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Notes
Branches of Geology

Physical geology

deals with the present physical properties of earth

6 Types

Petrology

Deals with the mode of formation, structure, texture, composition,

occurence, ad types of rocks.

Most important geology in CE

Mineralogy

Deals with the formation, composition, occurrence, types,

properties, and uses of Minerals.

Structural Geology

known as GEOTECTONIC or TECTONIC geology

study of the three-dimensional distribution of rock units with respect

to their deformation history.

Deals with the internal structure of rocks which may result to the
occurrence of faults, joints and folds.

Geomorphology

Notes 1
 Study of the physical features of the Earth’s Surface and its relation
to its geological structure.

Deals with the development/ transformation of its landforms.

Geophysics

The study of the physical properties of earth. (Density, magnetism,

texture)

Geochemistry

Deals with the occurrence, distribution, mobility and abundance of

elements in the earths crust.

Historical Geology

Focuses on the preserved evidence of geological events.

Types

Stratigraphy

Concerned with the order and relative position of strata and their
relationship to geological time scale.

Used for study of archaeological remains.

Paleontology

Deals with the study of life of geologic past.

involves the analysis of plant and animal fossils preserved in rocks

Oceanography

Deals with the study of all aspects of the ocean

Notes 2
 Allied Branches

Applies knowledge of geology in other science and/or field.

Branches

Engineering geology

Application of geology in civil engineering

Mining Geology

Application of geology in Mining engineering

Geohydrology/ Hydrogeology

deals with groundwater movement

EARTH STRUCTURE
- The Structure of the earth consists of various spherical shell or layers that can be
categorized in two manners.

Notes 3
 COMPOSITIONAL (CHEMICAL) LAYERS OF EARTH
- more commonly discussed layers of earth; layers are defined based on its chemical or
elemental composition.

3 layers

CRUST
- 3 to 5 miles thick under the ocean and approximately 25 miles thick under the
continents.

Notes 4
 Types

OCEANIC CRUST(Basaltic)71%

Composed of magma that erupts on the seafloor to create basalt

lava flow; or cools deeper down to create igneous rock gabbro.

Sediments coat the seafloor, thickest near the shore

CONTINENTALCRUST(Granitic)29%

Thicker part of the crust.

Average composition is granite which is less dense than mafic

igneous rocks oceanic crust

MANTLE

Layer under the crust, compromises 82% of Earth volume.

About 1, 800 miles deep.

Notes 5
 Consist mostly of silicate rocks rich in magnesium and iron.

Heat causes rocks to rise

CONDUCTION

Notes 6