As humans, we live in a universe that often transcends our very own understanding as there are many aspects of Earth that have yet to be discovered. According to current research, all that we are aware of and have seen make up only 5% of the entire universe. So much of Earth’s creation still remains a total mystery.
Every day, humans explore Earth in different capacities — whether it’s by finding new adventures or researching the elements.
For those of us who aren’t spending their days working in the field or researching in a lab, there are aspects of geology that are complete mysteries. If you’re just a beginner with little clue about this area of study, but find yourself curious, this guide will help you uncover just some of the little known science behind our planet Earth.
What exactly is geology?
The study of geology is fascinating as it can be classified as the science behind the universe that we live in. Its areas of study include inspection of the Earth’s formation, its constituents, overall structure, and its history. Geology is essentially the study of how the Earth is formed: its structure, composition, and processes.
Now, let’s rewind to our chemistry lessons in secondary school. Based on those science lessons, we’ve learnt that there are 118 elements on the Periodic Table of Elements, 94 of which occur naturally.
Geologists have discovered that there are approximately 5800 minerals known to humankind. However, discoveries just keep getting better each year, and developments in technology such as artificial intelligence, which can monitor seismic activities in earthquakes as well as mineral deposits, only further this.
They also take a closer look at elements such as fossils, rocks, and other living things that have been preserved over time.
What are some important aspects of geology to note?
The study of geology is complex with many layers to unfold. However, a basic understanding of geology does require knowledge of certain aspects, these include:
The Importance of Geologic Time
Since its inception, our Earth has changed and been divided into different dates, periods and eras, with various events taking place. Geologic time in this case refers to the contrasting geological processes that have occurred in different stages of history.
The same goes for rocks, which have undergone a range of key processes in the rock cycle to transform from igneous rocks into metamorphic rocks. Whether you’re an amateur gemstone enthusiast, science buff, or a seller curious about how those agate slices in bulk you just bought to restock are made, going back to understanding the relationship between rocks and geologic time can help to answer your burning questions.
Understanding Land Formations
If you have been to famous landmarks in Australia like The Three Sisters Walk, Twelve Apostles, Simpson Desert or Lake Eyre, you might be pleased to know that these natural fragments were created by landforms.
Landforms such as mountains, hills and valleys are recognisable features situated on the surface of the earth. They are created when rocks and minerals undergo various geologic processes such as weathering, erosion and deposition.
Geologic Processes
Geology is largely about rocks and minerals, but it’s also a lot more than that. Geologic processes also include the movements that take place in the Earth cycle as the earth undergoes continuous changes on various scales.
Take weathering as an example; it’s a process that involves physical changes in the rocks and minerals on the surface of the Earth as they undergo deterioration, typically caused by fluctuating temperatures, wet and windy seasons, plants and animals.
It’s always great to be aware of geologic processes and basic concepts as they are strongly linked to all sorts of biodiversity and different aspects of our lives.
What are geological hazards?
As humans who live in a world with constant changes like global warming, we are prone to facing geological hazards including volcano eruptions, earthquakes and landslides.
These events are called ‘geological hazards’ as they are often caused by natural geological processes, such as the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates, which is how earthquakes occur.
While no part of the world is spared from the presence of earthquakes, they are especially prone in areas that surround the Pacific Plate. This includes areas such as New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Japan as well as the Americas, among others.
Now that you have hopefully gained a greater understanding of geology and its basic concepts, you’re equipped to better understand the planet we call home, and maybe even to get out and explore some of it. In doing so, remember that there is still so much that we don’t know — the field of geology is forever changing.