Geology studies the natural rocks and minerals of the Earth, providing a clear picture of the planet’s structure and history. Despite past religious opposition, modern geology is a less volatile science with a variety of career paths. Field geologists work outdoors, taking samples and measurements to test hypotheses and create geological maps. A bachelor’s degree in science is typically required, and many geologists also work as researchers or professors.
Geology, the study of the natural rocks and mineral features of the Earth, has great use in the modern world. In addition to researching and understanding the history of the Earth as it was before humans evolved, geology can also give a clear picture of the structure of the Earth today. A field geologist typically surveys specific areas of land in order to create detailed images of the geology contained. These images, often seen as geological maps, can be of great benefit to industry and human existence, as well as providing clues about planet formation and the rules of planetary evolution.
Though the question of how the Earth was made has fascinated humans for centuries, geology has been greatly hampered by fears that it might contradict popular religious beliefs about the creation of the world. Only in the Enlightenment era of the 18th century did it become even moderately acceptable to truly study the constitution of the Earth and question the age of the planet. Even then, the geological findings were often criticized as blasphemous and viewed with suspicion.
Early field geologists in the 18th and 19th centuries were often visionaries and often considered insane. Many were independent men of wealth who could devote their time and fortunes to extensive field studies. Geology may seem like a quiet scientific pursuit, but the first great days of discovery were filled with furious and sometimes violent disagreements about the formation of the earth. More than one field-obsessed geologist has ended up in financial ruin after investing their fortune to continue their research.
Today, despite continuing disagreements in some areas of the field, geology has become a somewhat less volatile and eruptive science. Modern geologists can work in a variety of fields, from education to research to consulting for construction companies. Field geology still plays a vital role in the continued study of the planet, however, as only a fairly small amount of the planet’s navigable surfaces have ever been formally surveyed by geologists.
Working as a field geologist includes a lot of time outdoors, as you might expect. Field geologists must take carefully monitored samples of rock material for testing and eventual carbon dating. They can also take detailed measurements and descriptions of the natural features of the land. Rivers, hills, valleys and cliffs are all related to the geological processes that move the Earth and dictate the face of the planet.
A field geologist may work with a specific goal or test a specific hypothesis about the area he is studying. Some may be hired to determine the likelihood of profitable minerals in an area or to test structural safety for the construction of mines or oil wells. Other field geologists might work to create geological maps for a general survey of terrain features.
A field geologist typically holds at least a bachelor’s degree in science. A four-year undergraduate degree is often the minimum for any geology job, but many may also have additional science degrees. Students studying geology often have the opportunity to work as field interns with geologists. These jobs can help them better understand the working conditions and requirements of being a geologist, as well as give them vital opportunities to test their scientific skills.
Many field geologist jobs are not steady, full-time positions. Because of this, many geologists will also work as researchers or professors in their time away from the field. By combining educational work with field research, geologists have the ability to work year-round in their field, constantly finding new sources of interest or experiencing the joy of bringing new minds to the field.
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