Well, consider that geologists have much to say about where we build our homes, drill water wells, construct dams, power plants and other buildings. Our mineral resources are basic to national prosperity and welfare. Discovery, recognition, and utilization of such resources in the national best interest are inextricably linked to geology and geologyrelated studies. Geology studies range from the deep interior of the earth, where earthquakes, mountain building, and volcanic activities start, to the wind, water, and waves that shape the surface. Geologists search for energy and mineral resources and determine how these best can be used with minimal damage to the environment.
Geologists also are concerned with matters of safety.
They search for geologically hazardous conditions, places where landslides or earthquakes might occur. Hydrogeologists have recently been concerned with sitings of nuclear facilities and choosing sites for disposal of hazardous wastes. Idaho State University is an exceptionally good location for a variety of geologic studies. The ISU geology program is field oriented, designed to take advantage of the mountains all around Pocatello, which contain rocks of all types and ages. These rocks hold a wide variety of economically important minerals such as phosphate and base metals.