Abstract
Geology has evolved into a very imperative discipline of science. Humankind's dependability on geology is clearly reflected by the changing attitudes towards the same. The following article provides a glimpse of the changing mindsets and beliefs regarding Geology, and how the science itself is not seen merely as a subject but as a strong platform to discover the truths about the Earth's existence and its parallel effects on humankind.
Geology is a field that studies the Earth its formation and the process involved and includes sciences such as mineralogy, geodesy and stratigraphy. Right from minerals, precious stones and gems, volcanoes to the solar system, they all are studied under geology; hence they play an important role in the evolving of civilization. Our daily life revolves around the various aspects of geology even without our knowledge; therefore an understanding of geologic research and study is important.
Importance of Geology to the Civilization
Ample research is being continuously conducted to amplify the importance geology as a subject. Geologists have continuously strived to examine and explain the importance of the subject and its impact on mankind – in varied aspects.
In fact at present Geology is emerging as a favorite discipline of science amongst the young and old. The following excerpt mirrors the intensity of the trend. On the importance of Geology, Prof. Hitchcock thus speaks: “Within the last twenty years, a prodigious impulse has been given to the study of geology throughout the civilized world. In Europe it has attracted the attention of the intelligent of all the classes, and even in our own country it is beginning not only to be popular, but even fashionable”
As a matter of fact, schools in France are offering exclusive courses in Geology. The impact is such that there’s been a steep rise in the coming together of Geological societies across the world. (Bacheler O., 1835)
Geology is basically a physical science and hence needs to be implemented to extract results and research. The American Journal of Science and Arts, Volume 43 actively dwells on the aforementioned statement. On the subject titled ‘Of the Dignity and Importance of Geology’- it elaborates about how geology challenges to loops of religion and faith to establish facts that mirror the importance of geology in the lives of humankind.
“The planet on which we dwell is our birthplace – it is our cradle and will be our grave – the grave of immortal bodies, but not of our immortal minds. In the present life, it is the scene of our busy action – but we aspire to a better life in a brighter world, where vicissitudes and death are unknown .Our advancement in natural science is not dependent upon faith. All the problems of physical science are worked out by laborious examination and strict induction”
The above excerpt clearly elucidates that importance of Geology as a physical science breaks all barriers of faith and religion, and holds high the principle of practicality rather than preaching instincts. (Johnson S.W., Brush J & Newton A. H. 1868)
In another instance, the importance of geology is immense because it continues to provide mankind evidence of how the earth evolved and continues to evolve. The discoveries and research manned by geologists becomes a source of value, as it foreshadows mankind about the availability and abundance (or lack of) natural resources critical for the survival of the human race. The end-result obviously is beneficial for everyone.
Whether we acknowledge or not, geology is a major part of our surroundings and it occupies our daily lives. Most the things around us consist of various geological components, right from our morning tea to the night sleep, we are encompassed with geology and therefore its study is important to the civilization. (Tallant J. Et al., 2012)
References
1. Bacheler O. (1835). The Family Magazine: Or Monthly Abstract of General Knowledge (Vol.5, pp.240). Americana, University of Michigan
2. Tallant J. (2012). Geology Adventures, 2, Ravensdale, Award winning science trips since 1986
3. Johnson S.W., Brush J & Newton A. H. (1868) The American Journal of Science and Arts, (Vol. 43, pp 133-135), Philadelphia, New Haven: Editors
