Geoscientists work with all parts of the Earth system. Geologists study the processes at work and the history of the rocky surface and internal parts of the planet. Their job includes securing adequate supplies of important resources such as water, energy, minerals and soil. Geologists also aid in protection of society against potential disasters such as floods, landslides and earthquakes.
Hydrologists are the geoscientists who specialize in water, both on the surface and underground.
The branch of hydrology that treats geological occurrences of water is called hydrogeology. Earth's atmosphere is the subject of atmospheric scientists, which includes meteorologists and climatologists. They contribute to our understanding and prevention of air pollution on local and global scales and they help communities deal with destructive atmospheric agents such as droughts, tornadoes and hurricanes. Increasingly the source of major discovery and appreciated for its many vital resources, the oceans represent the last frontier for geoscience opportunities. They monitor environmental quality and enforce environmental-quality regulations.