What
do Geoscientists DO!
Geoscientists gather and interpret data about the Earth and other planets. They use their knowledge to increase our understanding of Earth processes and to improve the quality of human life. Their work and career paths vary widely because the geosciences are so broad and diverse. The National Science Foundation considers geology, geophysics, hydrology, oceanography, marine science, atmospheric science, planetary science, meteorology, environmental science, and soil science as the major geoscience disciplines. The following list gives a glimpse of what geoscientists do in these disciplines and a variety of sub-disciplines.
| Atmospheric scientists
study weather processes; the global dynamics of climate; solar radiation and
its effects; and the role of atmospheric chemistry in ozone depletion, climate
change, and pollution. |
| Computer Geologists Or Geostatisticians
working on data modeling and data interpretation |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
process data for map making and photographic interpretation (GIS, GPS and
Remote Sensing) |
| Economic geologists explore for and develop metallic and
nonmetallic resources; they study mineral deposits and find environmentally
safe ways to dispose of waste materials from mining activities. |
| Engineering geologists apply geological data, techniques, and principles
to the study of rock and soil surficial materials and ground water; they investigate
geologic factors that affect structures such as bridges, buildings, airports,
and dams. |
| Environmental geologists study the interaction between the geosphere
(lithosphere), hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and human activities.
They work to solve problems associated with pollution, waste management,
urbanization, and natural hazards, such as flooding and erosion. |
| Exploration Geologists looking for new deposits of minerals or coal. |
| Geoarchaeology investigation prior to the archaeological survey
provides the archaeologist with information on buried soils, landforms
favorable for occupation and a predictive model for the location of
archaeological sites. An investigation at known archaeological sites
can assist in evaluating the potential for preservation of cultural context
and archaeological stratigraphy within the different deposits.
|
| Geochemists use physical and inorganic chemistry to investigate the nature and
distribution of major and trace elements in ground water and Earth
materials; they use organic chemistry to study the composition of fossil
fuel (coal, oil, and gas) deposits. |
| Geochronologists use the rates of decay of certain radioactive
elements in rocks to determine their age and the time sequence of events in
the history of the Earth. |
| Geologists study the materials, processes, products, physical nature, and
history of the Earth. |
| Geomorphologists study Earth's landforms and landscapes in
relation to the geologic and climatic processes and human activities, which
form them. |
| Geophysicists apply the principles of physics to studies of the Earth's interior
and investigate Earth's magnetic, electric, and gravitational fields. |
| Geotechnical Engineer – works with contractors and planners to define
the geologic parameters that are needed prior to building or construction
can begin. They analyze soil
properties for compaction, soil type and density. |
| Glacial geologists study the physical properties and movement of
glaciers and ice sheets. |
| Hydrogeologists study the occurrence, movement, abundance,
distribution, and quality of subsurface waters and related geologic aspects
of surface waters. |
| Hydrologists are concerned with water from the moment of precipitation until it
evaporates into the atmosphere or is discharged into the ocean; for example,
they study river systems to predict the impacts of flooding. |
| Marine geologists investigate the ocean-floor and ocean-continent
boundaries; they study ocean basins, continental shelves, and the coastal
environments on continental borders. |
| Meteorologists study the atmosphere and atmospheric phenomena, including the weather. |
| Mining Geologists responsible for evaluating
ore reserves and for production control during mining |
| Mineralogists study mineral formation, composition, and properties. |
| Oceanographers investigate the physical, chemical, biological, and geologic
dynamics of oceans. |
| Paleoecologists study the function and distribution of ancient
organisms and their relationships to their environment. |
| Paleontologists study fossils to understand past life forms and
their changes through time and to reconstruct past environments. |
| Petroleum geologists are involved in exploration for and production
of oil and natural gas resources. |
| Petrologists determine the origin and natural history of rocks by analyzing
mineral composition and grain relationships. |
| Planetary geologists study planets and their moons in order to
understand the evolution of the solar system. |
| Sedimentologists study the nature, origin, distribution, and
alteration of sediments, such as sand, silt, and mud. Oil, gas, coal and
many mineral deposits occur in such sediments. |
| Seismologists study earthquakes and analyze the behavior of earthquake waves to
interpret the structure of the Earth. |
| Soil scientists study soils and their properties to determine
how to sustain agricultural productivity and to detect and remediate
contaminated soils. |
| Stratigraphers investigate the time and space relationships of rocks, on a local,
regional, and global scale throughout geologic time -- especially the fossil
and mineral content of layered rocks. |
| Structural geologists analyze Earth's forces by studying deformation,
fracturing, and folding of the Earth's crust. |
| Volcanologists investigate volcanoes and volcanic phenomena to understand these
natural hazards and predict eruptions. |
Geoscientists follow paths of exploration and discovery in quest of solutions to some of society's most challenging problems.
| Predicting the behavior of Earth systems and the universe. |
| Finding adequate supplies of natural resources, such as ground water, petroleum, and metals. |
| Conserving soils and maintaining agricultural productivity. |
| Developing natural resources in ways that safeguard the environment. |
| Maintaining quality of water supplies. |
| Reducing human suffering and property loss from natural hazards, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, and tsunamis. |
| Determining geological controls on natural environments and habitats and predicting the impact of human activities on them. |
| Defining the balance between society's demand for natural resources and the need to sustain healthy ecosystems. |
| Understanding global climate patterns. |
What do Geoscientists DO? |
Becoming a Geoscientist! |
Where do Geoscientists work? |
Nature of the work! |
Can I get a job with a bachelor's degree? |
What sectors provide the most job opportunities for geoscientists? |
How much can I expect to earn as a geoscientist? Job and Salary
Outlook! |
The Geosciences and Societal Problems? |
Links to Jobs! |
Department of Geological Sciences, CSUF |