outcrop analysis

Outcrop analysis involves studying visible rock formations on Earth's surface to understand their composition, structure, and history. Geologists examine these exposed rocks to identify mineral types, layering, and features that reveal how the rocks formed and were shaped over time. This method provides valuable insights into Earth's past environments, tectonic processes, and geological events. By analyzing outcrops, scientists can interpret how different rocks relate to one another and reconstruct the geological history of an area without needing to drill or excavate underground.