Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
I. Introduction to Geology
INTRODUCTION
"Our
physical environment is fundamentally
interesting. To know it is a pleasure, to under-
stand it is a joy, and to solve its puzzles is cre-
ative work of the highest type."
GEOLOGY IS A DISTINCT SCIENCE
Geological science is making observations, asking
questions, creating ideas about how the world works,
gathering information and testing the ideas, and com-
municating with others. Questions geologists seek to
answer come from observations made in the field,
observations that then are often extended through
work in scientific laboratories. To geologists, "the
field" is broadly defined. It may be the rocks on the
surface of the Earth, it may be the core of the Earth, or
it may even be, as space probes demonstrate, other
planets.
Environmental geology applies geological meth-
ods to questions that arise from the interaction of
humans with the earth. Environmental geology seeks
knowledge about how we live with geological events,
how we use the Earth for resources, how we use the
land to live and work, and what we may be doing, as
humans, to impact the future of Earth.
Successful geological studies depend on good
observations, good descriptions, asking good ques-
tions, and integrating all available knowledge into
testable models of how the earth works. One tool of
geology is math; in this manual, the math required is
straightforward.
Geological systems are complex. Where other sci-
ences may be able to isolate individual actions and
investigate them, ultimate knowledge in geology
comes from integrating many often diverse observa-
tions and using information from many different
fields. We may learn, for instance, about the move-
ment of groundwater near a landslide from the distrib-
ution of plants on the surface of the land.
Time is important to geologists. What we see
today is the result of 4.6 billion years of Earth history.
In environmental geology we are worried about how
the accumulated history of the Earth impacts human
occupation and use of land now and into the future. A
basic concept in geology is "the present is the key to
the past." But geologists often state that "the past is the
key to the present (and the future)." By understanding
past geologic processes, events, and products, we
—BRETZ, 1940
"The science of geology has long concerned itself
with the real-world natural experience of the
planet we inhabit. Its methodology more directly
accords with the common sense reasoning familiar
to all human beings. Because its study focuses on
the concrete particulars of nature rather than on
abstract generalizations, its results are also more
attuned to the perceptions that compel people to
take action, and to the needs of decision makers
who must implement this action."
—BAKER,
1996
IMPORTANCE OF GEOLOGY
In addition to seeking fundamental knowledge in the
Earth sciences to help us better understand our
planet, geologists help ensure our health by under-
standing toxins in the environment, enhance our
wealth by studying water and other geologic
resources, and improve our security by helping us
avoid geologic hazards and prepare for global cli-
mate change (Thorleifson, 2003). Your daily life and
safety depend on geology. From the economic wealth
of society to the energy you use, the water you drink,
and the food you eat, even to the atoms that make up
your body—you depend on geology. Earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, floods, and climate change are
among the natural events that can dramatically alter
your lives. This topic looks at geologic processes and
products that are important to understand for your
safety and well-being. But what is geology and how
does it work?
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