The study of physical geology deals with fascinating and practical questions about the materials composing the Earth and the many processes that operate beneath and upon the Earth's surface. Exploring such questions fosters understanding of the magnitude of the changes which human demands and activities have worked upon the Earth. Therefore it is essential in developing an appropriate response to today's environmental crisis.
Historical geology examines the Earth within a historical context.
Much of historical geology is devoted to the evolution of life, from primitive organisms in ancient seas to complex plant and animal forms present today. The evolution of life is inexorably linked to the Earth's physical processes, such as plate tectonics. The colleges have a valuable and extensive, museum-quality collection of minerals, rocks and fossils, as well as samples and models for student use during laboratory sessions. A separate classroom in the Peter Engel Science Center at St. John's University is designed for storage of these collections, class meetings and laboratory sessions. A study of the composition of the Earth and its dynamic systems.