Geology: What are ten things an aspiring geologist should know?
I'm going to substitute "geology student" for aspiring geologist:1. The earth is really, really old. 4.5 billionish, this is long enough for lots and lots of very slow processes to occur. We know how old it is by using radiometric dating. By comparing the proportion of various isotopes of elements to each other and using statistics. There is virtually no doubt on the subject (within a few tens of millions of years).2. A few million years is a short time, get used to that. 3. Law of super position, what Mathijs Booden says about things on top being younger than things on bottom, etc. (edited for a correction from the comments.)4. The present is the key to the past. Basically, the same processes occur today that happened in the past. Also the world is your laboratory, you can't do geology entirely behind a computer or in a lab, you have to go out and lick rocks.5. Yes, really lick rocks. Use all your senses.6. There are a lot minerals, its overwhelming, but there are a lot fewer common minerals. Minerals fit into categories, and the categories are relatively easy to differentiate. Finally, Bowen's reaction series tells you what you should find together. So if you think you've found Muscovite and Olivine in the same rock, you may want to reconsider. Speaking of which, memorize Bowen's reaction series.7. Two Geologists Came From Arizona, Overly Quiet, Though Constantly Drunk. or 1 Talc, 2 Gypsum, 3 Calcite, 4 Fluorite, 5 Apatite, 6 Orthoclase, 7 Quartz, 8 Topaz, 9 Corundum, 10 Diamond. 8. The continents move around. Basically because they're made of lighter rocks and they're floating around on a slowly circulating liquid. 9. Learn to swing a hammer. Watch your fingers, and wear eye protection.10. Geologists drink beer, pack a lot of it. If you're in charge of the budget for a field camp, yes, its a required expense.
What are the most interesting tools that geologists (any type) use in the field? What are the most important tools geologists use?
The above items are great and useful, but in my experience in the field I have found good boots are especially essential bit of kit. Hiking boots, steel toed rubber boots and steel toed pull up boots. A water filtration straw for safe drinking water is critical for overseas work. Insect repellents and sunscreen are more critical for your healthy and comfort than you can imagine. When you are doing field you will need to be prepared for minor health issues so a depth of minor pain relief, antidiarrheals,antibiotics, sanitary wipes and such is very important.Also something you want to prepare for is downtime. A hobby that can be done in field really helps to keep your spirits up and make the time pass. Always have reading materials, movies and such as well, boredom will kill you when stuck in the field or sea for long periods. Also learning your stars, because star gazing is aa great way to pass the evenings.Also work on your field craft and survival skills. Being in the field all kinds of things can happen and you need to be able to with deal with the potential of being cut off. This is even more important and lifesaving when you work in Africa and unstable places.
Do people know enough about climate change to pass judgement on the issue?
TO SAGEBRUSH (2): I wasn’t asking for a practical demonstration but thank you for providing one all the same. You’re stating as fact that the natural cycles have changed and the snow is coming back. Do tell, which natural cycles would these be, imaginary ones don’t count. If you even knew the basics of climatology you’d know how farming and agricultural practices affect the meso and microclimates. You would also know that the amount of snow and ice on Kilimanjaro has steadily declined since it was first accurately monitored nearly 100 years ago. Another thing you’d be aware of is the affects on precipitation patterns of oceanic oscillations and the jet streams. You’d also know that a very short term increase in snow levels is meaningless. PS – You might want to tell Watts, Goddard, Piekle and the other established ‘skeptics’ that they’re also wrong. Guess what they attribute the diminishing snow and ice to. TO EVERYONE: I appreciate the time taken in providing so many excell
How to become an exploration geologist?
I am currently in high school and i want to become an exploration geologists because i love science, i love challenges, high pay, and i love adventure. My father went to a mongolian gold mine on a business trip and he met an american geologist who had a lot of adventure establishing places for mines and starting mines and he gets high pay. Also, running a mine or oil/petroleum extraction site would be cool. Also, should i be a mineral, environmental, or oil exploration geologist.
Which class should I take, Geology or Astronomy?
I am weak in math and science. The most science I have ever taken was in grade 11, a mix of a college and university level environmental sciences. My major is business.
What are the basic tools for an amateur geologist?
What are the basic tools for an amateur geologist?Geological hammer, Brunton compass, GPS, magnifying lens, streak plate, scriber pen, marker pen, sample bags, weather proof notebook, Geological jacket, all weather pen, hand gloves, durable field shoes, goggles (safety glasses), sun hat (best if have a flap at the back to protect from sunlight),sunscreen lotion. Good cotton dresses - depending upon the weather/ field conditions could be full sleeve dress.The above are coming to my memory immediately.
What is scientist who studies planets in the universe other than earth is what?
That would be a planetary scientist. The jobs in that field are research jobs; you'll need a PhD in astronomy or physics (while the job description is 'planetary science', that's not a degree title). Major in physics and take courses in astronomy, math, and computer science. For that job, geology, biology, and chemistry can also come in useful.