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THE STUDY OF GEOLOGY
(Information provided
by The American Geological Institute and American Association of Petroleum Geologists)
Introduction
Geology is the science of the Earth, the study of its physical makeup and history. It
is the key to finding new sources of energy-producing materials, additional reserves of
mineral resources, and hidden quantities of ground water. Geologists not only study rocks
as they are now, but determine the processes by which they were formed.
For geologists, the Earth is an outdoor laboratory. They study mountains, plains,
oceans, rocks, soils and the water above and within the ground.
Geologists study the processes that have shaped the surface of the Earth--the
sculptured works of ice, wind, running water and volcanic activity.
Geologists find out what formed the Earth billions of years ago. They study fossils and
sediments in order to understand the geologic past, tracing life from the earliest known
bacteria of more than three billion years ago to the ancestors of modern man. By applying
knowledge of forces that shaped the past, they seek to reveal the future--from the
prediction of earthquake and volcanic activity to the movement of continents.
Geology is truly the science of the Earth--its past, present and future.
What Do Geologists Do?
Dynamic Earth focuses on the Earth's structure and composition, and deals with the
physical and chemical processes that affect it. Earth History is the study of the
evolution of the Earth and its life forms from its origins to the present.
As Earth scientists have learned more about our planet, additional--and more
specialized--branches of geology have evolved.
Geologists concerned with the physical aspects of Earth materials include mineralogists
who analyze, classify and describe minerals, and petrologists who study the structure and
composition of rocks.
Even more specialized is the geochemist. He/she investigates the nature and distribution
of chemical elements in rocks and minerals.
Geomorphologists study the causes and effects of Earth processes and investigate the
nature and origin of landforms.
Volcanologists study geologic phenomena associated with volcanic activity.
Geophysicists, including seismologists (earthquake specialists), attempt to explain heat
flow patterns within the Earth, seismic vibrations, magnetic, electric and gravitational
fields and the nature of the Earth's interior.
The structural geologist is concerned with the arrangement of rock masses in the Earth's
crust and the types of forces that may have affected them.
There are also specialized branches of geology for those who study Earth history.
Paleontologists use fossils to describe the nature and development of life through
geologic time. They use their knowledge to describe the environments in which these
ancient life forms lived. Stratigraphers investigate the thickness, shape and the
distribution of layered rocks in addition to their mineral and fossil content.
Geochronologists calculate the rate of decay of certain radioactive elements to determine
the age of certain rocks.
Recent advances in science have produced new areas of specialization for geologists. The
astrogeologist or planetary geologist uses knowledge of the Earth's geology to study
surface conditions on the moon and other planets.
Marine geologists investigate the oceans, continental margins, and coastal environments.
Environmental geologists rely on skills and data to solve problems with pollution and
urban development and to guard against hazards such as flooding and erosion. Engineering
geologists use their geologic knowledge along with engineering principles to advise those
involved in construction projects such as dams, tunnels and highways, thereby avoiding
possible disasters from landslides, poor foundation conditions, expansive soils and other
geologic conditions.
Those are just a few of the geological fields being used to strengthen the world economy
and improve the quality of human life.
Where Do Geologists Work?
Geologists may be found sampling the deep ocean floor or collecting rock specimens on
the moon. But the work of most geologists is more "down to earth." They usually
divide their time between working in the field, the laboratory and the office. Field work
usually consists of collecting rock samples and fossils, measuring the rock formations and
gathering other types of information to be used in the preparation of technical reports
and geological maps. These maps are then used to pinpoint areas favorable to the
occurrence of ores, coal, oil, natural gas or underground water.
Once the field work is done, the samples and other data that have been collected are
usually taken to the laboratory for more detailed study. The rock samples may be x-rayed,
studied under a polarizing or electron microscope and subjected to chemical analysis. The
geologists also may conduct laboratory experiments designed to test theories that have
been proposed to explain geologic phenomena.
But even the most active field geologists and laboratory investigators must spend time in
the office. At their desks, drawing tables and computer consoles, they integrate field and
laboratory data in order to write reports and to draft maps and diagrams to illustrate the
results of their studies.
The amount of time that a geologist spends in the field, laboratory or office differs
according to position and assignment. Some highly specialized geologists work almost
exclusively in the laboratory; others spend most of their working hours at a desk
analyzing data collected by others. But, generally speaking, geological work usually
consists of a pleasant blending of indoor and outdoor duties.
Are you interested in travel? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are science and nature your
favorite subjects? Have you ever wondered why the Earth appears as it does? If you answer
"yes" to most of these questions, then geology could be a good career for you.
A good science background in high school and a bachelor's degree from college are
essential. Four academic years of lecture and laboratory work and a special summer course
in geological field work will be required. Basic geology courses such as mineralogy,
petrology, stratigraphy, paleontology and structural geology will make up the bulk of your
training.
A solid foundation in English is essential. Geologists spend much time writing reports. If
their reports are not clearly written, their efforts may be wasted.
As in any profession, the best jobs go to the best qualified. Students pursuing a career
in geology should consider an advanced degree. For beginning research positions or the
best-paying jobs, a master's degree is required. A Ph.D. is needed for advancement in
college teaching and in most high-level research positions.
Careers in Geology
The employment outlook in the geosciences--as in any profession--varies with the
economic climate of the country.
The long-range outlook seems good at this time. Dwindling energy, mineral and water
resources and increased environmental concerns present new challenges to those qualified.
There are about 65,000 geologists at work in the United States today. Most are employed by
private industry. Most of these are petroleum geologists whose work is vital to oil
companies. They find the crude oil that is the lifeblood of the petroleum industry. Other
geologists work for mining companies to locate ore deposits and estimate reserves. You
will find geologists in other commercial fields such as cement and ceramic industries;
sand and gravel firms; railroads; and engineering companies.
The largest single employer of geologists in the U.S. is the federal government. Most work
for the United States Geological Survey but others work for the Soil Conservation Service,
Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Mines, Forest Service, or the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Many geologists work for the 50-state geological surveys.
About 8,000 geologists are employed by colleges and universities in teaching and research
positions. Many geologists are self-employed. Some are independent oil operators; others
work as geological consultants. Most consulting geologists have acquired prior experience
in industry, teaching or research.
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