Welcome to Operation: Tectonic Fury where our mission is to figure out how our planet works and how it has changed over the past several billion years.

Much of what we know about Earth has changed since I was in school. I was taught that the largest mountain range on the planet was the Himalayas, and that there was little life in the deepest parts of the ocean due to the absence of sunlight. Scientists also did not know how old the ocean floor was, nor did they believe the continents were moving. But now, things are different. Clues to the true history of Earth were hidden deep on the ocean floor. To unravel the mystery of our Earth, we had to travel to the bottom of the ocean!

Discovery

As a young child, I was always fascinated by the ocean. Stories of Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea inspired me to learn more about our planet and quite literally go where no one has gone before. After studying chemistry and geology in college, I became a marine geologist.

In the summer of 1977, a small group of scientists, including myself, crammed into a tiny submarine to explore a region of the ocean floor where the very crust of the planet was moving apart and new earth was actually being created. Our mission was to examine a segment of a giant undersea mountain range near the Galápagos Islands. We did not know what to expect, but what we discovered changed some of the ways we view our planet.

We were shocked to find a tremendous diversity of life, including six-foot tube worms and enormous clam shells filled with slimy organisms. These organisms were able to survive in complete darkness and extreme heat, and under tremendous pressure. Two years later, on another segment of this underwater mountain range near Mexico, we witnessed giant, chimney-like vents ejecting pure gold, silver, copper, and zinc at temperatures that melted our lead thermometers.

Our discoveries were groundbreaking, but they were just a few of many that help us better understand our planet. Today, we are still challenged by many questions. What makes up Earth? How does it work?

What is Geology?

Earth has been continually changing throughout its 4.5 billion year history. Geology is the study of Earth and its history as recorded in rocks. The word geology comes from the Greek geo, which means “Earth,” and logy, which means “study of.”

To study geology, one must have a keen eye for detail and strong detective skills to analyze geologic evidence collected from different areas around the world. The data geologists gather helps them create hypotheses that link what may have happened thousands—even millions—of years ago to the landforms and events we see today.

Geology and the World Around Us

Geology is all around us, and it affects every aspect of our lives. The schools you learn in, the houses you live in, and the technology you rely upon every day depend on our understanding of geology.

For instance, your computer is made up of minerals that are mined from geologic deposits. Glass cups, reading glasses, and mirrors are made from silica found in beach sand. The water you drink is pumped up from wells where water is stored underground or stored in reservoirs that collect river water flowing from mountains.

The availability of minerals and the topography of the land determine the life an area can support. The life that thrives on Earth today depends upon geology for survival, as it is the foundation for every living organism on this planet.

But, just as Earth provides the resources we need to live, it can also destroy life and property. Throughout history, people have suffered great losses from powerful geologic events, like earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. While we cannot prevent these disasters, the study of geology can help us reduce the devastation these geologic events can cause.

Your Missions

To help you explore the mysteries behind this planet, you will join a top notch team of scientists. The JASON Host Researchers, along with the JASON Argonauts, will take you on four missions and provide you with the necessary tools to help you unlock some of the geologic mysteries stored in this dynamic ever-changing planet.

In Mission 1, Dr. Mike Wise will introduce you to the building blocks upon which geology is based—rocks and minerals.

Building upon the basics of geology, Dr. Virginia Dale will explore weathering and erosion in Mission 2. You will see how these processes affect Earth’s changing face, and form the soil that supports life on Earth.

In Mission 3, you will journey through geologic time with Dr. George Guthrie. Using fossils and technology, you will learn how scientists have constructed the story behind Earth’s long history.

Finally, in Mission 4, you will venture deep into Earth’s interior with Dr. Walter Smith. Here, you will learn about some of the processes that have been, and still are, changing our planet every day. This mission will give you a better understanding as to why continents move, earthquakes occur, and volcanoes erupt.

Challenges

Society faces a number of global challenges today, including food shortages, global warming, loss of natural habitat, and a need for a reliable and safe energy supply. The study of geology can help us address these challenges. As new technologies are developed, and as young scientists like you become inspired to explore and discover the mysteries locked within Earth, we will gain new insights into the natural processes of our planet. These discoveries will help provide solutions today, as well as prepare us for a sustainable future.

We have made remarkable discoveries about how our planet works and how it has changed over the past several billion years. However, we still have much to discover! When I go out on scientific expeditions, I always keep in mind that my greatest discovery is the one I haven’t made yet. What will your greatest discovery be?

Good luck, Argo!