Branches of Geology

PHYSICAL GEOLOGY—deals with (1) the nature and properties of materials composing the earth, (2) the distribution of materials throughout the globe, (3) the processes by which they are formed, altered, transported, and distorted, and (4) the nature and development of the landscape

HISTORICAL GEOLOGY—studies the record(history) of the physical and biologic development on the earth

MINERALOGY—study of physical and chemical properties of minerals

PETROLOGY—characteristics and origin of rocks

PETROGRAPHY—lab analysis and microscopic investigation of rocks

PALEONTOLOGY—study of ancient life

STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY—deformation of rocks

STRATIGRAPHY—age relationships of rocks

GEOMORPHOLOGY—land forms

ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
MINING GEOLOGY—METALLIC and
NONMETALLIC

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

HYDROLOGY

MORE SPECIALIZED BRANCHES
GEOPHYSICS
GEOCHEMISTRY
OCEANOGRAPHY
SEISMOLOGY
VULCANOLOGY