Geology is a field-based science that integrates the principles of chemistry, physics, and biology in the study of Earth processes and history.  Geology emphasizes the central concepts of time, space, and scale in the study of planet Earth from the perspective of a unified Earth System---the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. 

Geologists study diverse topics such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, glaciers, floods, groundwater flow, and dinosaur evolution.  In recent years, detailed knowledge of the geologic history, resources, and processes of the Earth has become vital to addressing environmental issues.  Geologists are increasingly in demand by state/federal agencies and private industry to study and evaluate geologic hazards, natural resources such as oil and natural gas, and environmental issues such as groundwater supply and contamination.  Students who enjoy working outdoors and are interested in understanding how the Earth works will find geology a rewarding area of study.