Geology literally means the study of the Earth.
Traditionally, geology has included the study of rocks, minerals, and fossils for the purpose of understanding Earth processes and Earth history and to find valuable materials like ore deposits or fossil fuels. This is still an important part of the science but it includes much more. The study of hazards, earthquakes, volcanos, landslides, stream and shoreline erosion, and man made hazards has become very important. New technology has opened up vast areas of study. We can now study the deep interior of the planet, its shape, its heat flow, its major and trace element chemistry, and its dynamics.