Although it involves extensive encounters with rocks and rock formations, geology is one of the most dynamic scientific disciplines with a multitude of very different applications. Not only do many geological discoveries contribute to a better understanding of everyday life, but the past, present, and possible future of the planet itself. The following men and women obviously love what they do, and they open up to the world in order to promote knowledge and how their studies relate to day to day existence. Without their hard work and dedication to the earth sciences, mankind lacks everything from reliable architectural materials to the foresight necessary to accurately predict, minimize damage from, and even staves off a devastating natural disaster.

1. Andrew’s Geology Blog : About.com’s geology portal offers a blog by former US Geological Survey researcher Andrew Alden. Now a tour guide emphasizing the discipline, he also writes extensively through the site and other venues. Most articles revolve interesting postings on geological curiosities and explanations suitable for a layman’s understanding, though he will post relevant news stories on occasion as well.

2. The Geology News Blog : One of the most comprehensive sources for professional and amateur geologists alike, The Geology News Blog updates daily on a wide variety of topics directly relating to the field. It includes research, news, and photos to provide readers with the most detailed and informed perspectives possible. Even those not terribly interested in the discipline would find enjoyment in their stunning photographs of geological formations which blend the scientific with the artistic.

3. Ron Schott’s Geology Home Companion Blog : Kansas-based geologist and education Ron Schott takes a lighthearted look at his chosen discipline in this charming and entertaining blog. Informal as well as informative, he posts fantastic reviews, photos, videos, and discussions about his travels and experiences. He has a particular affinity for Google Earth as well, oftentimes sharing dramatic and otherwise intriguing geological formations from a satellite view. Schott frequently holds contests for readers to identify the regions in question.

4. Geology : The Geology community hosted at LiveJournal brings together enthusiasts who are all free to post articles and discussions at their leisure. Because of this, content remains more eclectic and broad with far more perspectives represented than blogs with only one or two authors. Some post links to their own blogs, while others enjoy sharing their travels, experiences, and observations. They welcome hobbyists as well as seasoned professionals into the fold, allowing those new to the field opportunities to ask questions and receive respectful answers.

5. Mini Me Geology : Mini Me Geology helps parents of children interested in learning about all the earth sciences find toys and resources to kindle their education. They carefully construct kid-friendly kits for classroom and home use and discuss in detail the various rocks they include. “Ask a Geologist” is a regular feature where kids may post inquiries about any aspect of the field they can imagine, engaging them in conversations at their level and nurturing their curiosity.

6. Arizona Geology : Even geologists practicing outside of Arizona may find something to appreciate about this blog. Though focusing mostly on discoveries and geological and geographical characteristics within the state, blogger and director of the Arizona State Geological Survey Lee Allison occasionally brings up particularly interesting stories from other areas – even the moon! Particular attention is paid to the various geological structures to be found in Arizona as well as issues relating to mining.

7. Highly Allochthonous : A continuation of the original Blogspot location, paleomagnetism expert Chris Rowan and hydrophilic geologist Anne Jefferson share their research on everything from climate change to how to nurture a love of rocks and earth sciences in children. The majority of the content, however, appeals more to professionals within the industry as opposed to a broader audience including hobbyists.

8. Eruptions : This ScienceBlogs-based resource began life on Wordpress before migrating, and all the original articles may still be found in the archives. Volcanoes are unsurprisingly one of the more popular facets of geology, and Eruptions treats readers to a comprehensive glimpse into how they form, operate, and come to pose a threat to the surrounding communities. Those interested in tracking volcanic activity across the globe may find their regular reports on the subject of particular interest.

9. Through the Sandglass : Sand is a substance so regularly ingrained into humanity’s consciousness that few make the effort to truly contemplate its true nature and hidden complexities. Geologist and writer Michael Welland presents his musings into anything and everything related to sand, showing off the beauty and insight present in a mundane presence everyone takes for granted. He makes tiny, ground-up rocks seem like the most interesting thing in the world, and the pictures he posts evoke considerable awe and wonder.

10. Dinochick Blogs : ReBecca Hunt-Foster never intends to present Dinochick Blogs as a technical resource. Rather, her focus lay on news and views related to paleontology and geology as a whole. She takes an informative, occasionally humorous approach to the subjects at hand. The result is a refreshingly detailed resource suitable for those with only a passing familiarity with either discipline to enjoy and understand.

11. Quark Soup : Every once in a while, blogger David Appell slips in sports and other news into his blog content. However, the majority of the articles look at geology and climate change from a very political perspective. The controversy over global warming is one of the few political issues that hinge on geology, and Appell weighs in on several environmental factors fueling the raging debates.

12. All My Faults are Stress Related : Structural geologist and teacher Kim Hannula weighs in not only on geoscientific research, but education as well. From her vantage point, she can look at how high school and college come to influence her contemporaries and help them make professional decisions. Anyone interested in how geology is taught and perceived by the student body ought to peruse All My Faults are Stress Related to gain at least one perspective.

