While the titles of geo scientist and geologist do sound similar, they involve different aspects of studying the earth. In addition to requiring different types of training and education, the two career paths are distinctly different in the types of tasks involved. If you’re considering a career in the earth sciences, it may be helpful to understand what each of these professions entails.

What Is a Geologist?

Geologists have been a part of every major civilization for centuries, providing the skills required to make maps, conduct groundwater sampling, and explore the landscapes. Historically, their most important tasks may have been to help in planning out mining operations. Their understanding of rock formations helped miners plot safer paths in digging up valuable minerals.

While past geologists required little formal training, geologists of today do have to obtain a specialized education. This helps them learn the differences between certain types of rocks. In finding fossilized rocks, their knowledge of land formations helps them date the fossils. In this way, geologists are considered historians for the earth.

What Does a Geo Scientist Do?

Becoming a geo scientist requires a more intensive education, because there are many more tasks involved in this profession. Rather than simply studying rock formations, a geo scientist may use a geoprobe to reach deep beneath the surface as a means of testing the various layers of earth. Additionally, they may be required to map surfaces in the earth’s oceans, or determine how climate changes affected past civilizations.

A geo scientist must be skilled in paleontology, meteorology, astronomy, and many other disciplines. They may never know when they will be called upon to perform a new task for a government agency, business entity, or an everyday resident of the community. They must be able to study pollution, changing food availability in a region, or determine how seasonal changes have affected civilizations.

Based out of Anchorage, AK, GeoTek Alaska Inc. provides geological and drilling services. They use drilling techniques to help provide subsurface data that organizations can use to evaluate the environmental condition of a given area. This helps companies act more environmentally conscientious in their actions. To learn more about these geo scientists’ services, call them at (907) 569-5900 or visit their website.