Geology and Geologists
(CoreKids trifold brochure - pdf)
What is Geology and What Do Geologists Do?
“Geo” means “earth” and “logy” means “study”. Geologists study the earth – the geosphere - and its interactions with the hydrosphere (water) the atmosphere (air) and the biosphere (life). They also study other parts of the solar system. They find and manage natural resources like minerals, water, oil and gas. They study earthquakes and volcanoes to help us to avoid being harmed by these powerful natural events. Download a copy of the brochure on Careers in the Geosciences from the American Geological Institute (AGI).
Download a poster with photos of geologists at work.
Why is it important to learn about geology?
Download Lynn Fichter's two page Declaration of Geology to find out.
Click on the links below to learn more about what geologists and earth scientists do.
- Grades 4-8: What is Geology? What do Geologists Do?
Great photos from a presentation by Dr. Michael Grammer (pdf)
- Other resources on geology and geologists
- American Geological Institute Careers page:
- 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.
- Geoscientists follow paths of exploration and discovery in quest of solutions to some of society's most challenging problems.
- The Bureau of Economic Geology at University of Texas
- Educational Resources Pages: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/edu/ed_res.php
- On-line modules: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/education/nw_online-mod.htm
- Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Education Pages including a wonderful Power Point presentation by Steve Wilson: "The Rock Cycle in Michigan"
- American Geological Institute Careers page:
- Ask A Geologist! You can ask a question of a professional geologist on the website of the American Institute of Professional Geologists Michigan Section- Go to http://mi.aipg.org/askageologist.html to ask your question.