Geologist / Geophysicist
Job Description:
The work of Geologists and Geophysicists are closely related. Geologists study the composition, structure and history of the Earth. They also study the evolution of life by analysing plant and animal fossils. Geophysicists use the principles of physics, mathematics, and chemistry to study the Earth’s surface, its internal composition and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces.
These scientists use their knowledge in locating water and other mineral resources. They use sophisticated instruments to study the Earth’s geologic past and present in order to make predictions about natural calamities like earthquakes and volcanoes. Some of the specialized areas of in, which these scientists work, are as below:
Marine Geologist: studies the surface and sub-surface, and geological and geophysical characteristics of coastal margins, for the selection of suitable locations of marine structures as well as exploitation of the ocean’s natural resources. Remote sensing is one of the critical areas of activity in this field.
Petroleum Geologist conduct exploratory tests for locating natural gas and oil deposits both onshore and off shore. They make estimates of oil reserves and work with petroleum exploration engineers for identifying the appropriate technology for production.
Geohydrologists locate, assess and analyse the sources of water, identify threats to water pollution, and advice on selecting sites for water reservoirs.
Mineralogists analyse and classify minerals and precious stones in rocks and mineral deposits through chemical and physical analysis. The information on mineral deposits is used by industries, which require the minerals.
Palaeontologists study fossils found in geological formations to trace the evolution of plant and animal life and estimate their age.
Seismologists interpret data from seismographs and other instruments that measure small movements of the earth to locate earthquakes and earthquake faults.
Stratigraphers study the distribution and arrangement of sedimentary rock layers by examining their fossil and mineral content. This is helpful in understanding evolutionary changes.
Engineering Geology involves carrying out investigations before the foundations and earthworks for large civil engineering projects, like dams, tunnels etc are laid.
Geochronologists estimate age of rocks by using the method of radioactive dating.
Geomorphologists study the form of earth’s surface and the processes such as glaciations and erosion that brings about such changes.
Educational Qualification:
A graduate/postgraduate degree in geology or geophysics However those with degrees in physics, chemistry, mathematics, or computer science may also qualify for some geophysics or geology jobs. A Ph.D. degree is required for most research positions in colleges and universities.
Opening:
Geologists are recruited for vacancies in the Geological Survey of India and the Central Ground Water Board through examination for geologists conducted by UPSC. Other than this many government undertakings like ONGC, Coal India etc that are involved in exploration work employ geologists. Atomic Mineral Division situated at Hyderabad which is under Department of Atomic Energy, conducts an exclusive examination for recruitment of geologists. Openings as research associates are also available with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Science Technology. In private sector geologists work as consultants or are involved in exploration and survey.
