Geological knowledge allows us to identify viable resources and renewable geological processes, which may benefit or threaten society.

UNESCO: UK National Commission for UNESCO :: Earth Sciences

Geological processes, such as plate tectonics, erupting volcanoes, advancing glaciers and river networks, have altered Earth's surface over billions of years.

MSN: Saturn's moon Titan may have seen Earth-like erosion

But the long timescales involved in geological processes make this a challenge.

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Digital photogrammetry also allows monitoring of the evolution of geological processes.

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And the absence of heat coming from the interior means that the moon is an inert lump of rock, bereft of interesting geological processes such as vulcanism.

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Eventually, geological processes force some ancient sedimentary layers to the surface, briefly revealing embedded fossils but also exposing them to the elements, ensuring that unnoticed relics are rapidly eroded.

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The researchers were able to draw parallels between our planet and Saturn's hazy moon, suggesting that similar geological processes may have altered Titan's icy surface in the recent past.

MSN: Saturn's moon Titan may have seen Earth-like erosion