Engineering geologists work in minefields.
Engineering geologists analyze materials from the earth to help solve environmental and geological problems. Engineering geologists are trained to apply the principles of the earth sciences; they make recommendations on ways that humans can correct or avoid environmental problems. Engineering geologists can specialize in fields like geotechnical site investigation, hydrogeology, and natural and manmade hazard investigation. The average earning for geoscientists in 2008 was $71,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Construction
Geological engineers who work in construction fields are responsible for ensuring that buildings and high rises are safely erected on rock or soil foundations. They also make sure that bridges, tunnels, power plants and dams are constructed using engineering principles that resist natural disasters like earthquakes, floods or landslides. Geological engineers can work alongside other construction professionals like civil engineers or advise contractors and government agencies on the proper utilization of land as well as industrial and urban planning.
Environmental Protection
As experts in land appropriation, geological scientists make significant contributions in environmental protection. They help government officials and policymakers understand how engineering projects affect the landscape and the environment. Government agencies involved in building or renovating roads, airports and railway systems rely on the advice of geological engineers when developing innovative approaches when designing and constructing new projects to build or maintain the infrastructure. Geological engineers also lend their expertise in areas like waste management, garbage disposal and the prevention and removal of toxins from the environment.
Energy
Due to the growing demand for energy sources, geological scientists play an instrumental role in exploration projects for seeking new sources of renewable energy. Geological engineers are employed by the energy industry and take part in multi-billion-dollar exploration programs for energy sources like oil and natural gas, uranium, tar sands, coal and geothermal energy. In addition to lending their expertise in energy exploration projects, geological engineers also work in the production of energy resources and are employed by various firms to work as reservoir engineers, pit engineers and mine geologists.
Mining
Numerous mining companies rely on the expertise of geological engineers to explore and extract coal, metals and minerals from the earth. Geological scientists also discover and develop new mineral sources. Engineering geologists extract deposits from the earth using sophisticated satellite technology to study variations in the earth's magnetic field and to identify mineral deposits around the world.
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