Why do i like geology

We've been studying the variation in the planet's ecosystems for two centuries now heck, paleontology helped start the discipline and can look back billions of years to see how the climate has varied.

This gives us that evidence to show how much our current climate is likely in a state of distress. Geology is also how we can understand what the impact of climate change will be on our planet, both in the short- and long-term. Hazards: If you take geology, you'll find out about all the ways the planet might be trying to take you out: eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, floods, sinkholes, tsunamis, and more.

You'll also learn how geologists are trying to protect people from perishing in such disasters by better understanding their impacts and assessment of their risk to lives and property.

More importantly, you'll realize how to protect yourself. Buying a house? Maybe you should check to see if you're on a floodplain.

Is the house in an earthquake-prone area? Is the hillslope stable behind the place? Geologic hazards will impact you at some point, so understanding them puts you ahead of the curve.

Resources: Take a look around you right now. I'd venture to say that much of what you see came from a geologic deposit at some point. Copper wires? Maybe from the copper deposits of the Andes. Steel for your car's frame? Maybe Minnesota. Your iPhone is chock full of rare earth elements that likely came from Chinese carbonatite deposits. The power for your house may be coming from a range of geologic resources: coal yes, sadly or uranium better or hydro-power. If you study geology, you'll start to realize the impact that extracting these resources has on the planet and people so you can make more sustainable decisions.

Our access to clean, potable water depends not just on our ability to find water, but on understanding how to protect water resources from contamination, and how to clean up contaminated water. Most of these fields are expected to experience significant growth within the next decade, while about half of the current professionals are expected to retire within the same period.

The employment opportunities are very good and getting better. Geology is a field-based science. Besides quantitative skills and a good understanding of physical processes, geologists must have an active, creative mind and good observational skills. The best way to develop these skills is through copious field training. As a result, geology is a discipline that appeals to people who enjoy the out-of-doors and love to travel.

From the first class in September, until the snow flies usually November , you will find yourself confronted face to face with an array of geological problems. You and your field partners will devote 12 hours a week in the field learning techniques, speculating about rocks and pondering how to solve stimulating problems.

You will learn how to prepare geological maps and reports and will be given free rein on drawing conclusions based on your observations.

Usually taken by juniors or seniors during one month in the summer, this course is essentially a one month field trip to learn first-hand about geological environments not available in the Vermont area. In the past, the trips have taken UVM faculty and students to the southwest and northwest areas of the U. This optional course provides experiences to new geological challenges.

Studying geology in exotic settings while camping, cooking, traveling, and living with your faculty and peers makes this course as memorable as any you will take while at UVM. You, as a geology student, may originate your own research or you may be invited to join a research project with faculty and graduate students.

Geology students have enjoyed a long history of successful undergraduate research projects as evidenced by the number of completed senior theses projects, honors theses, and presentations at the Vermont Geological Society annual meetings.

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