Some of you may already know this, others get to find out now. By trade, I may work in economics, but my education is in geology. And it rocks!
At various points, I've made some small attempts to piece together what we know from Eorzea's physical make-up, but I've never managed to form a properly cohesive picture. (This wasn't helped much by the original release's repetitive landscapes.) I figured it might soon be time to make a more concerted effort and lay the foundations for some deeper analysis of the v2.0 landscape.
I figured we could start with some basic fact-gathering, so I'm going to start making a list of what we know. If you can think of something not on my lost or possibly provide some juicy gems of added contextual information, feel free to contribute.
Places of Geological interest:
- Mt. O'Ghomoro
An active (?) volcano at the heart of Vylbrand. Mined by the Kobolds. Surrounding associated rocks appear rich in iron, cobalt and sulphur (brimstone). Bears spinels and Turquoises, indicating the volcano's lava flows are mafic (mostly basalt) and contain notable amounts of magnesium, aluminium-based feldspars and copper.- The White Cliffs of Vylbrand
Most of Vylbrand's shore is made of high cliff-faces in front of a white sandy beach. Possible comparisons include the White Cliffs of Dover, which are made of chalk and flint, or the Twelve Apostles, which are made of limestone. Both formed underwater and this geology suggests the coastal areas of Vylbrand would need to have been submerged at some point for an extended period of time (sixth umbral era?)- Thanalan Caves
Thanalan is riddled by a network of tunnels that appear to have been naturally formed. In some locations, such as West Thanalan, these tunnels have opened up and connected with the surface. The presence of water suggests they are formed by subterranean water flows. (can someone find me a real-world comparison?)
The mineral composition suggests rocks of felsic origin (mostly granites) that have undergone metamorphism through burial before erosion.
The specific combination with amber (fossilised tree sap) suggests sedimentary deposits at least where this mineral is found (cave systems are easier formed in sandstones of eroded pegmatites rather than the original rock). In a previous age, parts of Thanalan would have had a very lush vegetation (wider historical coverage of the Twelveswood?).- The Whispering Gorge, Jadeite Flood and Black Tea Brook
This appears to be one of Eorzea's major rivers, springing in the Northern Black Shroud, flowing through Gridaniaand possibly feeding Silvertear Lake before cascading down Silvertear Falls into the ocean.I'm not sure how much to draw in terms of conclusions at this point.
The Coerthas River and other mountain lakes around Coerthas probably also feed into Silvertear Lake.((Edit: River theories need some work. Deferring to ARR.))- South Shroud Kimberlites
It is worth noting that Gridania's geology is probably highly complicated. This is highlighted by the presence of Garnet and Peridot in the same rock bodies around Camp Tranquil, which is only possible if the rock has been buried below 100km depth. The most common way for these to get to the surface is through a kimberlite, which is the stuff you find diamonds in.- Silvertear Lake
While the Silvertear falls are a significant landmark, it only exists because of the sheer rock face holding back Silvertear Lake. The presence of an island at the very centre is also interesting, suggesting the formation is a crater lake such as a volcanic crater or meteor impact site.
(I'm thinking perhaps an association with the Tomb of Xandes/Crystal Tower descending underground, but other ideas are very welcome.)- The Sea of Clouds and Abalathia's Spine
The mountains of Coerthas steadily climb to a peak near the gates of judgement, where they then decend into a plateau commonly filled with clouds. Further to the north is another mountain range called Alabathia's Spine. My guess is that the Sea of Clouds corresponds to the Tibetian Plateau. This would suggest that the Coerthas mountain range represents a continental plate boundary where Mor Dhona is being steadily thrust beneath Coerthas and uplifting the Alabathian range. (Other ideas are welcome.)- Ishgard's Spire
The pinacle upon which Ishgard is built is reached via a combination of natural and man-made bridges. I'm still thinking about this one.
Known Natural Disasters:
- Seventh Umbral Fall of Dalamud
'Nuf Said.- The Fall of the Keeper
Disrupted the Aethertic flow and caused crystalisation (fossilisation?) of much of the vegetation. Interesting for the future geological record.- Sixth Umbral Flood
Submersion of large parts of Eorzea. If we assume it lasted for a reasonable amount of time, we could align this event to the formation of the cliffs of Vylbrand, although I'm sceptical they could be that young and so quickly formed. More likely, the current cliff height is a representation of the height of the waters during the Sixth Umbral Era.- Fifth Umbral Ice Age
Glaciers would have probably dominated Coerthas, carving out the large rifts over which the iconic bridges are built. The Sea of Clouds may have been filled with ice.
Over to you, folks. Let's see some geomancy!