Geoscientists gather and interpret data about the Earth for the purpose of increasing our understanding and improving the quality of human life. Geoscientists study and help to mitigate natural hazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and landslides. Geologists investigate the materials, processes, products and history of the Earth. Geochemists investigate the nature and distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals. Petroleum geologists are involved in exploration and production of oil and natural gas.
Economic geologists explore for and develop geologic materials that have profitable uses.
Hydrologists investigate the movement and quality of surface water. Hydrogeologists study the abundance, distribution and quality of ground water. Engineering geologists investigate geologic factors that affect engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, airports and dams. Environmental geologists work to solve problems with pollution, waste disposal and urban development and hazards such as flooding and erosion. Seismologists study the location and force of earthquakes and trace the behavior of earthquake waves to interpret the structure of the Earth.