04/12/2017
What is Geology? What is Geological Sciences? Geology is the study of the Earth, its composition, its history, and its constantly changing character. Geologists study the origin and evolution of our planet; the chemical and physical properties of minerals, rocks, and fluids; the structure of our mobile crust - it’s newly forming ocean floors and its ancient drifting continents; the history of life; and the human adaptation to earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and floods. The subject matter of geology ranges from dinosaurs to the prediction of earthquakes. If you are intensely curious about the planet on which we live, challenged by problems which involve the Earth, and are intrigued by the potential of a subject which combines the best of both the arts and sciences, geology is a major you should consider. Geology attracts women and men who love the outdoors and thrive on practical challenges. In addition to a basic field component, the earth sciences employ much of the sophistication of chemistry, physics and engineering to interpret the nature, origin and usefulness of minerals, rocks, soils, oceans, groundwater and atmosphere. Why is Geology important? Geology is the study of the Earth and how it works. Geologists investigate processes that operate at and below the surface of the Earth, and the materials in which these processes occur. Geologists not only look at the present-day processes, but they examine the historic record of geologic events preserved in the rock record. Believe it or not, geology is all around us - not just in the mountains or oceans, but we actually see geology and depend on geologic resources in our everyday lives. For example, if you wanted to construct a building, you would need geologic materials for construction such as gypsum, limestone, clay, sand, gravels, to name a few. Globally, we face natural hazards of one sort or another. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts, groundwater pollution, hurricanes... all are dynamic processes taking place even as you read this. We can't prevent hazards from occurring. But, if we study the past and present record of these events, we can gain a better idea of how these processes work and help predict and prepare for future events. And yes, geology does involve looking at rocks. But there is so much information locked up in these rocks that can help us better predict the behavior of the Earth. Geologists keep busy trying to find, develop, and conserve natural resources. Geologists investigate our water supplies and strive to keep them clear of pollutants. Geologists are working to determine the controls on, and lessen the effects of, natural hazards
