As part of its ongoing commitment to increase public awareness of the geosciences, the Geological Survey of Canada has produced a wide range of materials suitable for students and for all those with an interest in scientific research.

Videos

Arrangements can be made for short term loans of these videos in VHS format. Also, arrangement can be made to obtain one free copy of the following videos in DVD format though Earth Science Information Centre (esic@nrcan.gc.ca).

• Beyond the frontier (1984, 22 min.)
  This video is a documentary about high Arctic exploration through an overview of drilling techniques adapted for Arctic weather.

• The earth scientists (1985, 18 min.)
  How are computer science, geology, physics and geography related? They can all lead to a career in the earth sciences. In this video, earth scientists working in five distinct disciplines (marine geology, geology, cartography, geodesy, and geophysics) relate what attracted them to their specialty, and what a challenging and exciting life they have found as a result of their work.

• Beyond the ocean frontier: The Juan de Fuca Ridge (1986, 8 min.)
  Two thousand metres below the surface of the Pacific Ocean off Canada's west coast is an underwater mountain range called the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Its steaming vents spew forth an abundance of molten minerals, supporting a unique ecosystem denied the privileges of light. The video takes the viewer to this remote new world and examines its scientific significance.

• A new world below (1986, 28 min.)
  This video focuses on marine research and exploration of the ocean floor off Canada's Atlantic coast, a vast area of some 2 500 000 square kilometers.

• Mapping Canada: from astrolabes to lasers (1986, 18 min.)
  This video retraces the history of mapping in Canada from then and now.

• Islands in the midnight sun: The story of the Polar Continental Shelf Project (1986, 9 min.)
  The Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP) has provided logistics support for scientists working in Canada's High Arctic for over a quarter century. Using extraordinary Arctic footage, the video examines PCSP's origins, the challenges presented by Arctic conditions, and current PCSP activities.

• Lithoprobe, probing the Earth (1986, 5 min.)
  Lithoprobe lets scientists study the Earth to an incredible depth of 40 kilometres below its surface. As a result we are gaining valuable new information about mineral resources, and the patterns which shaped, and are still shaping, the Earth. The video describes this exciting new research and explains its economic and geological implications.

• Earthquakes in Canada? (1987, 15 min.)
  Canadians are not immune from the threat of a major earthquake. This video looks at the causes of earthquakes, the risks, the consequences and the precautions. Everyone should know what to do in the event of an earthquake.

• Mineral wealth of Atlantic Canada (1987, 30 min.)
  Produced in conjunction with the Atlantic Geoscience Society, this video is an excellent introduction to the $2 billion mining industry of Atlantic Canada. The focus on how new mines are developed is complemented with a look at several mining towns.

• Mining and mineral vignettes (1987, 28 min.)
  Millions of years ago, valuable minerals were formed during geological events. Through a series of seven vignettes of three to five minutes in length, this video traces how these minerals are discovered and developed today, from prospecting to panning to mining.

• Hidden heritage (1989, 16 min.)
  Produced in co-operation with the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, this video traces Ontario's rich geological heritage, giving a broad sense of the importance of the mineral industry in Ontario. The number of minerals and their diversity will come as a surprise.

• The science of change (1990, 10 min.)
  This video looks at the Geological Survey of Canada's contribution to the international Global Change Program, and its attempt to assess the amount and the reasons for contemporary and future changes in our environment. Essential to this work is a solid grasp of past environmental conditions and changes, which can only be found in the geological record.

• Energy in Canada (1990, 8 min.)
  This video presents an overview of all Canadian energy sources through a voyage from the center of the Earth to space.

• The green house (1990, 10 min.)
  This video demonstrates to Canadians what they can do in their home to become more energy efficient while maintaining the same level of comfort and help our environment as well.

• The secrets of ice (1991, 13:12 min.)
  Ice and snow are part of the Canadian psyche, and naturally Canadians are leaders in scientific research in this field. This video looks at some intriguing research under way, including work conducted from a huge slab of ice adrift in the Arctic Ocean not far from the North Pole, and the extraction of ice cores whose geological records provide us with the key to the Earth's past.

• Geoscience mapping (1991)
  This video shows us how the study and applications of earth sciences make a valuable contribution to the development of our mineral resources.

• The lake that fell to Earth (1991, 28 min.)
  This video looks at a lake, which was created following the impact of a meteorite in the tundra region. It is a documentary on the expedition of scientists in 1988 to this lake, where a treasure chest of clues to the earth's history of the cosmos are uncovered.

• The Geological Survey of Canada - Past to present (1992, 12 min.)
  Since its inception in 1842, the Geological Survey of Canada's mandate to provide basic geoscientific knowledge about the country has remained the same, even as the frontiers of knowledge and scientific tools have evolved. This fast-paced video follows the GSC's development and introduces viewers to exciting new research programs.

• Offshore oil and natural gas (1992, 30 min.)
  This documentary examines how oil and natural gas deposits developed in the sedimentary geological formations deep below the surface of the ocean off the coast of Atlantic Canada.

• Where terranes collide: geology in western Canada (1993)
  The video is about the geology and the geologists of the Canadian Cordillera. The current concepts concerning the origin of the mountains of western Canada and the geologists and geoscientists who work among them are featured.

