EFFECT OF THE WAR ON THE SCIENCE OF ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
In general, the war required an intensive application of geology along lines already pretty well established under peace conditions. Much was done to make the application more direct and effective, and a vast amount of geologic information was mobilized. The general result was a quickened appreciation of the possibilities of the use of geology for practical purposes. Perhaps the most important single result was a wider recognition of the real relations of mineral resources to human activities, and of the international phases of the problem. More specifically, there was a most careful stock-taking of mineral resources and a consideration of the "why" of their commercial use. Many new resources were found, as well as new ways to utilize them.
FOOTNOTES:
[60] Now known as Economic Liaison Committee.
[61] Military geology and topography, Herbert E. Gregory, Editor. Prepared and issued under the auspices of Division of Geology and Geography, National Research Council, Yale Univ. Press, New Haven, 1918.
[62] Davis, W. M., Handbook of Northern France, Harvard Univ. Press, Cambridge, 1918.
[63] For more detailed description of this subject the reader is referred to The use of geology on the Western Front, by Alfred H. Brooks, Prof. Paper 128-D, U. S. Geol. Survey, 1920.
CHAPTER XX
GEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION
Economic applications of geology are by no means confined to mineral resources (including water and soils). The earth is used by the human race in many other ways. Human habitations and constructions rest on it and penetrate it. It is the basis for transportation, both by land and water. Its water powers are used. In these various relations the applications of geology are too numerous to classify, much less to describe. While only a few of these activities have in the past required the participation of geologists, the growing size of the operations and increasing efficiency in their planning and execution are multiplying the calls for geologic advice. The nature of such applications of geology may be briefly indicated.[64]