Geological records are layers of rock and sediment that provide a history of the Earth's surface and its processes over time. These layers, formed through natural events like volcanic eruptions and sedimentation, contain fossils and minerals that help scientists understand past climates, environments, and life forms. By studying geological records, researchers can reconstruct the Earth's history, including major events such as mass extinctions and continental drift. This information is crucial for understanding how the planet has changed and can help predict future geological events and their potential impacts on the environment and human life.