The provided source material details several categories of free geological resources that are publicly accessible online. These resources include downloadable documents, maps, images, and educational materials, primarily aimed at geoscience professionals, educators, students, and hobbyists. The sources highlight that while many of these resources are free to access, they often come with specific usage requirements, such as acknowledging the source or adhering to copyright restrictions. The materials are sourced from reputable organisations such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), and various educational bodies. It is important to note that the majority of the information pertains to resources available in the United States or for educational use, with specific details regarding free samples or promotional offers for consumer goods (such as beauty, baby care, or pet products) not being present in the provided data.
Sources of Free Geological Documents and Maps
One of the primary sources highlighted is the GeologyShop website, which serves as a directory for free geological documents, maps, images, and photographs. The site aggregates links to various external resources and offers original articles. A significant portion of the resources listed originates from US government agencies, including the National Park Service and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Specific resources mentioned include the Marine Geology and Geophysics (MGG) site, which provides world maps, images, and articles in formats such as GIF, JPG, MPEG, and PDF. A recurring requirement across these free resources is the need for acknowledgement of the source, particularly when using images or photographs, even if they are otherwise copyright-free for personal use.
The Cooperative National Geological Map
A specific tool detailed in the source material is the Cooperative National Geological Map, released by the USGS. This mapping tool is designed to allow users to view the geological makeup of the earth beneath their feet, specifically covering the lower 48 states of the US. The map collates over 100 geological maps into a single, user-friendly application intended for educational, industrial, and governmental uses. It is freely available to the public and requires no personal information or login credentials to access. The tool is accessible via desktop and mobile devices and includes features such as a help guide, explanatory notes, and a search function. The map is divided into four geological layer selectors: Earth Surface, Quaternary, Pre-Quaternary, and Precambrian, allowing users to filter results based on specific geological eras.
Educational Resources and Open Educational Resources (OER)
The sources also provide extensive information regarding free educational materials for geology and earth sciences. These resources are curated for higher education, K-12 outreach, and professional development.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
A comprehensive list of Open Educational Resources (OER) is available, curated by the ASCCC OERI (Academic Senate for California Community Colleges Open Educational Resources Initiative). These resources are openly licensed, allowing for reuse and dissemination for non-commercial purposes, provided attribution is retained. The licensing is primarily Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA). Specific resources mentioned include:
- Textbooks: "Petrology: An Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks and Processes" by Dexter Perkins (2022) is noted for its clear writing and useful photographs of hand samples and outcroppings. "The Environment of the Earth’s Surface" by Southard is highlighted for its treatment of surficial processes, though it omits plate tectonics.
- Study Guides: "Mineral and Rock ID: A Practical Online Study Guide" by Brande and Scott (2019).
- Simulation Programs: "Geology Unit: Plate Boundaries; Plate Motion Simulation" by the Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP) from The Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley. This program simulates tectonic settings across various time intervals.
- Field Guides: "Earth Science Field Trips in Southern California" by Tor Lacy (2023) provides a detailed guide to popular field sites.
Non-OER Educational Tools
In addition to openly licensed materials, the sources list widely used, well-reviewed resources that are publicly available but not necessarily openly licensed. These include:
- Introduction to Climate Science: Available via LibreTexts.
- Webgeology: A resource by Kullerud, Kare.
- IRIS Earthquake Science Consortium: A resource for earthquake science.
- Educational Multimedia Visualization Center: A resource from 2022.
- On the Cutting Edge – Strong Undergraduate Teaching: Managed by the National Association of Geoscience Teaching.
Professional and Community Resources
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is cited as a provider of free resources for geoscience professionals. These resources are designed to support the professional community and include:
- Publications: Access to articles, findings, and news.
- Tools and Services: Tailored for professionals, such as the Glossary of Geology and Scholarly Information Resources.
- Community Engagement: An Events Calendar that highlights significant happenings like Earth Science Week.
Furthermore, the Mineral Information Institute is mentioned as a source of free teaching materials on minerals, including images and teaching packs. The Natural History Museum in London is also referenced for free "dino" (dinosaur) information handouts available for download. Additionally, free stock photos provided by the USGS are available, covering space, planets, and stars.
Usage Guidelines and Copyright Considerations
When accessing and using these free geological resources, users must be mindful of copyright and usage restrictions. The GeologyShop site explicitly warns that while many featured sites are copyright-free, individual sites should be checked for specific copyright terms. For photographs and images, some may be free only for personal use, while others may require an acknowledgement of the source even when free to use. The OER materials generally come with a Creative Commons license that requires attribution and restricts commercial use.
Conclusion
The provided source material offers a detailed look into the landscape of free geological resources available online. From national mapping tools provided by the USGS to comprehensive educational textbooks and professional development tools via the AGI, there is a wealth of information accessible to various audiences. However, the data is strictly focused on educational, professional, and hobbyist geological resources. There is no mention of consumer freebies, product samples, or promotional offers in categories such as beauty, baby care, or household goods. Users interested in geological data, particularly for the United States, will find the Cooperative National Geological Map and the educational resources listed to be highly valuable tools.