The diverse geology of the Svalbard has resulted in a wide range of differing landscapes. No other place in northern Europe displays such diversity in geological formations and no other place has so many geological eras exposed in outcrops. Since many areas lack significant amounts of soil and vegetation, the bedrock exposures can be studied unimpeded over large distances. All of these factors make Svalbard a unique place for studying gelogical processes - or for being captivated by the beauty of the land.