WHAT IS GEOLOGY?

Geology is the scientific study of Earth, a complex, dynamic planet whose interior and surface are

subject to continuous modification by a variety of processes.

Geology aims at documenting and

understanding these processes and how they have changed through time.

This is achieved through

studying rocks - their composition and properties, the sequence in which they occur, the minerals

and fossils they might contain, their age and relationships to one another.

Every rock contains a

record of its history and the process by which it formed. Geology aims to read that record through

scientific investigation, and using the information to reconstruct Earth history and processes, and to

locate mineral deposits for use in developing and developed countries.

Our planet is dynamic. Earth has a molten nickel-iron core that is responsible for the Earth’s

magnetic field. Energy escaping from the core is expended at the surface of the Earth by the moving

of the large lithospheric plates and by volcanism.

Plate movements are responsible for creating

many of the surface features of the planet including large fold mountain belts such as the Andes and

Himalayas, and are also responsible for the formation of basins in which sediment eroded from

these mountains is finally deposited.

Earth has, with time, evolved into a chemically differentiated

planet, as geological processes have resulted in the formation of the iron core, silicate outer solid

Earth, the oceans and atmosphere.

The origin and evolution of life on Earth is intimately related to

the geological evolution of the planet.

The evidence for the complex evolution of Earth and the interaction of its different parts lies in rocks

formed throughout Earth history.

In Geology one learns to search for this evidence and to decipher

the message in the rocks.

In this regard Geology is largely a descriptive, interpretive and historical

science.

This is not to say that Geology is not a true science or is non-quantitative.

Much of the

“description” in modern geological studies involves obtaining a wealth of quantitative data and the

“interpretation” requires rigorous analysis of such data.

It is well to remember that the Earth is a

complex chemical system subject to a variety of physical forces. Sound knowledge of the laws of

chemistry and physics is a powerful tool for a geologist.

Another important factor in geology is time.

The Earth is about 4600 million years old, an intangible quantity in human experience.

The

magnitude of the time periods within which geological evolution operates sets Geology apart from

other sciences (except Astronomy).