Earth is the natural habitat of all life including mankind.
Urban and land-use planning and efforts to clean up our environment require a sound knowledge of geology and geological processes. Geologists are concerned with a diverse range of issues such as the origin, migration and quality of groundwater, river and coastal erosion, desert-dune migration, the origin and evolution of oceans and continents, of mountain ranges, valleys and canyons. Studies concerning the causes and effects of natural hazards, such as those created by land and rock slides, earthquakes, floods and droughts, and volcanic eruptions all fall within the realm of Geology. Geologists research the origin of Earth's natural resources, and are extensively involved in the discovery, development, and conserva tion of the metallic minerals we use, the clay, sand, gravel, cement, and fertilizer we need to improve our living conditions, the water we drink and the coal, oil and natural gas we use to serve our energy requirements. Geology includes studies on the origin, history and evolution of life through time.