- What is Geology?
- Branches of geology
- Importance of geology
- Biology and geology
- Geography and geology
- Geology career
We explain what geology is, its different branches and how it is studied. Also, its relationship with biology and geography.
What is Geology?
Geology is the natural Science dedicated to the study of planet Earth. His objective It is to understand the physical composition and the internal and external structure of our planet, as well as the different processes and dynamics that have allowed its evolution from its formation to our times. Its name comes from the Greek Geo, "Earth", and logos, "Word or knowing."
Geology is often spoken of in the plural, that is, as geological sciences, since it encompasses specialized branches in a single aspect of the Earth, such as its weather, its mineral exploration, its tectonic dynamics, and a long etcetera. It can even be applied, by extension, to others stars of Solar system.
On the one hand, geology includes theoretical knowledge, such as the approach to the formation of planet Earth. On the other hand, it also offers concrete applications in specific fields of human endeavor, such as geotechnics and civil engineering, and even in the understanding and prevention of large-scale terrestrial phenomena, such as earthquakes.
Branches of geology
Geology comprises the following main branches, among many others not mentioned:
- Geophysics. As its name indicates, it involves the application of knowledge and perspectives of the physical for the study of the Earth. In this way, he is interested in the fundamental dynamics that apply to the present and past life of the planet, such as reflection and refraction, gravity, the electromagnetism, radioactivity, etc. It is in turn divided into internal geophysics and external geophysics, depending on how deep in the body of the planet your interests are located.
- Tectonics. He is interested in the deep structures of the Earth crust, where the rocks originate and deform the surface of the planet, allowing among other things the movement of the continents according to their tectonic plates, capable of driving orogenesis and / or causing earthquakes.
- Geochemistry. Just as geophysics does with physics, geochemistry uses the knowledge and tools of the chemistry for the material understanding of the Earth, that is, to know how it is made and of what, and even being able to project this knowledge to the case of other planets and stars in space. He is interested in the transformation of rocks and the reactions that occur between subsurface materials.
- Stratigraphy. This branch of geology interprets, orders and understands the remains of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, as well as the succession of horizontal layers that make up the I usually, and which are known as strata.
- Geology of Petroleum. One of the most profitable applications of geology has to do with all aspects related to oil: the formation of its deposits, its location, the estimation of its reserves and, also, its exploration and extraction.
- Hydrology. As his name suggests, he is interested in the Water, but specifically in that deposited under the earth's surface (groundwater), and its interaction with soils, rocks, minerals and wetlands, as well as its different forms of presentation (gas, liquid and solid) and the processes that govern its reservoirs and displacements underground.
- Meteorology. Study atmospheric phenomena and try to predict their development. To do this, it takes into account factors such as Pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, etc.
- Speleology. The branch that studies the formation and morphology of caves and other natural cavities in the subsoil, trying to explore them, map them and gather samples that contribute information significant with respect to ecosystems of that region. Its procedures are often practiced recreationally, and should then be called caving.
- Paleontology. A branch of geology and a natural Science in itself, it is dedicated to the study of past life on our planet, through the fossil evidence found in the subsoil. It is an extremely famous discipline because of the discovery of dinosaurs and life paleozoic, although it is also dedicated to understanding microbial and paleobotanical life.
- Seismology. The science who studies tremors, volcanoes Y earthquakes, as well as the tectonic displacements that produce them. It also provides information on the propagation of seismic waves, on the prevention of seismic damage and the education for earthquakes.
Importance of geology
Geology is a broad and diverse science. It has multiple applications, which in cases can save lives, such as in civil engineering, seismology or other of its specialties. On the other hand, it has multiple economically profitable uses, such as petroleum science, mineralogy, and many others.
In addition, it provides enormous amounts of valuable information regarding the nature of our own planet. Geology is a source of information about the past and present of the Earth, and in that sense it can help us to extrapolate its knowledge to other planets, or even to foresee the future of our own.
Biology and geology
The biology and geology have many meeting points. First of all, they come together in the paleontology to study fantastic prehistoric beings, of which hardly if fossils remain underground.
In addition, together they study the complex relationships between life and the elements inorganic. Can you explain how organisms they modify, transport, fix or alter them at their convenience, leaving a chemical imprint that geologists are able to recognize, even millions of years later.
Similarly, geological changes on Earth have their impact on the course of Earth. life, as is evident in the chaos of the evolution: Let's consider how species that were separated from the others due to the separation of their habitat As a result of plate tectonics, they take a different evolutionary course and end up being totally different species.
Geography and geology
Although they are written similarly, geography and geology are totally different fields of study, although close to each other. The geographer is dedicated to the study of planet Earth as it is today, that is, not only its political or human division, but also the distribution of its mineral resources or natural accidents, among other things.
On the other hand, as we have said, the geologist mainly studies the processes of the Earth that led from its formation to the panorama that the geographer studies, that is, he is interested in the past and the present of the planet. However, both disciplines nurture each other to enrich their respective fields of knowledge.
Geology career
Geology is a university degree, that is, a bachelor's degree. It generally takes five years to study. Its components include subjects borrowed from other exact Sciences, such as physics, chemistry or biology, in addition to others taken from the social Sciences, such as geography, history wave economy.
This career provides its professionals with naturalistic training and technical preparation. On the one hand, so that they can understand the complex processes of nature terrestrial, and on the other hand, to be able to quantify, measure and take advantage of its means.