Groundbreaking discoveries were documented and scientific discoveries achieved here, particularly in the 19th century. One of the major milestones in 19th-century geology was the proof of the so-called inland ice theory by the Swedish geologist Otto Torell: In 1875, exactly 150 years ago, he was able to scientifically prove the extensive glaciation of Central Europe based on the crater marks and glacial potholes found in the Rüdersdorf limestone. Numerous other technologies were also invented or further developed here, which significantly advanced geology as a scientific discipline. Thanks to many first descriptions, Rüdersdorf is still considered a "locus typicus" worldwide today.
Find out more on site – for example on a geo-tour and/or historical tour or in our exhibitions .
History of Science
Further reading
Kaiser, Karlheinz, 1975: The inland ice theory, an integral part of German Quaternary research for 100 years. In: E&G – Quaternary Science Journal, 26, 1, DOI: https://doi.org/10.23689/fidgeo-1573.
Köhler, Eva (1994): Rüdersdorf: The Lime Capital on the Outskirts of Berlin. Berlin: Stapp Verlag.
750 Years of Limestone Mining in Rüdersdorf: Limestone extraction and processing shape a region. A presentation of mining history and its foundations, interrelationships, and impacts on the Rüdersdorf site (geology / mining / infrastructure / local development / raw material utilization / post-mining landscape). Published by Rüdersdorfer Zement GmbH, 2004.