Follow the accompanying link to From Sea to Prairie, a brief on-line pamphlet describing the geologic history of Kansas, USA produced by the Kansas Geological Survey.

This pamphlet provides a good illustration of the methods geologists utilize to interpret the geologic history of any region. It is interesting to note that even though Kansas is presently located near the interior of North America, it has a long record of marine environments.

Once you have read the pamphlet, answer the questions below to the best of your ability.

1. Determine the rock types represented in different geologic intervals of Kansas and describe the environments in which those rocks were deposited.

2. What evidence do geologists have to indicate that these rocks really formed in the environments that are claimed?

3. How do geologists know how old these rocks are? What evidence for the antiquity of these rocks is presented?

4. List and provide a brief description of the physiographic provinces of Kansas.

5. What features are used to subdivide and define the physiographic provinces of Kansas?