Geology is a type of earth science that has to do with the study of the earth and its structure. This includes things like the rock cycle, plate tectonics, how and where oil deposits form, and how diamonds are made. Geologists study the history of our planet, explore the processes at work today, and help to predict things like where floods or volcanic eruptions might occur.

The Six Branches of Earth Science

The main branches of earth science include geology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, environmental science, and astronomy. Geology is specifically the study of solid objects, including how rocks and minerals are formed. Oceanography is the study of the oceans and the living things they contain. Meteorology is the study of weather patterns on Earth, while climatology involves studying the atmosphere. Environmental science works to understand how people impact their environment. And astronomers study space and our place in the universe.