A Reminder About What Geology is...

A common misconception about Geology is that it is solely about the study of rocks and to a lesser extent fossils.  Of course, it is, but it is more, much more.

Over the years, I have spoken with numerous people that confessed having had an interest in Geology, but were discouraged by family members or by their own doubts as to "What will I do with it after college?"  (Perhaps thinking that it is "only about rocks".)  In a bit, I will get to the diverse employment pathways that Geology can provide. 

Geology is the study of the Earth, its processes, the results of those processes, and its history.  The word "Geology" is derived from "Gaia", the Greek word for Earth and "Logos", the Greek term for Science Knowledge. 

"Earth Science", despite being a longer term - in my opinion - is an apt and appropriate substitute for "Geology".  In fact, "Earth Science" seems a bit more encompassing.

For academic purposes, the two primary branches first presented to students are Physical Geology and Historical Geology. 

Physical Geology is about Earth processes and the results of those processes and is usually taken first when both classes are to be taken.  As for processes, these include the Rock Cycle; Igneous and Metamorphic Processes; Weathering; Erosion; Deposition; Coastal Processes; basic Mineral and Rock Identification; Plate Tectonics;...

Historical Geology is about the History of Geology; the people involved in the conceptualization of Modern Geology, over the course of the last 300 years, i.e., the Founders of Modern Geology; the Geologic Time Scale and its development; Sedimentary Processes; basic Sedimentary Rock Identification; the History of Life; and of course, Fossils.

To start your academic journey (but not to scare you), there are important "subsidiary" classes that can be of help, subject to college and academic advisory opinions.  In my case, my undergrad requirements included: Geography, Biology, three Chemistry courses, three Physics courses, Trigonometry, and two Calculus courses (gasp!).  (Because of my struggles with Math, the Physics courses and Math courses "put a real hurt" on my undergrad GPA.)  I had classmates that downgraded from a Bachelor of Science to a Bachelor of Arts to avoid the worst of the Math requirements.  

Suggested Elective Courses that helped were Land Surveying, Scientific Photography, and Technical Drafting.  The Surveying class helped with later Geologic Mapping classwork and the Technical Drafting helped with the actual sketching and drafting of maps.  Now, CAD (Computer Assisted Drafting) has supplanted the drafting by hand, but being able to sketch your own basic map, at least over a Topographic map, is still a vital skill that Field Geologists need.

Not to swamp you with "...ologies", but pertinent branches of Geology (or closely related disciplines), for those suited to the pursuit of this science, include (in no particular order):

Paleontology - the study of Fossils

Palynology - the study of Fossil Pollens

Geomorphology - the study of Landforms

Glaciology - the study of Glaciers

Petrology - the study of the history of a particular rock type

Petrography - close analysis of the minerals within a rock

Oceanography - the study of Oceans

Stratigraphy - the study of Layered Rocks

Structural Geology - the study of Deformed Rocks

Hydrology - the study of Water

Economic Geology

Petroleum Geology

Physical Geography

Cartography - the making and study of maps

Geophysics

Geochemistry...

If in a situation where a double major is possible, pairing Geology with Biology, Geography, Forestry, Engineering, Meteorology, or Law could provide a number future options.

Future posts will explore how Geology affects Ecology, the Environment, Climate and Weather, Soils, and other things.