Geologist

Geologist is a scientist who studies the solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that constitutes the Earth and other terrestrial planets. Geologists usually engage in studying geology. Geologists, studying more of an applied science than a theoretical one, must approach Geology using physics, chemistry and biology as well as other sciences. Geologists use tools from geography, chronology, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics to build a quantitative understanding of how the Earth system works, and how it evolved to its current state.

History

The study of the physical material of the Earth dates back at least to ancient Greece when Theophrastus (372–287 BCE) wrote the work Peri Lithon (On Stones). During the Roman period, Pliny the Elder wrote in detail of the many minerals and metals then in practical use – even correctly noting the origin of amber.

Geology as a science

Geology as a science began in the 18th century, and the term geologist was first used by Jean-Étienne Guettard in 1751. The science grew out of earlier traditions of mineralogy, the study of rocks and the useful minerals they contain, and natural history, as seen in the works of Carl Linnaeus and others.

Role of a Geologist

Geologists work to understand the history of our planet. The better they can understand Earth's history, the better they can foresee how events and processes of the past might influence the future. Here are some examples:

• Geologists study earth processes: Many processes such as landslides, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions can be hazardous to people. Geologists work to understand these processes well enough to avoid building important structures where they might be damaged.

• Geologists study earth materials: People use earth materials every day. They use oil that is produced from wells, metals that are produced from mines, and water that has been drawn from streams or from underground. Geologists have a role in assuring that these materials are found and can be produced in an economic manner.

• Geologists study earth history: Today we are concerned about climate change. Many geologists are working to learn about the past climates of earth and how they have changed across time. This historical geology news information is valuable to understand how our current climate is changing and what the results might be.

See also

• Geology
• Earth Science
• Mineralogy
• Natural History
• Earth Processes
• Climate Change

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