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Geology studies the Earth’s history and processes of rocks and minerals. It has many practical applications, including consulting for mining and construction industries, studying natural formations for disaster prevention, and teaching. Geology has evolved with the development of new techniques, but there is still much to discover about the planet’s history and formation.
Geology is a broad scientific discipline that studies the Earth through the history and processes of rocks and minerals. While studying rocks for a living might seem unbearable to some, this fascinating science branches out into many areas of the physical planet, including the formation and life of volcanoes, rivers, mountain ranges, and canyons. Geologists can find work in a wide variety of industries and scientific fields, and in effect serve as historians of the Earth and as interpreters between the planet and its inhabitants.
Since ancient times, people have wondered how the earth came into being. Many human myths involve the creation of the planet, from the book of Genesis of the Bible to the flood myths of Norse cultures. Only when the first scientists began to study the rocky layers of the earth did the physical truths of the planet’s history begin to be revealed. During the 17th and 18th centuries, geology experienced a boom in interest, with competing theories of the Earth’s evolution leading to heated and sometimes violent confrontations between passionate scientists.
Modern geology has focused on perfecting the techniques and strategies used to understand the earth. With the birth of carbon dating, the age of rocks can be determined with much greater accuracy, finally giving more realistic ideas about the age of the planet and the formation of its modern geological structure. Geological studies have also turned to the exploration of Earth as part of the cosmic system, in the hope that understanding how other planets formed could lead to new discoveries about Earth.
Yet not all geology studies lead to theoretical or educational careers. Geology is a practical science of great benefit to man, not only in discovering our history, but also in determining our future. Geologists work as consultants to the mining and petroleum industries, able to survey the land for possible use and outline safety hazards to the land. Some geologists dedicate their lives to studying natural formations such as volcanoes and rivers, in the hope of creating advanced warning systems in case of natural disasters.
Geologists can work in concert with construction companies. By identifying the type of bedrock in construction sites, vital information can be gained on the weight capacity and structural safety of new buildings. In planning large or expanding cities, a careful geological study can prevent thousands of deaths in the event of earthquakes or natural disasters.
Many geologists serve as teachers or field researchers. In addition to bringing brilliant young minds into the field, these scientists can also contribute to the continued study of the planet. While geology has provided many clues about the planet’s history, a significant amount remains unknown about continental drift, seafloor spreading, and how Earth ended up as it is today. With millions of years of history unseen by human science, geology doesn’t seem to have all the answers any time soon and may have centuries more of continued discoveries.
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