it.