Mini Me Geology Blog » geologist

Ask-a-Geologist Question: What does a Geologist Use?

tracyb — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:55:34 +0000

Here is another great Ask-a-Geologist question. I love when children are thinking about geology, or any science, as a career and care enough to ask questions.

Question: At school we have to choose a career and give a presentation. What kind of props would I need to show them about geology?

Answer: A geologist can use different types of equipment depending upon their job functions. Field geologists often use rock hammer, field book, Brunton compass, and a hand lens for studying and mapping rocks in the field. These would be the easiest for you to take to school for your presentation.

In the office, geologist use rock and mineral samples as well as computers, models, maps and analytical equipment to analyze the data that is collected in the field. One of the neat aspects of geology as a career is that there are many different fields of study and many different companies and agencies that employ geologists.

If you and your children have questions about geology, ask us here.

What does a geologist need to know?

tracyb — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:14:39 +0000

Children ask me this question over and over.

The answer is based on the type of work that the geologist is involved with in their career. You may be surprised to learn of all of the different types of jobs that a geologist can perform. Geologists can work in many areas including:

Classic geology where you may work for the United States Geological Survey or state agencies or private companies evaluating earthquakes, volcanoes, or mapping areas to determine the types of rocks and formations.

Environmental geology where you may work for Federal or State agencies (like the US EPA) or private consulting firms and evaluate the quality of the soil and groundwater of an area. If you find that the soil or groundwater quality is bad you may clean it up to make it safer for the people, animals and plants that live there. Some studies focus on how to preserve our natural resources such as groundwater.

Petroleum geology where you may work for an oil and gas company exploring oil and gas underground.

Paleontology. Geology is the basis for a paleontologist who studies fossils. Paleontologists combine their knowledge of rocks, minerals and how the Earth was created with the fossils found in various areas to determine the types of animals and plants that were alive when the rocks were formed and what the Earth was like at that time.

Teaching. The United States is in need of great teachers who are trained in science at all age groups including elementary, middle and high school as well as college.

Regulatory. Geologist are often employed by state or federal governments to develop and implement laws that apply to the health of citizens or the environment.

If you are interested in being a professional geologist get a basic geology degree and see what type of work you may be interested in doing. Your general geology degree will be a great base for any of these jobs. Later, you will figure out if you need more training at a graduate school or if you can learn everything else you need to know on the job.

What does a Geologist need to know?

tracyb — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:21:19 +0000

Every week I get great questions at our Ask-a-Geologist page asking about different aspects of geology. This question, “What does a Geologist need to know?” was one of the more interesting questions lately. The answer really depends on what type of geology you want to work with for your career. Here are just a few ideas.

You may be surprised to learn of all of the different types of jobs that a geologist can have. Geologists can work in many areas including:

Classic geology where you may work for the United States Geologist Survey or state agencies or private companies evaluate earthquakes or map areas to determine the types of rocks and formations.

Environmental geology where you may work for Federal or State agencies (like the US EPA) or private consulting firms and evaluate the quality of the soil and groundwater of an area. If you find that the soil or groundwater quality is bad you may clean it up to make it safer for the people, animals and plants that live there.

Petroleum geology where you may work for an oil and gas company exploring oil and gas underground.

Teaching. The United States is in need of great teachers who are trained in science at all age groups including elementary, middle and high school as well as college.

If you are interested in being a professional geologist get a basic geology degree and see what type of work you may be interested in doing. Your general geology degree will be a great base for any of these jobs. Later, you will figure out if you need more training at a graduate school or it you can learn everything else on the job.

For more information on geology, please visit our website at www.MiniMeGeology.com