William Smith (geologist)

William Smith (1769-1839) was an English geologist known as the "Father of English Geology." He is best recognized for developing the first nationwide geological map of Britain, which demonstrated how layers of rock could be identified by the fossils they contained. This concept, known as biostratigraphy, allowed scientists to understand the relative ages of rock formations. Smith's work laid the foundation for modern geology, aiding in natural resource exploration and the study of Earth's history. His innovative ideas were crucial in advancing our understanding of the Earth's structure and stratification.