All European Geoparks are, by definition, characterised by a particular geological heritage and can include sites which may be of archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural importance. The geological heritage has usually been uncovered through pioneering scientific research involving regional mapping and is described either in the published geological maps and memoirs of geological surveys or in articles written for scientific journals. Discoveries based on specific aspects of a geopark’s geological history have contributed significantly to the development of the science of geology and include sites of particular scientific importance (geosites), a prerequisite for any geopark. Some of these sites are internationally significant and are visited regularly by academic and industrial geologists and by groups of school children and university students studying courses in the Earth sciences. “Translated” into non-scientific language, published geological research within geoparks is used in the design of walking and cycle routes, exhibitions in information centres, for geo-educational activities and in the production of educational material. Descriptions of the general geology allow comparisons with effects of significant events in the geological history of other regions including other geoparks. These data are also used in information centres and publications to relate the history of the Earth, including the history of life and the succession of past climates and environments. Scientific research, however, is an ongoing process which will inevitably lead to new advancements in our understanding of the Earth’s history.