Typical tasks and duties

Geologist may perform the following tasks:

• explore specific areas of the earth to determine its structure and the types of rocks or minerals that exist
• study rock cores, cuttings and samples
• study geostatistics and sampling theory
• study fossilised life forms and date rock strata
• study the nature and effects of natural events such as erosion, sedimentation, glaciation, earthquakes and volcanic hazards
• locate and manage groundwater resources, investigate groundwater contamination and land salinity
• undertake geochemical sampling of stream sediment and soils
• undertake ground magnetic and gravity surveys
• examine geological specimens in laboratories using optical and electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction and chemical and mechanical techniques
• assist in determining the economic viability of extracting earth resources
• advise on the geological suitability of sites for structures such as tunnels, roads, coastal installations, bridges and water supply schemes
• contribute information about land use, planning and rehabilitation, and the effects of pollution on seabeds to environmental assessments
• use computers to integrate and interpret data sets of geological information
• prepare geological models to describe processes and predict future situations
• prepare geological reports and maps.