THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS - A CHANGING WORLD

Many people fail to appreciate the influence of geologic processes on the landscape and life on the planet. To help increase public awareness of geologic processes and their cumulative effects, the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service have produced a 25-minute video on the geology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This region was chosen because of its rich biodiversity and geologic history, and because it is one of the most-visited recreation areas in the country. The region includes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and several National Forests, as well as State and private recreation areas.

The video portrays how the last billion years of earth history has made the region what it is today. Included in the video are several animations that show paleogeographic reconstructions of the earth and movements of the North American continent over time; the formation of Ocoee basin; the collision of North America and Africa; the formation of plutons, faults, and geologic windows; and the extent of glaciation in North America. The animations are tied to familiar public-access sites in the region. They illustrate geologic processes and time periods, making the geologic setting of the region more understandable to tourists and local students.

The video is intended to increase the appreciation of the many roles played by geology and minerals in the landscapes, lives, and history of people. The video reinforces the concept that understanding geologic processes, rates, and setting is an important component of informed land management to sustain the quality of life in a region. With that goal in mind, we will work with the Southern Appalachian Man and Biosphere to distribute the video and a teacher's manual to middle and high schools and Visitors Centers in the region.