Geology Exhibition: Landscapes Below and the Art of Map-Making

Milstein Exhibition Centre, Cambridge University Library

24 November 2017 to 29 March 2018

The new science of geology flourished throughout Britain during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The countrysides of England, Scotland, and Wales showcased an unusually wide range of geological formations, making them ideal for building a 'bigger picture' of Nature and natural systems. The way layers of earth stacked together was a source of significant debate among early geologists, as dramatic distortions of the Earth's crust led to confusion about the original order of deposited sediment that gradually formed into strata over time. Surveys and maps were essential tools for geologists, helping them uncover how these strata ascended and understand the forces that shaped the visible landscape.

Major breakthroughs, gradual developments, and arguments are explored across the maps, models, specimens, and books featured in this exhibition. 'Landscapes Below' delves into map-making and highlights how innovative interpretations of the British landscape influence our understanding of the Earth.