Geology

What is Geology?

Geology is the study of Earth, the processes that operate at or beneath its surface, and its origin and change through time. Major topics of geology include mineral and rock formation, earthquakes and plate tectonics, Earth's interior layers, fossil life and ancient climates, and surface processes including rivers, groundwater, glaciers, wind, waves, and landslides. Geology, as one field in the Earth Sciences, is closely linked to processes covered in oceanography and our solar system.

Why Geology at American River College?

Geology is one of the largest group of course offerings within the larger discipline of Earth Sciences. The American River College geology faculty offer basic courses in physical and historical geology and Earth science which are transferable to most area 4-year universities. Among other subdisciplines of Earth Science, meteorology is offered as Geography 6, Weather and Climate; Oceanography is currently offered as Biology 15, Introduction to Marine Environment. We also offer courses that relate geology to the local and regional environment. These include the Geology of California, Geology of National Parks, and Environmental Geology. A common philosophy to the geology faculty is field geology. Each semester you will find for-credit geology field trips to sites such as Yosemite, Mt. Lassen, Lava Beds, the Mono Lake area, Pt. Reyes, and Death Valley.