This book is the first peer-reviewed collection of papers focusingon the potential of myth storylines to yield data and lessonsthat are of value to the geological sciences. Building on thenascent discipline of geomythology, scientists and scholarsfrom a variety of disciplines have contributed to this volume.The geological hazards (such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcaniceruptions and cosmic impacts) that have given rise to mythsare considered, as are the sacred and cultural values associatedwith rocks, fossils, geological formations and landscapes. Thereare also discussions about the historical and literary perspectivesof geomythology. Regional coverage includes Europe and the Mediterranean,Afghanistan, Cameroon, India, Australia, Japan, Pacific islands,South America and North America. Myth and Geology challengesthe widespread notion that myths are fictitious or otherwiselacking in value for the physical sciences.
