CONNECTING GEOLOGY AND HUMAN HISTORY: EXAMPLES FROM A MULTIMEDIA CD-ROM SERIES CONCERNING THE GEOLOGY OF VIRGINIA

Geology has impacted human history in every region, ranging from the landforms that influence migration, settling, and development to necessary natural resources such as water, soil, and economic mineral deposits. We have produced a series of interactive, multimedia CD-ROMs concerning the geology of Virginia aimed at secondary earth science students and teachers, as well as interested laypeople. Included in the examination of each of the state’s physiographic/geologic provinces is a section on “Geology and Human History.” In our presentation, we will showcase some of the geology and human history topics treated in the CD-ROMs. Topics to be discussed are: (1) Coastal Plain – Fall Line, settling of Jamestown, Battle of Yorktown, and the Peninsula Campaign; (2) Piedmont/Blue Ridge – Great Falls and the Patowmack Canal, Crozet Tunnel, and Mesozoic Basin coal mining; and (3) Valley and Ridge/Appalachian Plateaus – Great Valley, charcoal furnace iron industry, and Cumberland Gap. We are convinced that developing and presenting these kinds of connections between geology and human history helps the public to understand the importance of geology in their lives.