géologique

Géologique is an adjective that relates to geology, the science that studies the Earth, its materials, its structure, its history, and the processes that shape it. It is used to describe features, formations, and phenomena tied to the solid Earth, such as rocks, cliffs, and geological time scales.

The term derives from géologie, itself from Latin geology and from Greek ge “earth” plus logos “study.” In French, géologique is the adjectival form used to qualify nouns connected with geology, such as formation géologique or étude géologique.

Geology encompasses a wide range of subfields and methods. Key branches include stratigraphy, pétrologie, minéralogie, géomorphologie, paléontologie, géochronologie, tectonique des plaques and géologie structurale. Field work, cartographie géologique, and échantillonnage form the factual basis, while laboratory analyses and dating radiométrique provide temporal and compositional data. Geophysique methods, such as sismologie, gravimétrie, and magnétostratigraphie, help infer structures beneath the surface. Digital tools and modeling, including SIG and numerical simulations, support interpretation and prediction.

Applications of géologique knowledge are broad. They underpin the prospection et l’exploitation des ressources (minérales, en énergie et en eau souterraine), the assessment and mitigation of geological hazards (seismes, glissements de terrain), and environmental management, including remediation and land-use planning. The term is commonly used in academic, industrial, and governmental contexts to describe analyses, maps, and reports pertaining to the Earth’s solid components and history.