How it is Studied

Physical geology
involves the study of the processes which shape the Earth's surface, for example the work of gravity, the atmosphere, weathering, wind, water, ice, rivers and the sea.
Petrology
involves the study of the nature, make up, textures and origins of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
Mineralogy
involves the study of the make up and physical characteristics (including crystal forms) of naturally formed substances with chemical compositions and atomic structures (minerals).
Sedimentology
involves the study of the processes which form sedimentary rocks.
Stratigraphy
involves the historical study of the rocks that make up the Earth's crust, their relationship with each other, their structure, how they are grouped, the conditions involved in their formation and their fossil content. It is common to study particular periods of geological time, for example Quaternary or Precambrian.
Palaeontology
involves the study of the history of life on Earth, its anatomical development and evolution.

introduction