The Geology of Virginia

A Resource for Information on the Commonwealth's Geology

  • MInerals, Rocks & Fossils
  • VA Geologic History
  • Geology Now
  • Hydrology
  • Maps & Diagrams
  • Resources
  • WM Geology

Resources

Terms and Definitions

Geologic time scale

Featured Image

WestmorelandCliff

Cliffs of Westmoreland

The Cliffs of Westmoreland rise 30 to 45 meters (~100 to 150′) above the waters of the Potomac River.  These bluffs expose Miocene to Pliocene sedimentary units, some which are quite fossiliferous.  For more information on the geology of Westmoreland checkout the 2005 Virginia Geological Field Conference guidebook by Buck Ward and others. Note the […]

Browse all Featured Images

See the Featured Images Map

What’s New in Virginia Geology

pluton contact

At the Pluton’s Edge

When large quantities of magma intrude and solidify in the Earth’s crust they form bodies of intrusive igneous rock known as plutons. The featured image nicely illustrates the edge (geologic contact) of a granitic pluton in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia. The granite is part of the 706 ± 4 million year old […]

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2025 · Backcountry Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in