Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, its structure, composition, processes, and history. It examines the materials that make up the Earth, including rocks, minerals, and soils, and how these materials have changed over time due to various physical and chemical processes. Geology also encompasses the study of Earth’s landforms, the forces that shape them, and the history of biological life as recorded in geological strata. It integrates concepts from other scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science, to understand geological phenomena such as plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, erosion, and sedimentation. Geologists use a variety of methods, including field studies, laboratory analysis, and remote sensing, to gather data and understand the geological processes that have shaped the Earth over millions of years.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake strikes the suburb of Charneca de Caparica, just south of Lisbon, catching the attention of the U.S. Geological Survey. Residents across Lisbon experience the tremor, creating…