Careers in the Geosciences
What is a Geoscientist?
Geoscientists are often considered stewards of the Earth’s environment and natural resources. They seek to understand the Earth’s processes, including studying its oceans and rivers, soils and rocks, and atmosphere. They also help discover information that is important for creating governmental policies and resource management.What Do Geoscientists Do?
The Earth is an amazing outdoor laboratory with many opportunities to observe Earth processes. Geoscientists apply their knowledge of the forces that shape the Earth in order to reconstruct the past and anticipate and plan for the future. Geoscience disciplines include: hydrology, meteorology, geology, geophysics, environmental science, physical geography, and physical and chemical oceanography.Where Do Geoscientists Work?
There are many career opportunities for geoscientists. Some study natural hazards by helping to predict when a volcano may erupt or to tract hurricanes. Geoscientists also help to study and mitigate environmental pollution. Others use high-tech software and satellite imagery to map and analyze Earth processes. Often, geoscientists work both in an office and outdoors.