Below are short videos describing basic geologic concepts. Each video is about 6 minutes long. Select topics that are arranged alphabetically. The videos are now High Speed , so give them a try.

They are in Real Player , only. Click on the link for a free download of Real Player.

100-year flood — Explains what we mean by a 50 or 100-year flood.

Albedo — The ability of a material to reflect the Sun's energy

Continental collisions — Explanation of continental -continental tectonic collisions

Convergent boundaries — 2 types (subduction & contintental collision) of convergent boundaries

Cross section 1 — Explains how to unravel the geologic history of a cross section

Cross section 2 — Explains the geologic history of a second cross section

Differentiation — Explains why the Earth has layers

Crust — Description & comparison of 2 types of crust; oceanic & continental

Earthquake waves — P- and S-waves

Effusive vs. explosive eruptions — Explains the difference between these types of eruptions

Evidence of Earth's layers — Describes how we know that the Earth has layers

Igneous rocks — Discussion of intrusive vs. extrusive igneous rocks

Lithification — The process of formation of sedimentary rocks

Lithosphere rides on asthenosphere — Explains the significance of the asthenosphere

Location of igneous rocks — Tectonic settings of intrusive & extrusive igneous rocks

Magnetic field — Explains the formation and importance of the Earth's magnetic field

Mantle convection — Description of mantle convection cells and why they form

Mid-ocean ridges — Explanation of why ridges form in mid-ocean

Mineral definition — Explanation of definition of a mineral

Ocean circulation — Briefly explains surface and deep-water circulation

Plate boundaries — Explanation of the 3 types of plate boundaries

Rock types — Description of igneous, metamorphic, & sedimentary rocks & how they form

Salinity — Gives a definition of salinity and describes how salinity may change

Scientific method — Explains the scientific method, very briefly

Solar nebular hypothesis — Explains how we know about the solar nebular hypothesis

Steno's laws — Explains the 3 basic laws or principles of relative time devised by Steno

Stream velocity — Factors that affect stream velocity

Subduction — Detailed look at subduction zones and the geologic features found there

Uneven heating of Earth — Explains why Earth is unevenly heated

Weathering — Describes physical and chemical weathering