Geology
Geology is the study mainly of the earth's crust—that is, the upper few miles of the earth—but also to some extent the materials and history of the earth to its very center. These materials are chiefly minerals, rocks, and fluids, many of which are useful and important commercially. How we use geological materials can materially affect our environment.
Geologists make use of other sciences and intellectual disciplines, particularly chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics, in their work. They also work with a vast amount of information peculiar to their own discipline. The working conditions of the geologists vary widely. They range from those of geologists who are physically active in the field to those who work at desks, at drafting tables, at computers, in laboratories, or in administrative jobs.
Geologist
Geologists in MMS generally work in teams that usually are parts of larger teams that ensure that the people of the United States of America get a fair return from the offshore tracts of land controlled by the Federal Government. These tracts are leased to commercial companies that extract geological resources from them, mainly oil, gas, and sulfur. Geologists also advise other specialists whose functions are to ensure that these companies work in a safe manner with a minimum of damage to the environment.
An example of some of the work is the tract evaluation process: In conjunction with geophysicists, geologists examine information on previously drilled wells and geophysical records to make estimates on where to drill for additional oil and gas.
Educational Requirements
High School — A college preparatory curriculum with as much chemistry, physics, and mathematics as possible.
College — A major course in a geology department. In both high school and college, the student should strive to achieve a maximum competence in the use of the English language.
Career Opportunities
A bachelor's degree is the absolute minimum. Anyone planning on a career as a geologist should plan on a master's degree. This is the entry level degree for many employers. Many geologists are employed by the mining and petroleum industries, environmental companies, museums, universities, and State and Federal governments.
[Meteorologist] [Coastal Ecology] [Geophysicist] [Geologist] [Environmental Scientist]
[Marine Biologist] [Micropaleontologist] [Physical Oceanographer] [Petroleum Engineer] [Underwater Archaeologist]
Last update: Thursday November 29 2007
