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Geologist
Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of surface and subsurface features of the earth, its history and the operation of physical, chemical and biological systems that control its evolution.
Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists conduct programmes of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth and to locate and identify hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources. They also plan and implement programmes of hydrocarbon and mineral extraction, and they assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment.
These scientists plan, direct and participate in geological, geochemical and geophysical field studies, drilling and geological testing programs, and seismic, electromagnetic, magnetic, gravimetric, radiometric, radar and other remote sensing programmes. They also plan, direct and participate in the analysis of geological, geochemical and geophysical survey data, the analysis of core samples, drill cuttings and rock samples in order to identify chemical, mineral, hydrocarbon and biological composition, and also the analysis of well logs, other test results, maps, notes and cross-sections.
They develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of data. They assess depositional environments and geological age, and they assess the size, orientation and composition of mineral ore bodies and hydrocarbon deposits. They also identify deposits of construction materials and determine their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or other applications. They assess the movement of ground and surface waters, and they advise in areas such as waste management, route and site selection, and the restoration of contaminated sites.
They recommend the acquisition of land, exploration and mapping programmes, and mine development, and they conduct geological and geophysical studies for regional development, site selection and the development of public works projects.
They identify and anticipate natural risks, such as slope erosion, landslides, soil instability, subsidence, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and they may supervise and coordinate well drilling, completion and work-over, as well as mining activities.
Geological research helps in locating mineral deposits, predicting earthquakes, and advising on the suitability of sites for buildings, dams and highways. The knowledge obtained is also used in a wide variety of ways, from determining the components of plaster on walls of buildings where lime and other mixtures are used, to the discovery and refinement of oil and other energy sources.
Geology is a very broad-based science, which draws from virtually every other science including the natural, engineering and economic sciences. There are various careers within the field of geology, for example: cartography, economic geology, environmental geology, engineering geology, geochemistry, geotechnology, geohydrology, geophysics, mineralogy, mining geology, palaeontology, petroleum geology.
The broad areas of specialization within this field include: earth material; earth processes and earth history. The sub-specialities include: economic geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, geophysics, palaeontology, marine geology, mineral economics, engineering geology and environmental planning.
General geologists can specialize in various fields of application, of which only a few are discussed here:
Basic mapping is the drawing of a map on which geological information such as the distribution of different rocks is shown. This is one of the most important tasks of geologists.
Economic geology studies the deposit of economic minerals and the processes leading to their formation.
Environmental geology studies recent sediments deposited in river valleys, on beaches and in the oceans, in order to acquire information on aspects such as climatic changes, erosion of coastlines and the influence of human activities on the environment.
Engineering geologists study the physical and chemical properties of rocks and soil in order to ensure that dams, road, tunnels and buildings are built at the most suitable sites and in the most cost-effective manner. They also study materials used in road construction.
Geohydrologists study the water-storing capacity of various geological formations and the flow of groundwater in these formations. The development of cavities in rocks through cracks and faults as well as the chemical solution of rocks are also studied by geohydrologists. Post-graduate study and specialization at an honours degree level is essential for a career as geohydrologist.
Palaeontologists study fossils to make deductions concerning the climate that prevailed during deposition and the environment where the organisms occurred. This information is used amongst other things, to understand the origin and formation of certain minerals in sedimentary rocks and to find further resources. The study of fossils also contributes to our knowledge of factors that led to the extinction of species and the origin of new species.
Geophysicists make geophysical measurements to determine the distribution of rocks underneath the soil. They also try to determine the deep-seated structure of the earth's crust as well as its physical qualities.
Geologists work in a variety of settings. They may work outdoors at a site under investigation, with conditions varying from sub-zero temperatures to the scorching heat in a desert. In addition, they may work indoors in laboratories, offices and classrooms.
Satisfying Aspects
- the outdoor life
- solving problems
- variety of work and choice of specialisations
- travelling
- working with others
Demanding aspects
- being away from home and family for long periods;
- the physically demanding nature of the work while at a remote site under investigation
- the primitive living conditions in the field
Requirements
A geologist should be/have:
- curious and imaginative
- observant, responsible and objective
- able to visualize things three-dimensionally
- problem-solving skills
- enjoy working with others
- flexible and adapt easily to new situations
- able to communicate clearly in writing and in speech
- enjoy travelling and nature
- prepared to work out in the field
- good health and stamina
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences, Geography, Economics, Information Technology
Training
Degree: The minimum qualification required for registration as a natural scientist (Geology) at the South African Board for Natural Scientists is a BSc (Honours) degree, or a 3-year diploma in Geology at a university of technology. A degree in Geology is available at UCT, UP, UWC, UFS, UV, TUT; Geological Science at Wits and UKZN, and Geoscience at NMMU - a second major in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics is recommended. Computer Science and Statistics are also useful majors with Geology because of the rapidly growing application of these fields. Some universities specialise at the BSc (Hons) level in subjects such as Geochemistry, Geohydrology, Geophysics, Sedimentology or Engineering Geology.
Diploma: N.Dip: Economic Geology or Geo-Technology
To register as a professional scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientists, a minimum qualification of a BSc (Hons) degree is required.
Postgraduate study (for masters and doctors degrees) is possible at most South African universities.
Those who study at universities of technology register as geotechnologists and work closely with geologists in various fields.
Employer
- petroleum and mining companies
- consulting geology, geophysics and engineering firms
- government departments (Geological Survey, Water Affairs, Museums)
- Chamber of Mines
- CSIR
- Council for Mineral Technology (MINTEK)
- civil engineering firms
- universities of technology and universities
- self-employed, as a consultant
Contact
Geological Society of South Africa
P O Box 61809
Linden, 2107
Tel: (011) 492-3370 Fax: (011) 492-3371
www.gssa.org.za
Council for Geoscience
Private Bag x112
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 841- 1911 Fax: (012) 841-1221
www.geoscience.org.za