Ojakangas R.W., Matsch C.L. Minnesota's Geology

Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. – 2004. – 275 p. This book about Minnesota's geology was written in an effort to share with all interested persons the excitement of scientific discovery and the fascinating story held within the rocks and landscape of an area we both have come to know as field geologists and as continuing students of earth history. Just as the earth itself is ever changing, so is the depth and breadth of our understanding of geological processes and our perception of its history. Therefore, it is not surprising that this book contains a great deal of geologic data and history not available for inclusion in its predecessor, Minnesota's Rocks and Waters, masterfully written by the late George M. Schwartz and the late George A. Thiel and published in 1954. Because many things have not changed, and because the personal experiences of individuals always influence what they write about, that book will continue to stand as an important and useful guide to Minnesota's geology. Our book is intended as a companion volume that brings to the public the views of current geologists, reflecting the fact that geological knowledge has grown by leaps and bounds during the last three decades. Although at first glance the language of geology appears to be formidable to the point of deflecting the reader to more conventional prose, the slight effort required to master the basics will surely be rewarded by the understanding of so important a part of the natural world. Make the effort, and share with us the excitement of exploring the rich geological heritage of this great state. Widespread mountains, explosive volcanoes, relentless glaciers, and longextinct life forms of both land and sea have been a part of Minnesota's ancient history. It is a story for us all, young and old. Our total experience as geologists, although adequate to give us perspective and to contribute specific details about some of the geology, by no means was sufficient to cover all these geological riches. We acknowledge with gratitude the contributions of the many earth scientists whose observations and ideas permeate the entire book. Also, our personal involvement with geology has been enriched not only by the geologic investigations of others but by our long association with curious, energetic, and altogether stimulating students as well. For them, we have special thanks.The Briefing
Minnesota's Place in Geologic History
Geologic history
Early Precambrian Time (4,500 to 2,500 Million Years Ago)
Middle Precambrian Time (2,500 to 1,600 Million Years Ago)
Late Precambrian Time (1,600 to 600 Million Years Ago)
Post-Precambrian Time (600 to 2 Million Years Ago)
The Quaternary Period (2 Million Years Ago to the Present)
Mineral resources
Metallic Minerals
Nonmetals, Fuels, and Water
Regional geology
Northeastern Minnesota
Northwestern Minnesota
Central Minnesota
Southwestern Minnesota
Southeastern Minnesota