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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 2007; v. 273; p. 1-7;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.2007.273.01.01
© 2007 Geological Society of London

Geomythology: geological origins of myths and legends

Dorothy B. Vitaliano

(e-mail: c/o judy{at}xylor.com)

Myths and geology are related in several ways. Some myths are the result of man's attempts to explain noteworthy features of his environment, such as striking landforms or unusual smaller features, whereas others try to account for conspicuous natural processes, such as earthquakes, volcanic phenomena, and floods. Local myths have sometimes proved helpful in solving geological problems, and even the geological nomenclature is indebted to mythology. Examples of each kind of relationship are given.