Branches of geology

Geology applies primarily to Earth, but can be applied to any planet.

 Geology is divided into several fields, which can be grouped under the major headings of physical and historical geology.

 

Physical Geology

Physical geology includes mineralogy, the study of the chemical composition and structure of minerals; petrology, the study of the composition and origin of rocks; geomorphology, the study of the origin of landforms and their modification by dynamic processes; geochemistry, the study of the chemical composition of earth materials and the chemical changes that occur within the earth and on its surface; geophysics, the study of the behavior of rock materials in response to stresses and according to the principles of physics; sedimentology, the science of the erosion and deposition of rock particles by wind, water, or ice; structural geology, the study of the forces that deform the earth's rocks and the description and mapping of deformed rock bodies; economic geology, the study of the exploration and recovery of natural resources, such as ores and petroleum; and engineering geology, the study of the interactions of the earth's crust with human-made structures such as tunnels, mines, dams, bridges, and building foundations.

Historical Geology

Historical geology deals with the historical development of the earth from the study of its rocks. They are analyzed to determine their structure, composition, and interrelationships and are examined for remains of past life. Historical geology includes paleontology, the systematic study of past life forms; stratigraphy, of layered rocks and their interrelationships; paleogeography, of the locations of ancient land masses and their boundaries; and geologic mapping, the superimposing of geologic information upon existing topographic maps.

Historical geologists divide all time since the formation of the earliest known rocks (c.4 billion years ago) into four major divisions—Precambrian time and the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras. Each, except the Cenozoic, ended with profound changes in the disposition of the earth's continents and mountains and was characterized by the emergence of new forms of life (see geologic timescale). Broad cyclical patterns, which run through all historical geology, include a period of mountain and continent building followed by one of erosion and, in turn, by a new period of elevation.

Sub-Branches of Geology

Geology is a huge study and for ease and more systematic working, it is further divided in various branches. Each branch is a complete subject and needs to be explored in detail. Here we will only provide a brief, one liner, intro to all the branches of Geology.

• Mineralogy

Study of Minerals above the earth and inside the crust.

• Petrology

Study and analysis of rocks and their composition.

• Geo-Chemistry

Study of Chemistry of Rocks.

• Geo-Physics

Application of principles of Physics for study earth.

• Oceanography

Study of oceans and their basins.

• Paleontology

Study of origin of life on earth. When we talk about life or living stuff in geology then it generally means fossils only.

• Structural Geology

Study of arrangement of rocks or physical structure of rocks.

• Stratigraphy

Study of origin, composition, proper sequence and correlation of rocks.

• Seismology

Study of earth quakes.

• Geomorphology

Study of land forms their formation and arrangement.

• Glacial Geology

Study of glacial landforms and their behavior. Glacial landforms also include flowing ice and melted water.

• Geodesy

Study of precise figure of earth, its determination and significance.

• Astro-geology

Study of the solid bodies in the solar system, such as the asteroids and the planets and their moons.

Above mentioned branches deal with hardcore subject of geology. Beside these main branches which deal with the implications of geology. Branches with respect to implications or practical applications are listed below.

• Economic Geology

Study of economic products of rocks and their commercial and industrial applications.

• Engineering Geology

Application of geology in Civil engineering i.e. preparation of sites and construction of structures.

• Mining Geology

Application of geology in the field of mining.

• Hydrology

Study of water bodies while applying the knowledge of geology.

• Petroleum Geology

Study of occurrence of petroleum products in earth’s crust.

• Military Geology

Application of geology in the field of warfare.

• Environmental Geology

Study concerned with applying the findings of geologic research to the earth’s environment.

• Marine Geology

Scientific discipline that is concerned with all geological aspects of the continental shelves and slopes including those in ocean basins.

 

Branches of Geology

Physical or Dynamic Geology	Economic Geology
Structural Geology	Engineering Geology
Mineralogy	Geophysics
Crystallography	Geochemistry
Petrology	Hydrogeology
Historical Geology	Engineering Geology
Stratigraphy
Paleontology

 

 

 

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