geology is the science responsible for studying the origin, history, composition and characteristics of planet Earth.
The main focus of this branch is the study of all the components that make up the globe, from its formation to the possible changes it will experience in its structure over the years.
Geology is made up of the study of all the factors that make up the Earth, such as the oceans, continents, reliefs, fauna, flora and the different interaction processes between all these areas.
You geologists (Professionals who study geology) also need to understand the different evolutionary systems present on the planet.
To be able to carry out their work, geologists must have knowledge in various areas, such as topography, paleontology, mineralogy, biology, among others.
Currently, geologists can work in different fields of work, being the geological engineering and the environmental geology the most popular areas.
Geology is subdivided into several branches, such as: lithology, paleontology, dynamic geology (study of phenomena that modify the earth's crust), historical geology, stratigraphy, among others.
The word “geology” originated from the joining of the Greek terms ge-, which means "earth", and logos, which means “study”. Therefore, geology literally means “study of the earth”.
geology of Brazil
The Brazilian geology is predominantly composed of low and continuous plains, standing out from the rest of the territories of South America.
More than half of the Brazilian territory is also formed by sedimentary basins, places where important fossil fuels are present.
Brazil has three main geological structures:
- Crystalline Shields: correspond to 36% of the Brazilian territory and are areas formed during the Pre-Cambrian period.
- Sedimentary basins: they correspond to 58% of the territory and are newer structures than crystalline shields.
- Volcanic terrains: only 8% of the Brazilian territory, as it is considered a rare type of formation. The volcanic terrains are responsible for producing the most fertile type of soil in Brazil, known as “terra roxa”.
See also: O meaning of geography.
