With the commercial advancements happening at a fast pace, the associated threats to ecology are also gaining momentum. The environmental challenges posed on humanity have modified the role of geologists. A geologist is expected to solve a number of questions related to environmental hazards and also fulfill the commercial role. The broadened horizon has led to various specialized branches of geology.
Geology
Geology is a science that explores the earth's surface and the processes impacting its shape and size. Exploration process aims at discovering minerals, metals and fuels and other deposits, which are essentially needed for survival. The science delves into details pertinent to global changes and location-specific modifications to understand the impact of variations and locate the possible energy resources. Geology plays an important role in commercial exploration.
Questions a Geologist Answers
A geologist discovers the natural resources hidden beneath the earth's surface. Professionals who have studied the science of geology are equipped to evaluate the proposed construction plans for possible environmental hazards. Possibilities of natural calamities like floods, rising sea levels, etc., are gauged by a geologist. Threats posed by commercialization, in terms of climatic changes, pollution and more are weighed by geologists. By ensuring appropriate disposal and storage of waste products, related threats to the ecosystem are dealt with.
Commercial Role of Geologist
Geologists, with theoretical knowledge and the help of machinery, develop geological maps. These maps and aerial photographs are studied to identify and extract mineral deposits and assist with construction plans. The data collated from various sites is used by a geologist to determine the site's suitability for specific purposes. The operational impact of industries on the surrounding region is studied by a geologist. A geologist is able to provide details regarding the cost and time needed to develop non-renewable energy resources.
Areas of Specialization
Broadly the studies in the subject of Geology can be divided into three main categories: earth material, earth processes and earth history. As a study field, geology takes inputs from all other sciences and offers diverse course specializations to select from: Structural Geology, Sedimentology, Volcanology, Igneous Petrology, Metamorphic Petrology, Isotope Geology, Palaeoclimatology, Geocronology, Palaeontology, Economic Geology, Geochemistry, Pedology and Hydrogeology. To fulfill the role commitments, aspirants must have problem-solving skills, should be observant and flexible and physically fit to travel.
Tags: construction plans, earth surface, energy resources, environmental hazards, Role Geologist
