What does a Petrologist do?
A petrologist is a scientist that studies rocks. The first tool that most petrologists use is a petrological microscope. This is used to view thin sections of rocks ( thin slices of rock that are about a hair’s thickness).
Where would a Petrologist work?
Most of these scientists work for private companies in the mining and oil industries, but may also be employed by museums and universities.
What do you call a person who studies petrology?
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, although backgrounds in physics, chemistry, biology, and other sciences are also useful.
Is a geologist a Petrologist?
Petrology (from the Greek πέτρα, petra, “rock” and λόγος, logos, “study”) is the branch of geology that studies the origin, composition, distribution and structure of rocks.
What is the difference between petrology and geology?
Geology is the scientific study of the structure and composition of the earth whereas petrology is a branch of geology that is concerned with the structure, composition, and distribution of rocks. This is the key difference between geology and petrology.
What are the two major branches of petrology?
Petrology Sub-fields.
- Igneous Petrology. The study of rocks that form from magma, or molten rock.
- Metamorphic Petrology. The study of rocks that form from any other rock through changes in pressure, temperature, and/or fluid conditions.
- Sedimentary Petrology.
Why is petrology so important?
Importance of Petrology Petrology plays an important role in ascertaining the physical and chemical composition of rocks and the different conditions that influence their formation. Modern petrologists rely on knowledge in mineralogy to help in mapping and sampling of rocks.