Plants grow in soils, animals thrive on the plants, humans live off of the animals, drink the planet's water, and live on its surface. Minerals and petroleum are extracted from beneath the earth's surface for materials and energy.
Recreational activities take place on the land surface, on water, and on ice and snow.
Environmental degradation is a constant concern related to all of these uses. There are numerous career paths to follow within this realm, all relevent to the social and economic well being of earth's inhabitants. Career opportunities abound in geology and geophysics. Demographically, the United States is changing. The largest age group of geologists and geophysicists will reach retirement age in the next several years.