Being a Geologist Questions |
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When you find rocks, what type of notes should you take about them?
What would be some advice for a neophyte trying to find rocks?
What is one thing you can do to figure out what kind of rock you have?
What sort of things do you have to do when you're a geologist and is it fun?
What test do geologists use to tell hardness?
After four years of college how can you become a geologist?
At school we had to choose a career and give a presentation. What kind of props would I need to show them about geology?
How many years of college do you have to attend to become a geologist?
What type of equipment do geologist use to do their jobs?
What are the three characteristics geologists use to identify a rock sample?
What is a geologist?
When you find rocks, what type of notes should you take about them?I like to write down anything you can see – color, texture, possible mineral content, size of minerals, and location of rock. I even like to draw a picture of it and possibly a drawing of how it was oriented when you found it. All of this can be great information to remember when you get home. Back to Top  |
What would be some advice for a neophyte trying to find rocks?The best thing to do is to start looking around your home for rocks. Have your parents take you on nature walks where you can look for rocks and minerals.Back to Top |
What is one thing you can do to figure out what kind of rock you have?The type of rock is based on the minerals present and the method used to form the rock. If you are trying to identify a rock sample, looking for the various minerals and comparing them to a known sample or picture can be helpful.Back to Top |
What sort of things do you have to do when you're a geologist and is it fun?The types of activities you do as a geologist vary depending on the field in which you work. Some geologists work for oil companies and they find oil and gas reserved underground, others work for environmental firms who help industries meet laws that are designed to protect the earth’s natural resources and cleanup and spills that occur. Geologists can also be employed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, state regulatory agencies, the United States Geological Survey and Universities. Geology can be very fun if you find the job that fits the types of activities that you like to do. Geologists can work outside or in an office, they can manage other people or even run the business. Anything can be fun it you do what you love!Back to Top |
What test do geologists use to tell hardness?Check out this article on our Dig into Science pages on how to use the mineral hardness test.Back to Top |
After four years of college how can you become a geologist?You can get your degree in Geology in four years from many Colleges and Universities. You can be hired with the title of Geologist with this degree. Most states also offer the ability to get Professional Geologist license. Each state is different but generally you have to work for a several years and take a test to earn the professional license.Back to Top |
At school we had to choose a career and give a presentation. What kind of props would I need to show them about geology?A geologist can use different types of equipment depending upon their job functions. Field geologists often use a rock hammer, field book, Brunton compass, and a hand lens for studying and mapping rocks in the field. In the office, geologist use computers, models, maps and analytical equipment to analyze the data that is collected in the field.Back to Top |
How many years of college do you have to attend to become a geologist?You can earn a Bachelor of Science geology degree in four (4) years from a university. You can also get a Master of Science and PhD with additional years in graduate school.Back to Top |
What type of equipment do geologist use to do their jobs?The equipment used by a geologist varies depending on the activities of their position. Typically, geologists who map the rocks and structures of the earth use a hand lens (magnifying glass) to study rocks and minerals found in the field, a geologic hammer to collect samples of rocks and minerals, a field notebook to record their findings, a Brunton compass which will help them determine their location as well as tell them the position and orientation of the rocks and safety equipment such as a hard hat, steel-toed boots, and safety glasses. Geologists who are in the environmental field or oil and gas exploration may also use hand auger or drill rigs to collect samples or install testing or production wells.Back to Top |
What are the three characteristics geologists use to identify a rock sample?Geologists use many methods to identify a rock; however, initially color, texture and mineral content would be a good initial evaluation to determine a rock type.Back to Top |
What is a geologist?A geologist is a scientist who studies the origin, history, and structure of the earth and its processes. A geologist can specialize in many areas including "hydrogeology" which is the study of groundwater, "seismology" which is the study of earthquakes, or "mineralogy" which is the detailed study of minerals.Back to Top |