Introduction to a Career in Geosciences

 What is a Geoscientist?

There are many names for the study of the earth: Geology, Earth Science, Earth Systems Science, and Geoscience are the most common synonyms. Whatever you call it, the study of the earth is an awesomely broad field that begins with the ground we walk on, extending inward to the center of the earth, and outward to other planetary bodies in the solar system. Time spans of interest to Geoscience extends from the formation of the solar system and Earth, through the evolution of the continents, atmosphere, biosphere and natural resources to the present day.

Geo comes from the Greek word for Earth, and geoscientists are people who explore the surface, interior, oceans, atmosphere, and outer space environment of Earth. Geoscientists climb dangerous volcanoes and study their explosive nature, measure the violent shaking of deadly earthquakes, investigate how Earth's tectonic plates collide to form tremendous mountain ranges and deep valleys, and send sound waves through the crust to explore for oil, natural gas, and minerals. They dive to the bottom of the ocean, fly through hurricanes and chase tornados, forecast tomorrow's weather, rocket into outer space, and even walk on the Moon!  Even the very existence of water in your house and the roads you drive on are provided to you via geoscientists.

Geoscientists are stewards or caretakers of Earth's resources and environment. They work to understand natural processes on Earth and other planets. Investigating the Earth, its atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere (weather, plants/animals, oceans, and soils); developing land-use plans; exploring other planets and the solar system; determining environmental impacts; natural hazard evaluation and safety planning and finding new sources of useful Earth materials are just a few of the ways geoscientists contribute to our understanding of Earth processes and history. Geoscientists provide essential information for solving problems and establishing governmental policies for resource management; environmental protection; and public health, safety, and welfare.

Geoscientists are curious about the Earth and the solar system. Is there life on other planets? How are they changing? What effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? What makes a continent move, a mountain form, a volcano erupt? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? Geoscientists are concerned about the Earth. How is the global climate changing? How do Earth systems work? How and where should we dispose of industrial wastes? How can society's growing demands for energy and water be satisfied while conserving natural resources for future generations? As global populations increase, can we grow enough food and fiber to sustain them?

The Earth is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying their knowledge of forces and factors that shape the Earth, geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future and strive to improve our quality of life.

For more information on a career in the Geosciences please contact us at the following

California State University, Fullerton, Department of Geological Sciences

800 North State College Blvd. MH-254, Fullerton, CA 92834-6850

714-278-4368; 714-278-7266 fax

http://geology.fullerton.edu

or the CSUF Student Affairs - Career Planning and Placement Center

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