Two Oral Presentations and a Poster Presentation at the 2025 GSA Annual Meeting

Research partially funded by the Geoscience Research Institute was presented in oral and poster presentation formats at The Geological Society of America meetings, held in San Antonio, Texas, 19-22 October 2025.

Minerals & Crystal Systems

Minerals are naturally occurring solids with a specific chemical composition and ordered internal structure, in contrast to rocks, which consist of variable mixtures of minerals. Beyond their symmetry, color, and luster, minerals reveal how variation, order, and beauty are reflected in the fundamental fabric of nature. Browse this digital display of stunning specimens arranged by crystal system in the GRI Virtual Collections.

Copernicanism, Realism, and the Import of Philosophy in the Dialogue Between Science and Religion

This article discusses one facet of the Copernican revolution, with the goal of establishing a basic proposition: Philosophy plays a pivotal role in the dialogue between science and religion.

Faith or Science: Do We Have to Choose One?

Pasteur and Spontaneous Generation

Luis Pasteur is perhaps mostly known for his proposal that microorganisms were responsible for certain pathologies, which resulted in increasing life expectancy for millions of people. However, he also devised experiments that were decisive in disproving the theory of spontaneous generation. Pasteur became a model of proper experimental methodology, and was a sagacious individual, thoroughly informed about the issues of his time. He understood the potential impact that a naturalistic worldview could have on our vision of reality and remained committed to Christianity.

Catastrophe and Design

Interpretive panels exploring the fossil record, geologic processes, and design in nature, designed to accompany specimens in small exhibits or displays

Let That Sink In: Track Depth as a Driving Factor in the Formation of Dinosaur Tail Traces

Judging from the known record of theropod dinosaur trackways, it was uncommon for these animals to touch the ground with their tail while walking. A recent publication, based on a GRI-sponsored study, reports some of the best-known dinosaur tail traces from anywhere in the world, found at an exceptional tracksite in Upper Cretaceous strata in Bolivia. It appears that theropods were more likely to leave a tail mark when their feet were sinking into soft substrate. Under the right conditions (e.g., large individuals walking in a soft substrate), tail dragging may have occurred more often in theropod dinosaurs than previously recognized.

Design and Catastrophe

Free electronic version of the book now available for download

What Happened in the Garden: The Reality and Ramifications of the Creation and Fall of Man

Book review by Jim Gibson

Genesis and Science: Where is the Evidence Going?

A compact book that brings to light how recent discoveries are challenging the conventional and prevailing naturalistic worldview.