USGS Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Geology

What's the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Is there a relationship between large earthquakes (>M 6) that occur along major fault zones and nearby volcanic eruptions?

How much gold has been found in the world?

What kind of school training do you need to become a volcanologist?

What volcanoes in the conterminous United States have erupted since the Nation was founded?

What is "Fool's Gold"?

What is pewter?

How much silver has been found in the world?

Can an eruption at one volcano trigger an eruption at another nearby volcano (for example, within about 10 km)?

How much copper has been found in the world?

What is a mineral?

What instruments, tools, and methods do you use to study volcanoes?

Is it dangerous to work on volcanoes and what precautions do scientists take?

Do minerals produce the colors in fireworks?

What is the meaning of the karat mark on gold jewelry?

How do we get minerals?

Is there evidence for a cause and effect relationship between eruptions that occur at about the same time from volcanoes located hundreds to thousands of km apart?

How many pounds of minerals are required by the average person in a year?

My uncle's house was swallowed up by a sinkhole! What happened?

How large is a lifetime supply of minerals for the average person?

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