Geology Emerges as a Science

Abstract

This chapter discusses the development of American geology. Starting with Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Silliman, and Louis Agassiz, who spent the latter portion of his career in the United States and proceeding to geological greats such as John Wesley Powell and others, the New World offered unique insights impacting how geology advanced. This difference is related to the immense size of the continent, its wealth of resources, and the variable geologic settings found within. The geologic principles discovered in Europe and other parts of the world were applied to North America as the continent was explored. Contributions to the growing field of geology from American and Canadian geologists of the time, including the further understanding of glacial periods, advancements in mineralogy, and exploration of the natural wonders and economic minerals of North America, including the westward expansion and further study of coal deposits and paleobotany.