Environmental geologists, unlike hydrogeologists, is an often applied scientific discipline concerned with the precise study of physical conditions under different Earth environments. It is a highly interdisciplinary field which is greatly connected to geology but to a lesser extent than geophysics. This means that there is great degree of interdepartmental cooperation amongst those involved in this field of study. The subject matter of environmental geology mainly deals with the study and documentation of past geological phenomena and is therefore highly relevant for engineers as well as geologists alike. Here are some resource about Geology terms.
Geologists are specialized people who have a wide range of career opportunities. Some become teachers and others research for or work in museums. Some also go on to become politicians and even journalists. However, the one area where they are least likely to end up is in the government’s business development agencies. In fact, there are many instances where environmental geologists are found to have worked hand-in-hand with executives from different industries to promote projects related to waste disposal, mining, agriculture, forestry etc.
Environmental geologists follow many scientific methods including fieldwork, in-situ observations, onsite research and laboratory research. These methods help them to better understand the physical processes and the relationship between soil, rocks, and other surface materials. Through their knowledge and understanding they are able to assess the human impact on the environment. Their reports and studies thus plays a crucial role in governmental policy-making. They are expected to develop and maintain comprehensive and sustainable strategies to mitigate environmental damage.
In the US, there are quite a few private environmental geologists consulting firms and government departments dealing with the monitoring and evaluation of such environmental issues. The government requires the support of these consultants to undertake such studies. For example, when mining is conducted in an environmentally sensitive region, it is required that a team of geophysicists, climatologists and other specialists from the relevant fields work together to provide a report on the potential mining impact on the environment. Similarly, they are also called upon by the mining authorities to review their report and suggest remedial measures.
A large number of environmental geologists are involved in a variety of remediation and risk management activities including pre-use planning, environmental protection, endangered species protection, site clean-up, and groundwater recharge. They use a combination of geophysical and geological field studies in order to assess the ecological status as well as the quality of the air, water and land that impacts on the quality of life. These studies help in minimizing environmental harm and improving the quality of life. Their reports help the government and other organizations to take protective measures to avoid, control and minimize adverse environmental impacts. In fact, some governments appoint these scientists as environment secretaries. This helps them to continue their professional research and education in this field without having to juggle with day-to-day activities.
The annual salary for environmental geologists is dependent on their qualifications, experience and the type of institution they work in. Generally, the stipend is competitively higher than that of other environmental scientists. The role they play is critical as their analysis and recommendations can have a significant impact on the preservation of the environment. Hence, they need to be highly qualified so that they can deliver accurate and timely analysis. The annual salary offered to environmental geologists may vary with academic credentials, location and the size of the institute.
