The earth slowly shifts and moves over thousands of years.
Geology is the study of the earth. Geologists look at rocks, minerals, land formations, water sources and natural disasters to understand the history of the earth and attempt to plan for the future. A geologist may specialize in studying the mineral composition of rocks, the pattern of earthquakes in a particular region, fossils and how life forms effect the earth, or the physical structure and composition of the earth. To make observations, geologists are most often out in the field and assessing findings in the lab.
Compare
One of the most effective ways for a geologist to make an observation about the earth is to go outside, or "in the field." Mountain ranges, valleys, fresh water sources and fault lines are a few of the natural wonders that would interest a geologist. A geologist must be able to look at these things and form a hypothesis as to how the land evolved this way over thousands of years. A geologist will compare her findings with pictures, maps and written descriptions of the same area and the disasters that affected it. These pictures and writings are made by explorers, anthropologists, historians or other geologists from another time.
Sample
A geologist is required to take samples for study in a laboratory. If a geologist specializes in the mineral composition of rocks, he will extract several rock samples from the area of interest. The geologist will study the texture of the rock, the shape, the size, the color, the durability and the composition of its inner layers by breaking it open. Once she makes her observations, the geologist can determine which category her rock falls into: sedimentary rock, igneous rock or metamorphic rock. The way the rock was formed can paint a picture of the natural disasters that happened in the area where the rock was found.
Record
Geologists must have extensive knowledge of several scientific instruments. One of the most well-known instruments in geology is the seismograph. A seismograph documents the pattern of seismic waves during an earthquake. With a seismograph, a geologist can determine how intense the earthquake is. With three seismographs setup at different locations, a geologist can locate the epicenter of the earthquake. The epicenter is the point on the earth's surface that is directly above the focus of the earthquake.
Dig
Geologists concerned with fossils and the physical makeup of the earth will have to dig to make observations. Geologists may dig with delicate tools if they seek a delicate item, such as fossilized bones. Geologists observing deep into the first layer of the earth may dig with bulldozers and other large construction tools. By moving earth, geologists can observe how rock, sand, soil and sediment make layers over time. They can provide a timeline for when fossilized animals walked the earth depending on how far down bones are discovered.
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