As a geologist you will study the structure, composition, and history of the earth's crust. Many geologists spend a large amount of their time in field work. They examine rocks, minerals, and fossils to determine the distribution and relationship both at and beneath the earth's surface. They also gauge the thickness, direction, and slope of rock layers under the earth's surface by examining rock cores and cuttings obtained by drilling deep into the earth.
Geologists also search for natural resources such as coal and water.
Exploration usually requires special skills in rock and mineral identification, surveying, map making, data gathering, and technical note taking. You may also spend time in a laboratory examing items and specimens obtained from field work. Research includes the analysis of physical and chemical properties of minerals, experiments with the flow of water and oil through rocks of various kinds, and the study of fossil remains of animal and vegetable life. One obvious employer is a Government geological survey such as the British Geological Survey in the UK or the U.S. Geological Survey. The first requisite is an intense liking for the outdoors and the physical capability to get along in it.