MAKING GEOLOGY RELEVANT: TIPS FOR INTERPRETING GEOLOGY FOR THE MASSES

Geology may sometimes seem like a challenging topic for interpretation. Some park audiences may appear to not be very interested in geology and may seem more interested in wildlife or human history. Nonetheless, geology is a primary resource in many parks and natural areas, and as such, should be a topic of interpretation to help the public understand the significance of park areas. A variety of interpretive skills and methods can help visitors better relate to and appreciate geologic resources. The easiest way to make geology relevant in most natural parks is to simply point out the inherent connection between bedrock geology and scenery. Park landscapes contain many interpretive stories, including geo-ecology and geo-history in addition to purely geologic ones. Interpretation of geology processes that work on human timescales; using analogies, similes, and metaphors for other geologic concepts; and providing geologic context can make difficult geologic concepts more accessible for audiences. Examining rocks or other geologic samples or features from a variety of perspectives is also a useful method for interpreting geology. Rocks can be examined via different senses, and at different scales, and can be viewed as landforms, records of geologic history, as habitat, and/or as material resources for human use. Interpreting geologic processes helps reveal the dynamic aspects of the earth sciences and can help tell the “story behind the scenery” of parks. Incorporating beauty, discovery and curiosity, change, and other more “emotional” aspects of geology can also make the topic relevant to larger audiences. When preparing geologic interpretive media, it is most important to focus on the genius loci of the park and its geology. Effective geology interpretation also may include separating distinct parts of the park’s geologic stories, and may not include all aspects of an area’s geology in a single program or exhibit. Finally, “thinking like a visitor” (a non-expert) can help interpreters find novel ways of presenting park geology and can ensure that geology presentations are as relevant as possible to the public.