13. Clastic Detritus : Bay Area geologist Brian Romans enjoys discussing all the various research available on the subject of earth sciences, regardless of time period. He particularly loves sedimentary and marine geology and writes most frequently about those facets of the field. His other passion – common amongst those traversing some of the most visually striking landscape s in the world – is photography. Every Friday, Romans posts amazing images taken during his field work.

14. The Volcanism Blog : Those fascinated by volcanoes both on Earth and in other parts of the universe have plenty to love and appreciate about The Volcanism Blog. Dr. Ralph Harrington obsessively updates readers on the status of volcanoes across the globe and galaxy alike, chronicling their aftermath as well. He posts information on the theory and practice of volcanism, including how to speak its specialized vocabulary and decipher the heavily technical shorthand.

15. Reporting on a Revolution : Pune, India-based sedimentologist Suvrat Kher looks not only at geology in and of itself, but how it comes to interact with and eventually affect environmental, evolutionary science as well as climatology. He looks at the geological features of India especially, even showing how some of them impact the people living in and around them. Occasionally, Kher will present and discuss geological research from elsewhere.

16. Geotripper : Take a journey back in time to the formation of fossils and geological constructs with Garry Hayes. He posts news and perspectives from across the earth sciences, with occasional forays into evolutionary biology, climatology, and other disciplines directly affected by geology. Focusing mainly on California’s rich natural history, Hayes shares his trips and observations with vivid photographs underscoring his main points.

17. Magma Cum Laude : Another volcanology blog, Magma Cum Laude author Jessica Ball looks into the past, present, and future of her literally burning passion. She takes a no-frills approach suitable for audiences of all levels of geologic fluency and posts a number of photos from her excursions out in the field. Ball’s recounts of explorations and experiences are so painstakingly detailed, readers feel as if they themselves were right there with her.

18. Geologic Frothings : Geology enthusiasts particularly enamored of maps and surveys have plenty to love about Geologic Frothings. Approaching the subject from a perspective blending the technical with the technological, many hobbyist geologists may find themselves lost amongst the discussions. But for those who love exploring the earth sciences from satellite perspectives, digital maps, and other nifty devices, the blog offers numerous visual and mental stimuli to explore.

19. Lounge of the Lab Lemming : Humorous and relaxed, the contributors to Lounge of the Lab Lemming relay stories of their experiences in the earth sciences and other disciplines. They irreverently pick apart current issues regarding geology, climatology, cosmochemistry, mass spectrometry, and thermodynamics. Detailed descriptions of scientific and laboratory protocols abound, yet remain clear and entertaining enough for hobbyists, amateurs, and fledgling professionals to understand the main ideas.

20. Stories in Stone : This unique blog sports a simple yet very intriguing and unexpected goal. Freelance writer David B. Williams chronicles the use of stone in architectural constructs, creating man-made structures from nature’s originals. He finds compelling histories and stories from the rocks themselves as well as any carvings etched into them. In doing so, Williams hopes to highlight geological applications in everyday life that all to often remain overlooked.

21. The Lost Geologist : The Lost Geologist, Mathias Koester, is an enthusiastic student currently attending school at Free University Berlin. He particularly enjoys economic geology and carbonate sedimentology, with the latter comprising the content of his thesis. The blog itself contains a fair amount of these subjects as well, though the author does discuss other elements of geology. Product reviews and personal insights round out this thoroughly enjoyable resource.

22. Oakland Geology : Andrew Alden, who also writes for About.com, runs his own personal blog emphasizing the geological phenomena in and around Oakland, California. With a knack for photography and keenly trained eye, Alden chronicles his experiences with everything from homeowners utilizing rocks as decoration to travels amongst awe-inspiring natural formations. All of the content is suitable for broad audiences to understand and appreciate – no doctorate required.

23. Utah Geological Survey Blog : Official blog of the Utah Geological Survey, this provides valuable resource for any individual curious about the earth sciences as they are practiced in the Western portion of the United States. Content mostly involves maps, reports, and other data regarding discoveries and explorations conducted in Utah. They also discuss common geological phenomena as they relate to the state as well.

24. Volcanista: a magmalicious blog : Not everything at Volcanista directly relates to volcanology and geochemistry, though it does comprise a considerable chunk of the content. Social justice and personal ruminations also occasionally factor into the postings as well. The author, who prefers to remain anonymous for professional reasons, clearly enjoys the subjects she discusses. On the subject of volcanoes, she usually writes about their histories, any current activities, and her favorite aspects of the structures.

25. WKU Geography and Geology Blog : The multitalented Dr. David Keeling at the University of Western Kentucky keeps a blog detailing the studies and activities of the department, but content appeals to geology and geography enthusiasts across the board. Articles share research and information on myriad facets relating to both disciplines, including forays into their extensive social implications and applications.

Thanks to the contributions of these men and women, geologists, other scientists, and humanity may all better comprehend the complexities and machinations of Earth. The more secrets unlocked, the more it continues to improve upon the quality of life for the planet’s inhabitants. Without the promotion of geology and geography as valuable areas of study, it is impossible to predict – and possibly prevent – natural disasters, climate change, and even unreliable architecture. Reading these blogs increases an awareness of how geology ingrains itself in many aspects of daily life, oftentimes operating entirely unnoticed.