Geology is the study of the solid earth, its rocks and minerals. Geologists are the 'field hands' of earth science: without ground-based observation to confirm or expand on space-based tools, we would have an incomplete or even inaccurate picture of our planet. Geologists understand how the dynamic forces which shape our earth work, and use this knowledge to predict their affect on mankind. More than just naming rocks and digging up fossilized bones, geologists tell us the story of the earth. That story goes back billions of years, and leaves its impression in the very ground we walk on. If that story is one you want to help tell, a career in geology and earth science is for you!

Geologists who are reviewing land in the field or consulting on environmental issues can expect to spend five to fifteen hours a day outdoors, usually during the more pleasant months of the year. They take samples and measurements and explore underneath the initial layers of the earth. Once they’ve completed their field work, most return to the lab and test their samples for content and composition.

Utah has some of the most spectacular examples of classic geology found anywhere in the world.  Some of the best of Utah geology are showcased in Utah's many national and state parks, monuments, and recreation areas.  Places such as Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Flaming Gorge, and Zion are well known for their grand geology and geologic vistas.  But other parks such as Capitol Reef, Dinosaur, Goblin Valley, and Snow Canyon are equal to their more visited counterparts.

The Utah Geological Association (UGA) annually publishes a guidebook and conducts a field conference on an aspect of Utah geology.  To celebrate Utah's geologic parks during the millennium year, the UGA has published a guidebook, "Geology of Utah's Parks and Monuments" that highlights the geology of several national and state parks and monuments in Utah.

To view a brief outline of what is included in the book
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To order the book ... Click Here

Professional Links

Geologist - Career Profile

USGS - Central Region - science for a changing world

National Geologic Map Database

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists - a nonprofit organization whose purposes are to promote interest in geology and applied sciences and their practical application, to foster scientific research and to encourage fellowship and cooperation among its members.

The American Geological Institute - a nonprofit federation of 44 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 100,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources and interaction with the environment.

Established in 1888, The Geological Society of America provides access to elements that are essential to the professional growth of earth scientists at all levels of expertise and from all sectors: academic, government, business, and industry. The Geological Society's growing membership unites thousands of earth scientists from every corner of the globe in a common purpose to study the mysteries of our planet and share scientific findings

National Association of Geoscience Teachers - established in 1938. Its purpose is to foster improvement in the teaching of earth sciences at all levels of formal and informal instruction, to emphasize the cultural significance of the earth sciences and to disseminate knowledge in this field to the general public.

Colorado Geological Survey - an agency of state government within the Department of Natural Resources whose mission is to help reduce the impact of geologic hazards on the citizens of Colorado, to promote the responsible economic development of mineral and mineral fuel resources, to provide geologic insight into water resources, to provide avalanche safety training and forecasting, and to provide geologic advice and information to a variety of constituencies.

Utah Geological Survey - a division of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, is an applied scientific agency that creates, interprets, and provides information about Utah's geologic environment, resources, and hazards to promote safe, beneficial, and wise use of land.

Dinosaur Diamond Partnership