geologjia

Geologjia is the study of the Earth's physical structure, composition, processes, and history. The term originates from the Greek words *géō* (γη), meaning "earth," and *logia* (λογία), meaning "study of." As a branch of Earth science, geology examines the materials that make up the planet, the processes that shape its surface and interior, and the forces that have driven its evolution over billions of years.

The field encompasses several subdisciplines, including mineralogy (the study of minerals), petrology (the study of rocks), stratigraphy (the analysis of layered rock formations), and structural geology (the examination of rock deformation). Geologists also investigate geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides, as well as the Earth's climate history through paleogeology. Plate tectonics, a foundational theory in geology, explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates and their role in shaping continents, ocean basins, and mountain ranges.

Methods in geology include fieldwork, laboratory analysis, remote sensing, and computational modeling. Techniques such as radiometric dating help determine the age of rocks and events, while seismic surveys and drilling provide insights into subsurface structures. Geology intersects with other sciences, contributing to environmental science, resource exploration (such as minerals and fossil fuels), and disaster preparedness.

The discipline has practical applications in civil engineering, where understanding soil and rock stability is critical for construction, and in environmental management, where geologists assess contamination and groundwater resources. Additionally, geology plays a key role in paleontology, helping reconstruct ancient ecosystems and the evolutionary history of life on Earth. With ongoing research, geology continues to advance our understanding of planetary dynamics and the broader context of Earth's place in the universe.