About Geology
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Geology is the natural science that deals with Earth, the interior make-up, and surficial features, its formative and destructive processes, its age, history and development through time. Earth is the natural habitat of all life including mankind. Urban and land-use planning and efforts to clean up our environment require a sound knowledge of geology and geological processes. Geologists are concerned with a diverse range of issues such as the origin, migration and quality of groundwater, river and coastal erosion, desert-dune migration, the origin and evolution of oceans and continents, of mountain ranges, valleys and canyons. Studies concerning the causes and effects of natural hazards, such as those created by land and rock slides, earthquakes, floods and droughts, and volcanic eruptions all fall within the realm of Geology. |
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Geologists research the origin of Earth's natural resources, and are extensively involved in the discovery, development, and conservation of the metallic minerals we use, the clay, sand, gravel, cement, and fertilizer we need to improve our living conditions, the water we drink and the coal, oil and natural gas we use to serve our energy requirements. |
Geology includes studies on the origin, history and evolution of life through time. Most importantly, Geology is concerned with the special set of circumstances that makes life on Earth possible and Planet Earth so unique in our Solar System if not in the Universe. |
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Geochemists deal with the chemical make-up of magmas and rocks in the earth's crusts, and are concerned with using geochemical techniques in the discovery of new ore reserves and in addressing environmental concerns. Geophysicists measure and study the gravity, magnetic and electrical fields of the earth and record and analyse seismic waves generated by earthquakes and man made sources. This information is used to investigate the nature and form of the Earth's interior, from the near surface to the inner core, in mineral and petroleum exploration, engineering site investigations, and in the solution of environmental geology problems. |
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Biogeologists are concerned with the taxonomy, biogeography and behavioral evolution of fossils, paleoecological aspects of ancient life forms, history and evolution of life and establishing a relative time frame for past geological events. Mineral economics is mainly concerned with applying economic principles to the unimpeded and ordered supply of metals and energy resources for an expanding society on a global basis. |
Geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, biogeologists and mineral economists find employment in the mineral industry, including exploration for oil, metals, and industrial minerals, in government surveys, in University teaching and research, and as independent consultants to the mining industry and engineering and environmental organizations. |
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NEW INFORMATION PAMPHLETS FOR
INTRODUCTORY GEOLOGY COURSES
Those interested in the 1000-level Introductory Geology lecture courses, labs
and fieldschool should check out our new information pamphlets:
Intro Geology for Science Students and Intro Geology for Arts Students
(these pamphlets require the Adobe Acrobat plug-in)