• What's in a toponym - The story of Canada's geographical names (1993, 10 min.)
  Every year, thousands of local names are brought to the attention of the Geographical Names Board of Canada (GNBC) who gathers and records these names, or toponyms, and makes them known throughout the nation. This video shows GNBC's responsibilities and how new names are proposed, documented and stored.

• 200 years of geoscience in Canada (2005, 8.5 min.)
  This video is a photo and video montage of 200 years of geoscience in Canada.

GSC research videos

Video equipment is being used increasingly during geoscientific field research. A number of GSC scientists have documented their field work on video, and these are now available for purchase. Videos may be useful to researchers unable to survey an area personally, or in anticipation of such an opportunity; they are also excellent teaching aids. The videos are not professional productions, and the recording quality may vary. For a listing of titles and costs, contact Dave Frobel.

Posters

• GSC Poster Series
  The Geological Survey of Canada's poster series carries the following five titles:
  1. Meteorites
  2. Rocks
  3. Minerals
  4. Fossils
  5. Gemstones

  A mixture of text and pictures, these posters are popular with children and geoscience enthusiasts of all ages. (The series is in the midst of an upgrade; Meteorites, Minerals and Gemstones have been re-released.) Free individual copies are available from the GSC Bookstore, as are class sets for teachers. A $.50/poster charge is applied for bulk orders from non-educational groups.

• "Fossils" Poster for Teachers
  A visually stunning poster and an accompanying guide for the teacher. There is a limit of one free copy per teacher.

• "Geoscape"
  A colourful poster/quiz designed to give young Canadians a better awareness of the contribution geology makes to their daily lives and of the role and activities of the Geological Survey of Canada.

  See also:

  • Geoscape Canada (posters describing local geoscience issues for 15 communities across Canada).
  • Climate change - impacts and adaptation (a series of 7 posters depicting the regional impacts of climate change in Canada)

Publications

• GEOFACT Sheets
  GEOFACT Sheets present concise, informative descriptions of many geoscientific phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, black "smokers" or hydrothermal vents, and geomagnetic storms. These are available at no cost from the GSC Bookstore.

• Information for Collectors

• Rocks and Minerals for the Collector, by Ann Sabina These two series are a useful reference for any Canadian collector. The individual guidebooks are published by region and describe the mineral, rock and fossil collecting localities of the country. Prices vary. For more information, contact the GSC Bookstore.

• Volcanoes, by Maurice Lambert
  Myth and scientific fact are combined in this book, and illustrated by a rich mix of photographs, maps and diagrams. This simple yet thorough introduction to volcanoes includes accounts of a number of famous volcanoes abroad and in Canada. To order, send a cheque or money order for $5.95 plus taxes ($7.75 outside Canada) payable to the Receiver General for Canada, to the GSC Bookstore. Visa and MasterCard also accepted.

• No Stone Unturned - The first 150 years of the Geological Survey of Canada, by Christy Vodden
  Published in 1992, this award-winning publication presents the fascinating history of the Geological Survey of Canada and explains the importance of its work to the exploration and development of Canada. It is illustrated with many photographs from the Survey's archives. Available at no charge from the GSC Bookstore. Supplies are limited.

• Fossils of the Burgess Shale - A National Treasure in Yoho National Park, B.C., by S. Conway Morris and H.B. Whittington
  In Yoho National Park lies the record of years gone by, preserved in the unique fossils of the Burgess Shale. This publication provides the reader with solid geological information, a great many pictures, and an idea of the scientific significance of this find. To order, send a cheque or money order for $7.50 plus taxes ($9.75 outside of Canada), payable to the Receiver General for Canada, to the GSC Bookstore. Visa and MasterCard also accepted.

• On the Frontiers, edited by R.G. Blackadar
  Much of the history of early Canada is traced out in this fascinating collection of photographs taken by Geological Survey of Canada staff. Survey scientists were often the first explorers of the country, and their photos provide a fascinating look at landscapes, people and scientific work of the past. To order, send cheque or money order for $19.95 plus taxes, ($29.95 outside of Canada), payable to the Receiver General for Canada, to the GSC Bookstore Visa and MasterCard also accepted.

• The Science of Change, 1992
  A colourful, award-winning publication that describes the wide range of environmental studies carried out by the Geological Survey of Canada, from global change to natural geological hazards such as earthquakes, landslides and volcanoes. Available at no charge from the GSC Bookstore.

• Encounters
  Since its inception in 1842, the Geological Survey has accumulated a rich record of Canada's Aboriginal peoples in black and white photographs, written documents and maps. The collections will be of inestimable value as resources for research and education and as sources of images for artistic and commercial use. This book is an invitation to explorers of all nations to discover the collections and uncover the wealth of their common past.

• Geological Survey of Canada Annual Review
  An annual review of the research highlights of the Geological Survey of Canada. It includes many photographs, a directory to Survey offices and a financial statement. Available at no charge from:

  Communications Office
  Geological Survey of Canada
  601 Booth Street
  Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E8

  Supplies are limited.

Contact us directly for further information from the GSC Bookstore or Claudette Pellikan(Earth Sciences Sector Communications Office).