Geology and Its Branches
Geology:
Geology is derived from the Greek geo (Earth) and logos (discourse) is that branch of
physical sciences which deals with the study of the earth, including the materials that it is
made of, the physical and chemical changes that occur on its surface and in its interior, and
the history of the planet and its life forms.
Geology is the study of the solid Earth, including the materials that make up the planet and
the processes that shape the planet.
Branches of Geology:
1. Physical geology
2. Structural Geology
3. Sedimentology
4. Mineralogy
5. Crystallography
6. Optical Mineralogy
7. Petrology
8. Paleontology
9. Historical Geology / Stratigraphy
10. Economic Geology
11. Hydrogeology
12. Volcanology
Physical geology:
Physical geology may be defined as the branch of geology which deals with the study of
physical forces and processes that bring about changes in the earth’s crust or to the surface of
the earth on account of their prolonged existence and action.
Structural Geology:
The study of the deformation of the rocks in the earth’s lithosphere is the subject matter of
the branch of geology known as structural geology.
Sedimentology:
Sedimentology deals with the study sediments, their formation, transportation and deposition.
Mineralogy:
The branch of geology which deals with the study of minerals, their formation, analysis,
association, physical and chemical properties and classification is called mineralogy.
Crystallography:
The branch dealing with the study of crystal of minerals is known as crystallography.
Crystals are solid geometric figures and have well defined, more or less plane, faces which
bound the solid.
Optical Mineralogy:
The branch which deals the optical properties of the minerals and the behavior of light
through the minerals.
Petrology:
The branch of geology which is concerned with the study of rocks is called petrology. It is
further subdivided into igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic petrology depending upon the
rock group studied under the particular heading.
Paleontology:
The study of the past life on the earth is called paleontology. It is studied with the help of
fossil records that is preserved in the sedimentary rocks of the earth.
Historical Geology / Stratigraphy:
Historical Geology is that branch of geology that studies the evolutionary history of the earth
in a chronological manner. Historical geology is further subdivided into stratigraphy (the
study of the stratified rocks of the earth).
Economic Geology:
The branch of geology which that deals with the study of the earth materials that are used for
economic and/or industrial purposes such as petroleum, coal, ores, building stones, salt,
gemstones, etc., is known as economic geology.
Hydrogeology:
The branch of geology which deals with the study of occurrence, movement and suitability of
groundwater is called hydrogeology.
Volcanology:
Volcanology (also spelled vulcanology) is the study of volcanoes, lava, magma and
related geological, geophysical and geochemical phenomena (volcanism). The
term volcanology is derived from the Latin word vulcan.
Engineering Geology:
Engineering geology deals with the application of geology to engineering practices and
solving engineering problems.
Engineering geology is the application of geology to the engineering study for the purpose
of ensuring that the geological aspects related to the site, scheme, construction, process and
maintenance of engineering works are recognized and taken in consideration.
Engineering geologists provide geological and geotechnical endorsements, analyzes, and
designs related to human development and different kinds of structures. The field of
engineering geology is primarily in the field of Earth-structure interactions, or the
investigation of how Earth or Earth processes affect human structures and human activities.
Importance of Geology for Civil/Highway Engineering Projects
1. It provides a systematic knowledge of construction materials, their structure and
properties.
2. The knowledge of erosion, Transportation and deposition by surface water helps in soil
conservation, river control, coastal and harbor works.
3. The knowledge about the nature of the rocks is very necessary in tunneling construction
roads & in determining the stability of cuts & slopes.
4. The foundation problems of dams. Bridges and buildings are directly related with geology
of the area where they are.
5. The knowledge of ground water is necessary in connection with excavation works, water
supply, irrigation and many other purposes.
6. Geological maps §ions helps considerably in planning many engineering projects.
7. If the geological features like faults, joints, beds, folds, solution channel are found they
have to be suitably treated. Hence the stability of the structure is greatly increased.
8. Pre-geological survey of the area concerned reduces the cost of engineering works.
Refrences:
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