Events
To Better Know the Planet Earth: A New Perspective on the Underground Riches of Lithuania
07 05 2026
The Lithuanian Academy of Sciences has published a new book, Lietuvos žemės gelmių turtai (The Underground Resources of Lithuania). A group of renowned Lithuanian geologists and scientists contributed to this work, the executive editor of which is Academician Algimantas Grigelis. Intended for specialists and the general public alike, it is a significant publication that strengthens the dialogue between science and society. The book aims not only to introduce readers to the geological structure of our country but also to encourage a responsible approach to natural resources and their use.
At the core of the publication is the importance of the subsurface of the planet Earth in human life. The subsoil of Earth is not merely rocks or minerals – it is an ‘archive’ of the history of life as such, containing information about the planet’s development, the origin and evolution of life. Since ancient times, human progress has been directly linked to the ability to utilise Earth’s resources, from stone tools to modern technologies.
In a way that is clear and understandable, the book presents the fundamental principles of geology: it tells about the origin of Earth, its structure, and long-term changes. It discusses the formation of the planet, the changes of its surface, and the emergence – over billions of years – of the current geological structure. It points out that geological processes can occur both extremely slowly (e.g., formation of mountain ranges) and very quickly (e.g., earthquakes or volcanic eruptions), but all of them shape the face of our planet.
Significant attention in the book is given to the geological development of the territory of Lithuania. It provides detailed information on the country’s geological structures, rock layers, and the periods during which they formed. It emphasises the advanced level of geological exploration in Lithuania, and that the accumulated data allows for an accurate assessment of the country’s natural resources and the possibilities for their use. It also discusses the most important subsoil resources, from oil and gas to various non-metallic minerals, such as sand, gravel, clay, or peat.
The book does not limit itself to scientific facts: it also raises important environmental issues. Anthropogenic activities are increasingly impacting the planet’s ecosystem, so it is essential to find a balance between economic benefits and nature conservation. Readers are invited to reflect on their role and responsibility in protecting the environment.
A significant part of the book is devoted to the practical use of underground resources. It discusses how mineral resources are used in construction, energy, industry, and everyday life. Modern society cannot exist without these resources, but their extraction must be carried out responsibly, taking into account environmental protection and long-term benefits.
Lietuvos žemės gelmių turtai is not only a scientific but also an educational publication that encourages readers to take a fresh look at their country. It provides valuable knowledge about the structure of Earth, Lithuania’s natural resources, and their significance in our daily lives. This book is an invitation to better understand what lies beneath our feet and to take responsible care of our shared home.
The book is currently available in digital format, and a print edition will be released at the end of May. The digital book Lietuvos žemės gelmių turtai (in Lithuanian) is available here.
To introduce international readers to the main points of the book, its authors prepared an illustrated extended summary, ‘The Underground Resources of Lithuania’, which is available here.
Information of the Publishing Department of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
