Oman's geological history extends back more than 800 million years. This distinctive geological history is represented in the mixing and diversity of the terrain exposed on the land of Oman, including mountains, deserts, caves and valleys. This geological richness and diversity has shaped Oman's history, culture and economy since the dawn of civilizations. Despite Oman's relatively small geographical area, its amazing geology includes evidence of the most important tectonic events and climate changes that have occurred on Earth since its formation. These distinctive features have earned Oman an international reputation in the field of geology and made it the focus of attention of researchers from various countries of the world and deserved to be called the “Natural Geological Museum.”