Earth Science Research
The term earth science includes both geology and geomorphology (the study of rocks and the landforms of planet earth). The rocks beneeath our feet feel so hard and permanent that it is easy to think of Ireland as an island which has existed since the earth formed in space approximately 4,500 Million years ago. But look closer a t those very rocks and they tell a tale from the dawn of time; of continents and oceans floors drifting across the globe, or ancient oceans closing over while new areas open and tear apart, of land rising from the sea only to sink again, of volcanoes covering the land with fire and lava and massive ice sheets scouring mountains into sand. |
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These rocks, formed in many different environments and weathered by a variety of processes, now combine to form the land we see today.
The range of research and issues touched on within earth science by the NIEA is considerable.
First and foremost we are identifying and protecting the most important earth science localities in Northern Ireland which for its size is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world.
As the rocks and landforms of northern Ireland form the surface on which life has developed, they have a major influence in determining the biodiversity of regions and more directly the physical character of the landscape.
