BRANCHES OF

GEOLOGY
CIV 221
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VOLCANOLOGY

Volcanology is the scientific study of volcanoes,

volcanic processes, and associated phenomena found
inside the Earth's crust. It covers a vast variety of
scientific disciplines, including geology, geophysics,
geochemistry, and others.

Volcanology also plays an important part in natural

catastrophe management and risk reduction. By
monitoring seismic activity, ground deformation, and gas
emissions, volcanologists can offer early warning of
oncoming eruptions, allowing authorities to evacuate at-
risk populations and undertake mitigation measures.
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OCEANOGRAPHY

The study of the ocean's various features is known as

oceanography. A vast range of subjects are covered by
oceanography, including seafloor geology, currents and waves,
marine life and ecosystems, and sediment transport.

The wide range of issues studied in oceanography can be broadly divided into
four subdisciplines. A specialized study area inside a larger subject or
discipline is called a subdiscipline. The areas of expertise of oceanographers
are biological, physical, chemical, and geological processes.
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SELENOGRAPHY

Selenography is another branch of geology that studies the Moon's

surface and physical properties. It includes subjects including geology,
cartography, and planetary science. Selenographers study lunar
topography, craters, mountains, valleys, and other geological phenomena
to better understand the moon's history and development.

There are several reasons why the geology of the moon

differs greatly from that of the Earth. The moon lacks
an atmosphere and hence does not experience weather
impacts such as erosion.
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ASTROGEOLOGY

Astrogeology is concerned with the geology of the solar system's solid bodies,
including asteroids, planets, and their moons. This type of research assists
scientists in better understanding the development of the Earth in contrast to its
solar system neighbors.

Astrogeology also plays an important part in space exploration and

the hunt for alien life. Astrogeologists aid in the identification of
prospective life habitats and the prioritization of destinations for
robotic and crewed missions by evaluating the geological properties
of planetary bodies.
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HYDROLOGY

Hydrology is the study of the distribution and

movement of water both on and below the
Earth's surface, as well as the impact of human
activity on water availability and conditions. It
is the science that delves into the world of
water on and below the Earth's surface. It's a
vast and dynamic field with a profound impact
on civil engineering.

At the heart of hydrology lies the hydrologic

cycle, the continuous movement of water on,
above, and below the Earth's surface.
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PHYSICAL GEOLOGY

Physical geology is the study of the earth's rocks, minerals,

and soils and how they have formed through time. Complex
internal processes such as plate tectonics and mountain‐
building have formed these rocks and brought them to the
earth's surface.

Physical geology delves into the very essence of our planet –

its solid foundation. The focus lies on understanding the two
key building blocks: rocks and minerals. By studying rock
layers and fossils, geologists can piece together the history
of our planet.
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GEOCHRONOLOGY
Geochronology is the study of the age of earth elements (rocks, minerals, fossils) and geologic
events. It is essential to all historical elements of the planetary and earth sciences.
Geochronology is a critical technique for recreating the geodynamic development of orogenic
belts, timing the emplacement of plutonic or volcanic rocks, metamorphic processes, sediment
deposition, and identifying the age of the rocks that were the source from which the sedimentary
detritus originates.
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MINERALOGY

Mineralogy can be considered as the study of

geology at the atomic scale. It deals with the
study of minerals, their crystallography,
properties, classification, and ways of
distinguishing them.

The goals of mineralogical studies may be quite

diverse, from the description and classification
of a new or rare mineral, do an analysis of
crystal structure involving determination of its
internal atomic arrangement, or to the
laboratory or the industrial synthesis of mineral
species at high temperatures and pressures.
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GEMOLOGY
Gemology is the science of studying, cutting, and valuing precious stones.
The essence of Gemology involves the study of mineralogical fundamental
such as formations, genesis, localities, physical properties, and identifying
the gemstones. A gemstone can be identified by its specific characteristics
and properties such as cut, color, quality, and clarity.

Gemstones are usually composed of minerals, but it can also be composed

of organic substances. There is a very thin line of separation of
gemstones from minerals.
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STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY

The study of the Earth's crust's interior structure and

deformation is known as structural geology.
Structural geologists investigate how rocks are
deformed and the mechanisms controlling deformation
using various approaches, such as field observations,
mapping, geophysical techniques, and lab experiments.

Additionally, it is useful in civil engineering, where

designing structures like buildings and bridges depends
on the properties of rocks and the forces acting
against them.
 REFERENCES
Mat, M. (2023, November 8). Volcanology : Volcanoes. Geology Science.
https://geologyscience.com/geology-branches/volcanology/volcanoes/

Deep Dive into Oceanography. (n.d.).

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/deep-dive-oceanography/

Sawe, B. E. (2019, August 6). What is selenography? WorldAtlas.

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-selenography.html

Geology | Definition, Examples, rocks, Study, Importance, & Facts. (2024, April 5).
Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/geology/Astrogeology

Hydrology. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/hydrology/

 REFERENCES
History of physical geology. (n.d.). https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-
guides/geology/introduction-to-physical-geology/history-of-physical-
geology#:~:text=Physical%20geology%20is%20the%20study,them%20to%20the%20eart
h's%20surface.

Jacob, J., & Moyen, J. (2021). Granite and related rocks. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 170–183).
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-409548-9.12501-1

Fanchi, J. R. (2002). Geology. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 18–32). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-

075067522-2/50002-1

Libretexts. (2022, May 6). 1.1: General Information on Gemology. Geosciences LibreTexts.
https://geo.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Geology/Gemology/01%3A_Introduction_to_Gem
ology/1.01%3A_General_Information_on_Gemology

Mat, M. (2023a, April 23). Structural Geology. Geology Science.

https://geologyscience.com/geology-branches/structural-geology/structural-geology/?
amp
 SUBMITTED BY:
Arizabal, Sheena Marie B.
Consebido, Charmaine Anne
Delas Alas, Maria Mae L.
Lopez, Jamaica M.
Ombina, Jazen G.