Geologically speaking
After the Copenhagen Summit failure, worries about the survival of planet Earth have increased. In this situation, we require the exploration of Earth as much as possible. This is one of the basic reasons that we need geoscientists. A career in Geology is not just the need of the hour but also a lucrative option to those who like to explore mysteries. Geology involves studying the Earth, including its composition, structure and other physical aspects; searching for natural resources like groundwater, metals and petroleum. Alternatively, a geoscientist also helps environmental scientists clean up and preserve the environment.
Areas of specialisation
Geologists may concentrate their studies or research in one or more of the following disciplines: Economic geology, engineering geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geochronology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, igneous petrology, isotope geology, metamorphic petrology, marine geology, palaeoclimatology, palaeontology, pedology, petroleum geology, sedimentology, structural geology and volcanology.
Skills required
Those who want to become geoscientists; they need knowledge of computer modelling, data analysis and integration, digital mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A geoscientist must be able to work on a team and must have strong communication skills. The ability to think analytically is very important. Knowledge of a foreign language is an added advantage.
Points of focus
- Analysing and interpreting geological, geochemical and geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, and aerial photographs
- Locating and estimating probable natural gas, oil and mineral ore deposits and underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research and survey results
- Planning and conducting geological, geochemical and geophysical field studies and surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application
- Searching for and reviewing research articles or environmental, historical and technical reports.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to find an entry-level research position as a geoscientist, one should have a master’s degree in Geology or Earth Science. There are very few entry-level jobs available for geoscientists with only bachelor’s degrees.
Career Prospects
Professional geologists work for a wide range of Government agencies, private firms and non-profit and academic institutions. Local, State, and national Governments hire geologists to help plan and evaluate excavations, construction sites, environmental remediation projects, and natural disaster preparedness, as well as to investigate natural resources.
An engineering geologist is called upon to investigate geological hazards and geologic constraints for the planning, design and construction of public and private engineering projects, forensic and post-mortem studies, and environmental impact analysis. Exploration geologists utilise all aspects of geology and geophysics to locate and study natural resources.
Petroleum and mining companies use mudloggers (or wellsite geologists) and large-scale land developers use geologists’ and engineering geologists’ skills to help them locate oil and minerals, adapt to local features such as karst deposits or the risk of earthquakes, and comply with environmental regulations.
Where to study
- Anna University, Chennai
- Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli
- Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad
- Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar
- Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi
- MS University of Baroda, Vadodara
- Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
International Perspective
USA
- Association of American Geographers Washington DC
- American Geological Institute, Alexandria, VA
- American Geophysical Union Washington, DC
- American Association of Petroleum Geologists, OK
- Marine Technological Society, Washington, DC
- American Meteorological Society, Boston
UK
- Geological Society, Piccadilly, London
