ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Embedded Files
Geologists are scientists who study the Earth, its history, nature, materials and processes. The role of the geologist is different from that of the engineer: Geologists interpret, engineers design and build.
Geologists make use of their special knowledge for the benefit of the public and are trained to consider the entire physical environment, the materials that compose it (rocks, soils, and water). Geologists work in exploration and development of mineral resources used in construction and industry and development of water resources, but also evaluating the stability of foundations for buildings, dams, bridges and roads, plus many others. Few other professions affect the public more than geology, especially through collaboration with the construction and engineering professions.
Geologists are engaged in three sectors of activity:
Geoenvironment - Construction - Georesources
A number of specialisations have developed within Geology within each sector:
Environmental Geologist
Studies to find solutions for environmental degradation by studying flooding, erosion, pollution, contamination and landfills.
Hydrogeologist
Hydrogeologists apply their knowledge to design and construct water wells for drinking water supply, irrigation schemes and other purposes and discover how much water is available to sustain water supplies so that these do not adversely affect the environment.
Marine Geologist
Studies process of minerals and rocks that move and form under the ocean. Marine geologists focus on the processes of minerals and rocks that move and form under the ocean. This includes plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and earthquakes, all of which affect marine biology and oceanography.
Agrogeologist
Agrogeologists engage in the scientific study of the origin, nature, composition, distribution and utilization of soils from a geological viewpoint.
Engineering Geologist
Applies Geology to Engineering for the purpose of assuring that the geological factors regarding the location, design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering works are recognized and accounted for. Engineer geologists work with real estate development companies to assess whether the ground under a potential construction site is stable enough to withstand construction. They perform these assessments by looking at the physical and chemical properties of the rock and soil in the area and determining its structure. They then make recommendations about the potential for building, working with civil engineers to plan the best way to begin construction.
Geomaterials Geologist
Specialises in aggregate, building stone, cement, concrete and their testing and classification.
Planning Geologist
Geology applied to planning to determine a particular course of action and land-use planning. This entails resolution of conflicts between the need to utilize land and at the same time to protect the environment.
Sedimentologist and Stratigrapher
Apply their understanding of modern processes to interpret geologic history through observations of sedimentary rocks and sedimentary structures and stratigraphy. Sedimentary rocks cover up to 75% of the Earth's surface and 100% of the surface of the Maltese Islands
Mining and Quarrying Geologist
Specialises on the extraction of rock for industrial purposes and the design of quarries and mines.
Economic Geologist
Exploration Geologist
specialises in exploration for minerals, oil and gas.
Explores for and develops Earth's resources. Economic geology is concerned with earth materials that can be used for economic and/or industrial purposes. These materials include precious and base metals, non-metallic minerals and construction-grade stone.
Petroleum Geologist
A petroleum geologist studies sediment deposits in oceans, rock folds, or faults to find possible oil deposits. They decide where to drill for oil by locating potential prospects and making reports that detail how best to approach the deposits. There are a variety of external geological signs that can point to an oil or gas deposit if analysed correctly. It is the petroleum geologist's job to recognize the signs and make recommendations based on their findings and expertise.
Structural Geologist
Specialises in the deformation of rock and geological structures.
Planetary Geologist
A planetary geologist focuses on studying the mineral composition of other planets, their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites. They study current geological events on other moons and planets, as well as how they formed. They use information from Earth-based geology to make discoveries about the climate and topography of other planets.
Other professionals related to Geology are: geomorphologists, geophysicists, mineralologists and geochemists
Roles and responsibilities of geologists
In Europe, the formal recognition of the title ‘geologist’ within a regulated profession already exists in Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Estonia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Croatia, Slovakia, United Kingdom and Liechtenstein.
In these countries Geologists are the professionals who are competent to carry out the following:
Data collection and preparing geological maps and geological cross sections
Identification and assessment of geological risks and land surface stability
Certification of geological materials (geomaterials) used in construction and industry
Exploration and evaluation of georesources: industrial rocks, ground water, minerals and hydrocarbons
Engineering Geology, Pedological and Geotechnical surveys
Applied geology to planning, e.g., avoidance of water flooding
Provide accurate and reliable information to government agencies for public use
Oil and gas development
Geological and hydrogeological assessments and reports
Evaluation of soils and agricultural land
Function as managers/director of quarrying and mining activities
Function as director and guarantor for geotechnical laboratories
Contaminated soil investigations and remediation and solid waste siting
Research activities
The Malta Chamber of Geologists is a registered professional organisation (VO/2329)
If you want to receive the Chamber's bi-monthly newsletter please send us your email address and it will be included in our mailing list.
email: chamberofgeologists@gmail.com | mob. 79603783
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse