Geologists

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Physical Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society

Overview: Geologist are a type of geoscientist that in general study physical aspects of the Earth. They research the materials, processes, and history of the earth to discover how rocks were formed. They analyze rocks to better understand what has happened on earth since their formation. There are serval subgroups of geologist including stratigraphers and mineralogists. Stratigraphers study stratified rocks to understand the Earth’s history based on the layers. Mineralogists look at the composition and structure of minerals in an area. Geologists tend to work outside during field studies to collect samples and surveys, but also use laboratories to conduct test and write reports. They largest group of geologist work for companies in the fields of architecture or construction. They also work for different government agencies at the federal and state level.

Geographers at work: Geologist, Physical geographer, Environmental geographers

Recommended College Courses: Introduction to Physical Geography, Environmental Management, Introduction in Environmental Geography, Natural Resource Use and Management, Environmental Hazards

Skills: Quantitative Methods, Environmental Mapping and modeling, Field Methods, Landscape and location analysis, GIS and remote sensing

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Learn more about Geologists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm