Here are some potentially useful web sites for this course
These have not yet been checked for 2018!
Part 1: Information on the history of geology
I have found very few good web resources on the early history of geology. (Please let me know if you encounter some good ones.)
- Strange Science: The Rocky Road to Modern Paleontology and Biology site including a number of biographies
- Tracey Rihll at Swansea University (United Kingdom) has a nice page on Greek and Roman Science and Technology.
Some organizational links:
- Geological Society of America – History of Geology Section
- History of Earth Sciences Society (HESS)
- International Commission on the History of Geological Sciences (INHIGEO): The international group with an interest in the history of geology. Not much information but if you are ever interested in field trips…
- History of Geology Group at the Geological Society of London
- Comité français d’Histoire de la Géologie: A French site (obviously) – the list to their “Publications” provides links to some of them.
Another excellent site is the University of California at Berkeley’s Museum of Paleontology site. It is well worth a visit if you are interesed in paleontology or geological time. The site also has some brief biographies and photographs of some of the scientists we will encounter, for example:
An excellent and highly recommended non-web reference for brief biographies is the “Dictonary of Scientific Biography” available in the UWM Library’s Reference Room (Q141 .D5).
And, as a special bonus, a web site with William Smith’s major works. (A real gem!)
Part II: Natural features that influenced early nineteenth century geology
A. Paris Basin
- One page out of Berkeley’s site provides a very brief overview of Cenozoic rocks with a map illustrating the position of the Paris Basin.
B. Volcanoes of the Auvergne
- General site that is a good place to start maintained by Roger Suthren
- Here are some sites that are for tourists that have some good photos
- Regional Nature Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes: French site
- Vulcania is some kind of science park in the Auvergne. You may find some photos, etc. here of interest. This is the English version of the site.
C. Volcanoes of Italy: There is some neat stuff related to these volcanoes because they are (of course) active and hazardous.
- Volcano World site at Oregon State University with some good links to modern volcanoes and lots of information.
- USGS Volcanic Hazard Program
- Volcanoes of Italy: the cradle of volcanology: has a lot of information on varied volcanoes (geology, maps, photos, eruptive histories, etc.). This is a very good place to get information on some of the volcanoes that Lyell and his predessors visited.
- Explore Italian Volcanoes (Roberto Scandone): Site with information on volcanic activity and history in the area of Naples
- Some sites related to Vesuvius:
- The Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius is an offshoot of a NOVA program about Vesuvius. The program included information on both Vesuvius and the Phlagaean Fields. The potential for a severe eruption in the future was also illustrated in the program.
- Vesuvius and Phlegraean Fields: Making of a Catastrophe is a rather confusing site that continues the theme of the risk in the vicinity of Naples from a major eruption. Information is in English ad Italian, including information on the political/social aspects as well.
- Stromboli Online is an interesting Swiss site with lots of information (eruptions, field trips, geology, etc.) on Stromboli (surprise), Etna and other volcanoes
D. Other sites related to the Italian localities cited by Lyell
- Images of the Calabria Earthquake of 1783 can be viewed on the electronic library of the the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center site – search for: Images Calabria
- The “Temple of Serapis” in Pozzuoli
- Quick summary from the National Center for Science Education
- You can get numerous images with a Google search!
- Mary Shelley’s account of the Phlagaean Fields, Vesuvius, etc.
E. Other sites that might be of interest
- USGS site on Kilauea with recent eruption news (and some neat photos)
- Paleomap Project (Chris Scotese)
Nominations for additional websites are always welcome!
Links to course homepage and course schedule.