Environmental geologists work to solve problems with pollution, waste disposal and urban development and hazards such as flooding and erosion. Geomorphologists study the effects of Earth processes and investigate the nature, origin and development of present landforms and their relationship to underlying structures. Volcanologists investigate volcanoes and volcanic phenomena. Seismologists study the location and force of earthquakes and trace the behavior of earthquake waves to interpret the structure of the Earth. Petroleum geologists are involved in explora-tion and production of oil and natural gas.
Economic geologists explore for and develop geologic materials that have profitable uses.
Engineering geologists investigate geologic factors that affect engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, airports and dams. Geochemists investigate the nature and distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals. Petrologists determine the origin and genesis of rocks by analyzing the textures and chemistry of minerals and rocks. Mineralogists study the formation, composition and properties of minerals. Geophysicists decipher the Earth's interior and magnetic, electric and gravitational fields.