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Geology And You

John B. Galt
October 10, 2009 10:13:22 PM
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Geology
Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. Geology is the study of rocks, one might say. Geology is to geography what natural history is to history. Geology is a very broad area of the natural sciences that is primarily concerned with the materials, physical/chemical processes, and developmental history of the Earth and its major systems: biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and deep interior. Geology is the holistic study of the Earth.

Geology

Geology has direct relevance for students majoring in not only Geology, but also Chemistry, Biology, Ecology, Physics, Environmental Studies, Geography, and Architecture. Geology occurs in your classroom and in every room in your house. Geology is not simply about the past it is also about change and continuity. Geology reminds us we have to think in the long run about our condition; we must develop the ability to evaluate Earth processes at all scales of observation, from the microscopic to the global, to those occurring from microseconds to billions of years, and that range to every environmental extreme.

Geologists

Geologists work to understand the history of our planet. Geologists work in a variety of settings which include: natural resource companies, environmental consulting companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities. Geologists are involved in the study of ore deposits, which includes the study of ore genesis and the processes within the Earth's crust which form and concentrate ore minerals into economically viable quantities. Geologists are scientists who study the Earth and by piecing together the history of rock formation and mineral deposits, provide clues to the Earth's development.

Environmental

Environmental geologists and hydrogeologists or hydrologists need to understand structural geology because structures are sites of groundwater flow and penetration, which may affect, for instance, seepage of toxic substances from waste dumps, or seepage of salty water into aquifers. Environmental geology plays an important role in identifying the proper rock, soil, topography, and water conditions so that it can really be called a sanitary landfill. Environmental geology uses many of the specialties of geology such as stratigraphy, structure, hydrology, and related areas of chemistry, physics, biology, and mining methods.

Geology is about the complete multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary integration of scientific knowledge that is essential to the geological perspective and geological thinking. Geology is also referred to as earth science and geoscience. Geology is an important way of understanding the world around us, and it enables scientists to predict how our planet will behave. Geology is a very "broad" profession, since geologists must understand the chemistry of sea water and volcanic rocks; the physics of earthquakes and continental drift, the biology and evolution of fossil animals, the structure of gemstones and the influence of rain and snow on rocks and mountains. Geology is an important profession for our society.

About The Author

Who is John B. Galt? John B. Galt is an avid writer and frequent contributor to thefreshest.info. Click for more info about geology.

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