Geology

Geology (from Greek γη- (ge-, "the earth") and λογος (logos, "word", "reason")) is the science and study of the Earth, its composition, structure, physical properties, history, and the processes that shape it. It is one of the Earth sciences.

Related Topics:
Greek - Science - Earth - Earth science

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Geologists have helped establish the age of the Earth at about 4.5 billion (4.5x109) years, and have determined that the Earth's lithosphere, which includes the crust, is fragmented into tectonic plates that move over a rheic upper mantle (asthenosphere) via processes that are collectively referred to as plate tectonics. Geologists help locate and manage the earth's natural resources, such as petroleum and coal, as well as metals such as iron, copper, and uranium. Additional economic interests include minerals such as asbestos, perlite, mica, phosphates, zeolites, clay, pumice, quartz, and silica, as well as elements such as sulfur, chlorine, and helium.

Related Topics:
Geologist - Age of the Earth - Lithosphere - Crust - Tectonic plates - Rheic - Mantle - Asthenosphere - Plate tectonics - Natural resource - Petroleum - Coal - Metals - Iron - Copper - Uranium - Asbestos - Perlite - Mica - Phosphates - Zeolites - Clay - Pumice - Quartz - Silica - Sulfur - Chlorine - Helium

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Astrogeology refers to the application of geologic principles to other bodies of the solar system. However, specialised terms such as selenology (studies of the Moon), areology (of Mars), etc., are also in use.

Related Topics:
Astrogeology - Moon - Mars

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The word "geology" was first used by Jean-André Deluc in the year 1778 and introduced as a fixed term by Horace-Bénédict de Saussure in the year 1779. An older meaning of the word was first used by Richard de Bury. He used it to distinguish between earthly and theological jurisprudence.

Related Topics:
Jean-André Deluc - 1778 - Horace-Bénédict de Saussure - 1779 - Richard de Bury - Theological

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~