What is geology and its branches

What is geology and its branches

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Geology is the science that deals with the study of Earth from the point of view of its structure and composition. It is a science that serves many others, since the information it offers can be used both in disciplines such as biology or chemistry, to others such as the architecture or construction of communication and transport roads, so it has many more applications than they may seem initially.

If you want to deepen a little more in What is geology and its brancheskeep reading ecology see and we tell you.

What is Geology

Geology is the science that studies the structure and composition of the planet. His name derives from the Greek “geo“(Earth) and”Logos” (knowledge).

It is a science that, although it will always be focused on the study of the earth, will have many different branches. This is because, according to the object of the study in which it specializes The geologistdiverse and quite varied specialties can be found within geology itself, which would be the mother science from which the rest of the branches would arise.

What is geology and its branches - What is Geology

Geology branches: complete list

According to most universities that teach geology, they can be distinguished until 21 different branches within geology. In alphabetical order, they would correspond to the following:

  • Crystallography
  • Speleology
  • Stratigraphy
  • Oil geology
  • Economic Geology
  • Structural Geology
  • Gemology
  • Historical Geology
  • Planetary Geology
  • Regional Geology
  • Geomorphology
  • Geochemistry
  • Geophysics
  • Hydrogeology
  • Mineralogy
  • Paleontology
  • Petrology
  • Sedimentology
  • Seismology
  • Tectonics
  • Volcanology

What do the branches of geology study

Now we explain What is the field of study of each of the branches of geologythat is what is studied in them:

  • Crystallography: It is the part of the geology that deals with the study of the crystals. Crystals are minerals that are characterized by having an orderly form based on a pattern. In this way, they are distinguished from the rest of rocks or objects associated with geology.
  • Speleology: It is the part of the geology that deals with the study of the caves and natural cavities formed on the planet. In this sense, its study focuses on both the documentation of these cavities, and on the study of the causes and forms that gave rise to their formation.
  • Stratigraphy: In this case, we are facing the branch of geology that deals with the study of stratified rocks. That is, those rocks or sediments that have been formed leading to various records or levels, which form the so -called stratum. His study focuses on both the cartography and the interpretation of the strata.
  • Petroleum Geology: This is the branch of geology that deals with the study of the land in order to find oil and natural gas that can be used and used by the human being.
  • Economic Geology: In this case, the study of the land is responsible for finding valuable or useful mineral deposits for the human being. They can range from iron deposits to more noble metals, such as gold and silver.
  • Structural Geology: It would be the branch of geology that would deal with the study of the earth’s crust and the structure that it has taken as a result of the movements of the tectonic plates.
  • Gemology: In this case, we would be before the geological discipline that deals with the identification and catalog of gems or called precious stones. Some of the best known would be emeralds, sapphires, rubies or diamonds.
  • Historical Geology: This is the branch of geology that studies the changes and transformations that have taken place on the planet from its formation to the present.
  • Planetary Geology: It is one of the most novel geology branches. It deals with the study of the structure and composition of celestial bodies. That is, it consists in the application of geological knowledge to other worlds, such as other planets, natural satellites or asteroids.
  • Regional Geology: This branch of geology studies the earth’s cortex of each concrete region. In this way, apply the knowledge of geology to continents, geographical or orographic units, as well as to concrete regions among many other typologies.
  • Geomorphology: This is the branch of geology that studies the relief of the planet’s surface, both the land relief and the marine or underwater.
  • Geochemistry: It consists of the branch of geology that studies the terrain and composition of the earth from a chemical perspective. In this sense, it studies both the chemical composition of the areas studied and the movements that occur of the various chemical elements present in a given area.
  • Geophysics: This is the sister of geochemistry. In this case, the geological study is carried out focused on the physical elements that modify or retain the composition and structure of the land.
  • Hydrogeology: This is the branch of geology that studies the composition, movements and structure of groundwater, as well as their best possible use and conservation.
  • Mineralogy: In this case, we are facing the discipline of geology that studies the composition and cataloging of minerals in all its forms and presentations in nature.
  • Paleontology: This is the branch of geology that studies the biology of the past from fossils.
  • Petrology: This is the branch of geology that studies rocks and their characteristics.
  • Sedimentology: This is the branch of the geology that studies the formation of sediments, as well as the transport and the processes that are carried out to carry out such transport of the materials that make up the sediments.
  • Seismology: It consists of the branch of geology in charge of studying earthquakes. Likewise, it also deals with the study of tsamot and subsequent tsunamis, since these are originally produced by an earthquake located in aquatic areas.
  • Tectonics: This is the branch of geology that studies the formation, composition and movement of tectonic plates, as well as the characteristics of the failures where the various tectonic plates that make up the surface of the earth collide.
  • VOLCANOLOGY: It is the branch that deals with the study of volcanoes, both their formation and their behavior. It also deals with the study of magma and lava, as well as any pyroclastic element related to the activity of volcanoes.

What is geology and its branches - what do the branches of geology study

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Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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