GLG 101

Chapter 1

Introduction to Physical Geology

What is Geology?

Geology is the study of the Earth.

Physical Geology: (GLG 101, GLG 103)

Earth materials, changes on the surface and the interior of the planet.

Historical Geology (GLG 102, GLG 104)

Processes through time.

Environmental Geology (GLG 110, GLG 111)

Geology as it affects the environment and the quality of life.

Who needs Geology?

Understand our surroundings: mountains, valleys, volcanoes, etc.

Supplying things we need: raw materials and energy.

Protecting the environment: mining and exploitation of resources.

Avoiding geologic hazards: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.

What do Geologists do?

Some examples:

Geochronology

Planetary Geology

Paleontology

Economic Geology

Environmental Geology

Geochemistry

Hydrogeology

Mineralogy

Petrology

Geophysics

Structural Geology

Seismology

Geomorphology

Oceanography

Paleogeography

Stratigraphy

and many more ...