Geologists study the earth materials that make up our planet, along with the processes (earthquakes, floods, landslides, etc.) and the history that have shaped it. As a geologist, your projects could include:
- Finding geological formations in the earth to safely store the carbon dioxide from Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) and to safely dispose the nuclear waste from nuclear plants;
- Locating areas rich in geothermal energy to provide a natural hot-water source for communities and for generating electricity.
Your work would make low-carbon energy solutions more secure and accessible and help develop natural resources in ways that safeguard the environment.
Geologists work in a variety of settings, from natural resource companies to environmental consulting companies. You could also become a university professor. You could do field work at least part of the time but, if you’re not convinced by having to carry the chisel-tip rock hammer all day you could work in an office or in a laboratory.
See Bethan Davies in action. Bethan works in glaciology, a branch of geology.