There are many fields of geology that each focus on minute details and problems. Though the focus may vary, the relation to geology on a whole is closely intertwined. I will graduate as part of the Spring 2000 class with a degree in elementary education. I feel that with my interest in geology, planning my lessons in this area will be simple. There are some themes in geology that hold precedence over others, such as geomorphology, and astrogeology. I feel that incorporating these topics with lessons will not only be informative but interesting.
             To a great extent, history must first materialize to give us the facts we have today. Geomorphology derives from Greek words meaning "Earth" and "form". It is simply the study of landforms and how they are related to the formation processes in the environment. By studying the Earth's features, an entire history may be deduced. William Smith of England, who is universally recognized as the "Founder of Stratiagraphy", was first to recognize that sedimentary rock layers occur in regular sequences and that the fossils they contain can identify different strata. These layers can reveal immense amounts about the Earth's history. The type of rock, thickness of the strata, minerals and fossils make it easier to deduce the history of that area.
             When studying geomorphology, one must instantly think of the developmental means of the earth: erosion. Erosion, by definition, (is) all processes that act to mold and wear down the Earth's surface features. These processes include weathering, wind action, glacial processes, marine and fluvial processes (the effects of running water). Erosion is not the only formation process; climatic change, volcanism and plate techtonics also participate in the building and wearing down of the Earth's surface. Climate plays a major role in changing Earth's featur
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