Geology is a broad field and includes areas of expertise in hydrogeology (water study), sedimentology (study of rocks and sediments), mineralogy (study of minerals) and paleontology (study of prehistoric life), to name just a few. areas of expertise. Geology is a growing field and should remain popular for years to come.
What is a Geologist?
A geologist can apply studies in one or more of these areas to a variety of environmental-related problems.
Some ways in which geologists help build a more sustainable environment include studying and protecting groundwater resources, investigating marine geological conditions that affect aquatic life and studying the impact of human activities on natural resources.
There are many ways in which geologists can use their specialized training to understand the functioning of the physical environment and prevent or minimize the impact of human activities on the environment.
Geology is a fascinating field that is ideal for someone who loves to spend time doing field research and is interested in learning about the physical structures and processes of the earth. A geologist often spends periods of time in the field taking samples and making observations for scientific analysis. Geologists must have good quantitative analysis skills to analyze and report on measurements taken in the field, and they must also be able to communicate effectively to serve as consultants to companies, organizations and government agencies.
If you enjoy a combination of innovative scientific discovery, evaluate the impact of human behavior on the environment, work to find creative solutions and work closely with clients to make recommendations and explain the environmental impact of the proposed projects, then you can enjoy a career as a geologist.
Most geologists complete advanced studies in a specific area of expertise within geology. Because geology is such a complex field, a master’s degree or higher is usually required for geologist positions. Introductory courses in mathematics, statistics, physics, mechanics, geology, oceanography and related topics can be useful to prepare for undergraduate and graduate studies in geology.
During the course of advanced geology studies, most students will study these subjects in greater detail and will receive advanced training in a focused area of specialization.
