The rocks and landscapes of the Isle of Man tell a fascinating story--one that began in the distant geological past, hundreds of millions of years ago. By exploring the Island 's dramatic coastline and hills we can find rocks that were formed in an ancient ocean, desert plains, tropical seas and underwater volcanoes. In more recent geological times mighty ice sheets advanced over the Isle of Man and shaped the bare bones of the landscape we see today. Since then, the pounding seas, rivers and weather have contributed to a constantly changing landscape. A new chapter in the evolution of the landscape began when people arrived on the Island. Ancient rocks became distinctive building stones, and minerals yielded valuable metals. This book describes the geological processes that have formed the Isle of Man's unique rocks and spectacular landscape, and how Manx people through the ages have used the rocks around them.