Hobbies And Interests
Geology and Its Applications
Geology is the study of the Earth̵7;s physical history through the observation and analysis of rocks on the surface and beneath it. Using these analyses, geologists can deduce the physical processes in the Earth̵7;s interior that have molded the shape of its surface and life upon it. Geophysics is the physics of geological processes that is applied to the study of the Earth̵7;s interior. Seismology is the physics of geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides. Petrology and mineralogy combine geology and chemistry to study the composition of rocks and mineral resources within the Earth. Paleontologists, meanwhile, study ancient life forms on Earth through the examination of fossils. This discipline provides clues to the age of the Earth and how life evolved on it.
Oceanography: Currents and Life
Oceanography is the application of physics, geology, chemistry and biology in the study of coastal processes and the deep oceans. The oceans are the reservoir of most of the Earth̵7;s heat and carbon. Their interactions with the atmosphere drive the Earth̵7;s climate. Physical oceanography is the application of physics and mathematics in the study of ocean currents and is almost a division of physics. Bio-oceanography uses biology, mathematics and physics to study ocean biomass. Geological and geophysical investigation of the sea floor and coastal regions provides an understanding of the evolution of the Earth and the processes that shape the coasts.
Meteorology: Weather and Climate
Meteorology, also called atmospheric science, is the observation and analysis of processes within the Earth̵7;s atmosphere. Meteorologists apply physics, mathematics and chemistry to study wind, rain and clouds and the weather patterns they create. This knowledge is used to forecast the daily weather and catastrophic events such as hurricanes. Meteorologists work with oceanographers to understand how the oceans and atmosphere interact to produce weather patterns and long-term climate trends. Biologists and chemists work with meteorologists to investigate how atmospheric processes have affected and continue to affect life on Earth.
Planetary Science
Planetary science is the application of all Earth sciences in the study of the planets, moons, asteroids and other satellites within the solar system and celestial bodies beyond it. Knowledge of geology, physics and chemistry of the Earth is used to understand the surface features and atmospheres of bodies in space and how they may have evolved. Astrobiology is a division of planetary science that investigates the possibility of life on other planets. Planetary science not only investigates the evolution of other bodies in space, but it helps to understand the Earth̵7;s position within the universe.