Geosciences and Remote Sensing

PHYSICAL GEOLOGY

Physical geology is the branch of geology that deals with the geologic events and materials occurring at the present time or in the very near past. This is in contrast to historical geology, which involves studying the rock record and fossil record for evidence of past geologic processes, life forms and materials. Physical geologists study current processes, like erosion, volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers, and weathering. They use their understanding of historical geological processes to understand what might be causing current geologic processes to take place, as well as utilizing new techniques and technologies. Physical geologists share some similarities with medical doctors, in that they use a combination of prior knowledge and newly acquired technology and knowledge to help solve scientific problems. Physical geologists must also have a solid understanding of other branches of science, like physics, biology and chemistry, in order to fully understand the geological processes and interactions that are important to them.