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Geology

This guide is designed to help students access credible information related to Geology.

Introduction to Geology Recommendations

This page has been developed specifically for the Geology Field Trip assignment (usually used for GEO 1010). It includes recommended resources, examples, and video tutorials specifically for Geology. These resources may support students with the class's Geology Field Trip signature assignment.

Getting Started

When researching, start by finding general information about the geology of your site. Take notes on the site's notable geology. These notes will become the keywords you use to search for more detailed sources. Once you have a basic understanding of the site, start looking for technical sources. Depending on your location, it may be challenging to find articles specifically discussing its geology. You can use the notes you took to look for articles on its geology. Try to find articles that discuss formations present at your site. Even if the article does not mention your site, you can synthesize that information.

Find General Information

A great tactic for beginning your research is to find general information about your selected field trip location. Learning about its basic geology can help you know what to expect when you visit. Use that knowledge to develop a list of keywords for searching for more in-depth sources about your site's geology.

Find Scholarly / Technical Sources

There are a variety of databases and search engines available for you to find scholarly sources and technical reports on your selected locations. If you find an article that is not freely available to you, please contact the Library. 

Search with Summon (main search box)

The main search box on the Library's homepage, called Summon, is a good starting place. Unfortunately, it does not include articles from the Library' main geology database, AAPG Datapages. Try searching both Summon and AAPG Datapages to find technical articles on your selected location.

SLCC Library Search

GEO 1010 Research: Process Infographic

GEO 1010 Research step-by-step road map

Video Tutorials

Finding Sources

Watch the following videos for demonstrations of searching for Geology Field Trip assignment sources using the Library’s database AAPG Datapages, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Also learn how to use Google Scholar’s citation generator.

Want to hone your research skills?

Contact the Science, Mathematics and Engineering liaison librarian: Amy.Scheelke@slcc.edu.