A geologist is a scientist who studies the Earth’s surface and the processes that shape it. As one might expect, this field is extremely diverse, and geologists can be found working in a wide range of subfields within the larger field of geology. People who enjoy the sciences and being outside may find geology to be an interesting and rewarding career, especially if they are willing to put in the effort to learn about a sometimes complex subject. Employment opportunities in this field vary depending on a geologist’s qualifications and interests.
Geology is a huge field with a lot of different subfields. Geologists examine all of the materials that make up the Earth, examining how they are formed and altered. A geologist may also be knowledgeable in chemistry, mathematics, physics, geography, engineering, hydrology, environmental studies, urban planning, paleontology, biology, and mineralogy, as well as other scientific disciplines. A geologist learns more about the Earth and how it can be used safely and effectively humans in the course of his or her work.
Many geologists work in fields involving the extraction of useful resources from the Earth. Geologists are frequently dispatched to various locations around the world to assess the contents and determine whether they can be productively mined for valuable minerals such as garnets and coal. They also work in the oil and gas industry, evaluating potential oil sites and assisting with their upkeep.
Other geologists study the Earth’s history, using the geologic record to figure out how the planet was formed and continues to be shaped. These geologists look at a wide range of things from marine sediments to volcanoes to learn more about the processes of the Earth, and they can also be found working on archaeological sites, filling in the fossil record in the hopes of learning more about life on Earth.
Specialists in this field can also assess land to determine whether or not it is suitable for construction. A geologist may also investigate the environmental consequences of major construction or human activity on a piece of land, and geologists are frequently called in to investigate major geologic events such as earthquakes in order to learn more about the event and predict future events.
A geologist does not have to work only on the surface of the Earth. Planetary geologists investigate the geology of other planets and materials throughout the universe in the hopes of learning more about how the universe was formed and possibly discovering evidence of other life forms. Planetary geology is a field that includes a healthy dose of physics and astronomy, and it can be a fascinating field to study.