Branches of Earth Science

A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth as well as the processes and history that have shaped it. Geologists usually engage in studying geology. Geologists, studying more of an applied science than a theoretical one, must approach Geology using physics, chemistry and biology as well as other sciences. Geologist

Oceanographer Oceanography covers a wide range of topics, including marine life and ecosystems, ocean circulation, plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor, and the chemical and physical properties of the ocean. Just as there are many specialties within the medical field, there are many disciplines within oceanography. Biological oceanographers and marine biologists study plants and animals in the marine environment. They are interested in the numbers of marine organisms and how these organisms develop, relate to one another, adapt to their environment, and interact with it. To accomplish their work, they may use field observations, computer models, or laboratory and field experiments.

Oceanographer Chemical oceanographers and marine chemists study the composition of seawater, its processes and cycles, and the chemical interaction of seawater with the atmosphere and sea floor. Their work may include analysis of seawater components, the effects of pollutants, and the impacts of chemical processes on marine organisms. They may also use chemistry to understand how ocean currents move seawater around the globe and how the ocean affects climate or to identify potentially beneficial ocean resources such as natural products that can be used as medicines.

Oceanographer Geological oceanographers and marine geologists explore the ocean floor and the processes that form its mountains, canyons, and valleys. Through sampling, they look at millions of years of history of sea-floor spreading, plate tectonics, and oceanic circulation and climates. They also examine volcanic processes, mantle circulation, hydrothermal circulation, magma genesis, and crustal formation. The results of their work help us understand the processes that created the ocean basins and the interactions between the ocean and the sea floor.

Oceanographer Physical oceanographers study the physical conditions and physical processes within the ocean such as waves, currents, eddies, gyres and tides; the transport of sand on and off beaches; coastal erosion; and the interactions of the atmosphere and the ocean. They examine deep currents, the ocean-atmosphere relationship that influences weather and climate, the transmission of light and sound through water, and the ocean's interactions with its boundaries at the sea floor and the coast.

Meteorologist Meteorology is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the atmosphere. Studies in the field stretch back millennia, though significant progress in meteorology did not occur until the 18th century. The 19th century saw modest progress in the field after observing networks formed across several countries.

Astronomer An astronomer is a scientist in the field of astronomy who studies stars, planets, moons, comets, and galaxies, as well as many other celestial objects. A related but distinct subject, cosmology, is concerned with studying the universe as a whole. An astronomer researches the world beyond Earth.

Environmental Scientist Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical, biological and information sciences (including but not limited to ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, zoology, mineralogy, oceanology, limnology, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, and geodesy) to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems.

Environmental Scientist An environmental scientist applies a scientific understanding of the natural world to the protection of nature. These members of the scientific community are concerned with balancing human needs with the needs of organisms in the natural environment and the needs of future generations who may be harmed by environmental abuses. To practice in this field, someone usually needs at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, and graduate degrees are often strongly recommended. The work that an environmental scientist performs very much depends on where he or she works. Some work as educators, for example, teaching members of the public about environmental issues and promoting environmental education. Educators can work for nature centers, schools, and environmental advocacy programs, working with people of all ages, from young children just being introduced to environmental topics to older adults being taught about new ways to use natural resources. An environmental scientist can also work as a researcher, conducting studies which are designed to provide insight into the natural environment and the ways in which it is used. Some environmental scientists focus on studying pristine populations so that they can learn about the complex relationships which exist in the natural environment, while others are interested in the intersection between human populations and the environment. For example, an environmental scientist might study the impact of damming on a river, a population of endangered animals, or look at how farming impacts plant biodiversity.