Career Paths of a Geologist and Geophysicist

Geoscience
Geoscience is the study of the Earth - its oceans, atmosphere, rivers and lakes, ice
sheets and glaciers, soils, its complex surface, rocky interior, and metallic core.
This includes many aspects of how living things, including humans, interact with
the Earth (deals with the study of the wonderful planet Earth, on which we are
living)
The oldest subject on earth and the first man created was a geologist, oldest
profession. See genesis chapter 1 verse 1and holy Quran chapter 21 verse 30
Tijani 2016, Okunlola 2017
Geo + logos. Geo means Earth and logos means discourse or study or science.
Geoscience has many tools and practices of its own but is intimately linked with
the biological, chemical, and physical sciences.
Geologist
A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that
constitutes Earth and other terrestrial planets, as well as the processes that shape
them. Geologists usually study geology, earth science, or geophysics, although
backgrounds in physics, chemistry, biology, and other sciences are also useful.
Career paths in geology are Geologist, Paleontologist, Seismologist,
Meteorologist, Volcanologist, Hydrologist, Oceanographer.

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Career Paths of a Geologist

- Environmental Consultancies
- Oil, gas and petroleum sectors
- Groundwater industry
- Construction and civil engineering companies
- Geologists work in the energy and mining sectors searching for natural
resources such as petroleum, natural gas, precious and base metals. They
are also in the forefront of preventing and mitigating damage from natural
hazards and disasters such
as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and landslides. 

Geophysicist
Geophysics (/ˌdʒiːoʊˈfɪzɪks/) is a subject of natural science concerned with the
physical processes and physical properties of the Earth and its surrounding space

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environment, and the use of quantitative methods for their analysis.
Geophysicists, who usually study geophysics, physics, or one of the earth
sciences at the graduate level, complete investigations across a wide range of
scientific disciplines.
Career Paths
- Mining Industry
- Architecture: Construction and Landscape Design
- Geoengineering
- Fossil fuel
- Environmental Protection and Land Development

Geophysicists in Oil and Gas : Geophysicists apply the principles and concepts of
physics, mathematics, geology, and engineering to the study of the physical
characteristics of the earth and other planets. Geophysicists can pursue careers as
● Exploration Geophysicists: Conduct surveys and analyze data to locate and
assess subsurface resources such as minerals, oil, and gas.
● Seismic Interpreters: Interpret seismic data to understand subsurface
structures, identify potential reservoirs, and provide insights for exploration and
production activities.
● Environmental Geophysicists: Study the impact of human activities on the
environment using geophysical techniques to assess contamination, monitor
groundwater, and evaluate environmental hazards.
● Geohazard Analysts: Assess and mitigate natural hazards such as earthquakes,
landslides, and volcanic eruptions by analyzing geophysical data and providing
recommendations for risk management.
● Geophysical Software Developers: Develop software tools and algorithms for
processing, analyzing, and visualizing geophysical data to enhance data
interpretation and modeling.
● Geophysical Researchers: Conduct research in geophysics to advance scientific
knowledge, explore new methodologies, and contribute to the understanding of
Earth's processes and structures.

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● Geophysical Consultants: Provide expert advice and support to clients and
organizations on geophysical data interpretation, survey design, and exploration
strategies, helping make informed decisions in the field of geophysics. Career
tracks in geophysics include industry positions within such as Energy Companies:
Geophysicists in energy companies contribute to exploration and production
activities by utilizing geophysical techniques to locate and assess subsurface
energy resources. They analyze seismic data, conduct reservoir characterization,
and provide valuable insights for optimizing resource extraction and maximizing
energy production.

Academic Roles in Teaching and Research:

Geophysicists contribute to academia by teaching geophysics courses, mentoring
students, and conducting research to expand scientific knowledge and develop
innovative methods for studying the Earth.
Government Positions Related to Resource Management and Environmental
Protection:
Geophysicists in government positions work on resource management and
environmental protection initiatives. They contribute to geological surveys,
monitor natural resource exploration and extraction, assess geological hazards,
and provide expertise in understanding and managing environmental impacts
associated with energy production, mining activities, or infrastructure
development.
Non-profit and NGO Sectors Focused on Conservation and Sustainability:
Geophysicists collaborate with non-profit organizations and NGOs to provide
geophysical expertise in conservation efforts, environmental monitoring, and
sustainable practices, ensuring the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.
A large proportion of geophysicists are employed by oil and gas companies in
their exploration divisions. This work is increasingly contracted out, so
consultancies provide another source of employment. Consultancy firms vary in
size, from very small companies to large multinationals. Some consultancies are
quite specialised in using particular geophysical techniques or working in
particular locations, while others offer a more diverse range of services to their
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customers. Strong mathematical and analytical skills, knowledge of geophysical
data collection techniques, proficiency in data analysis software, and geological
concepts. A bachelor's degree in geophysics or geosciences is typically required,
with advanced degrees often preferred for research and academic roles.

Stratigraphy
Geological Mappimg
Engineering Geology/Soil Mechanics/Dam/Railway Construction/High Rise/Tunnel
Geophysics/Remote Sensing/Photo Geology
Hydro Geology
Mining Geology
Quarry
Petroleum Geologist
Economic Geology: From Olade 2020 and Adekoya 2021
Metallic Non Metallic Energy Minerals
Gold Diamond Coal
Platinum Barite Lignite
Silver Kaolin Oil Shale
Iron Limestone Bitumen
Copper Phosphate Uranium
Lead Zirconium Petroleum
Zinc Muscovite
Chromium Feldspar
Manganese Fluorspar
Tin Gemstone

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 Cobalt Gypsum
Tungsten Bentonite
Aluminum Rock Salk
Nickel Talc
Metallic Mineral Resources: are mineral concentrations that contain metallic
minerals or metals such as gold, iron,and copper, which are the useful substances
that are extracted from metallic minerals.
Non Metallic Mineral Resources: are economic minerals that do not contain
metals or fuels and used most commonly for industrial or construction purposes
and adornment. They include minerals referred to as industrial Minerals e,g.
clays, marble, potash and Gemstones.
Energy or Fuel Resources: are minerals and other substances that are used in
producing energy. These include solid/semi solid mineral fuels(e.g. coal, bitumen,
oil shale, and Uranium) and liquid/gaseous fuels, known as petroleum, composed
mainly of oil and natural gas.

NMGS/SPE-AAPG/NAEGE/IMAGE-PH/NAPE/NAH

1. Olade A Moses:
Basics of Economic Geology and Mining Practices
Mineral Deposits and Exploration Potential of Nigeria
Introduction to Mineral Deposits Geology
2. J A Adekoya
Metallic and Industrial Minerals of Nigeria
3. Garg S K
Physical and Engineering Geology
4. Nwajide, C S
Geology of Nigeria’s Sedimentary Basins
5. Offodile, Mattew E. Dr
Hydrogeology: Ground water Study and Development in Nigeria.
6. Petters, SW, et al

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Regional Geology of Africa