We explain what geology is, its different branches and how it is studied. Also, its relationship with biology and geography.
What is Geology?
geology It is the natural science dedicated to the study of planet Earth. Its objective is to understand the physical composition and the internal and external structure of our planet, as well as the different processes and dynamics that have allowed its evolution from its formation to our times. Its name comes from Greek Geo“Earth”, and logos“word or knowledge.”
Geology is often spoken of in the plural, that is, as geological sciences, since encompasses branches specialized in a single aspect of the Earth such as its climate, its mineral exploration, its tectonic dynamics, and a long etcetera. It can even be applied, by extension, to other stars in the Solar System.
On the one hand, geology includes theoretical knowledge, such as the approach to the formation of the planet Earth. On the other hand, it also offers concrete applications in specific fields of human endeavor, such as geotechnics and civil engineering, and even in the understanding and prevention of large-scale terrestrial phenomena, such as earthquakes.
See also: Geosphere
Branches of geology
Geology comprises the following main branches, among many others not mentioned:
- Geophysics As its name indicates, it involves the application of the knowledge and perspectives of physics to the study of the Earth. In this way, he is interested in the fundamental dynamics that apply to the present and past life of the planet, such as reflection and refraction, gravity, electromagnetism, radioactivity, etc. In turn, it is divided into internal geophysics and external geophysics, depending on how deep in the body of the planet your interests are located.
- Tectonics He is interested in the deep structures of the Earth's crust, where rocks originate and deform the surface of the planet, allowing, among other things, the movement of continents according to their tectonic plates, capable of driving orogenesis and/or causing earthquakes.
- Geochemistry Just as geophysics does with physics, geochemistry uses the knowledge and tools of chemistry for the material understanding of the Earth, that is, to know how it is made and what it is made of, and can even project this knowledge to the case of other planets. and stars of space. He is interested in the transformation of rocks and the reactions that occur between subsoil materials.
- Stratigraphy This branch of geology interprets, orders and understands the remains of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, as well as the succession of horizontal layers that make up the soil, and which are known as strata.
- Petroleum geology One of the most profitable applications of geology has to do with all aspects related to oil: the formation of its deposits, its location, the estimation of its reserves and, also, its exploration and extraction.
- Hydrology As its name suggests, it is interested in water, but specifically in that deposited below the earth's surface (groundwater), and its interaction with soils, rocks, minerals and wetlands, as well as its different forms of presentation (gas, liquid and solid) and the processes that govern its deposits and underground movements.
- Meteorology. Study atmospheric phenomena and try to predict their development. To do this, it takes into account factors such as pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, etc.
- Speleology The branch that studies the formation and morphology of caves and other natural cavities in the subsoil, seeking to explore them, map them and gather samples that provide significant information regarding the ecosystems of said region. Its procedures are often carried out recreationally, and should then be called caving.
- Paleontology A branch of geology and a natural science in itself, it is dedicated to the study of past life on our planet, through fossil evidence found in the subsoil. It is a discipline extremely famous for the discovery of dinosaurs and Paleozoic life, although it is also dedicated to understanding microbial life and paleobotany.
- Seismology The science that studies tremors, volcanoes and earthquakes, as well as the tectonic displacements that produce them. It also provides information on the propagation of seismic waves, the prevention of seismic damage and earthquake education.
Importance of geology
Geology is a broad and diverse science. It has multiple applications, which in cases can save lives as occurs in civil engineering, seismology or other specialties. On the other hand, It has multiple economically profitable uses, such as petroleum sciences, mineralogy and many others.
Furthermore, it provides enormous amounts of valuable information regarding the nature of our own planet. Geology is a source of information about the past and present of the Earth, and in that sense it can help us extrapolate its knowledge to other planets, or even to predict the future of ours.
Biology and geology
Biology and geology have many meeting points. First of all, come together in paleontology to study fantastic prehistoric beings of which hardly any fossils remain underground.
Besides, Together they study the complex relationships between life and inorganic elements. They can explain how organisms modify, transport, fix or alter them at their convenience, leaving a chemical fingerprint that geologists are able to recognize, even millions of years later.
Similarly, geological changes on Earth have an impact on the course of life, as evident in the chaos of evolution: consider how species that were separated from others due to the separation of their habitat as a result of plate tectonics, take a different evolutionary course and end up being totally different species.
Geography and geology
Although they are written similarly, geography and geology are totally different fields of study, although close to each other. The geographer is dedicated to the study of planet Earth as it is today that is, not only to its political or human division, but also to the distribution of its mineral resources or natural accidents, among other things.
On the other hand, as we have said, the geologist mainly studies the processes of the Earth that led from its formation to the panorama that the geographer studies, that is, he is interested in the past and present of the planet. However, both disciplines feed each other to enrich their respective fields of knowledge.
Geology major
geology It is a university degree course that is, a bachelor's degree. It generally takes five (5) years to study. Among its components are subjects borrowed from other exact sciences, such as physics, chemistry or biology, as well as others borrowed from the social sciences, such as geography, history or economics.
This race provides its professionals with naturalistic training and technical preparation. On the one hand, so that they can understand the complex processes of terrestrial nature, and on the other hand, to be able to quantify, measure and take advantage of its resources.
References
- “Geology” on Wikipedia.
- “Geological Sciences” at the Faculty of Exact Sciences of the University of Buenos Aires.
- “What is geology?” at the University of the Basque Country.
- “Geology (science)” in The Encyclopaedia Britannica.
