Geology is the study of planet Earth. Geologists study the materials (rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils) and processes (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis) that make up and alter the appearance of the surface of our planet.
It is empowering and exciting to see and understand the world around us. Not only are we able to interpret the environment outside our car windows, but knowledge of geology also prepares us to make informed decisions as consumers and voters. Because earth materials are the building blocks of most products we use everyday, a basic understanding of geology will allow us to better choose consumer products. Additionally, by studying processes that affect the daily lives of all Californians (e.g., earthquakes, floods, and landslides), we become better equipped to make educated decisions about how and where we live our lives and how we implement public policies.
The Geology Program at SRJC has exceptional rock, mineral, and fossil collections, a seismograph, and extensive map and aerial photograph collections. In addition, Santa Rosa is a phenomenal place to study geology because California and Sonoma County are extraordinary geological environments. SRJC is within a stone's throw of more exceptional geology than nearly anywhere else on Earth!
There are many different career choices related to geology:
- Exploration work: looking for water, minerals, gems, oil, and other energy sources
- Environmental work: site cleanup and contamination remediation
- Geotechnical work: investigation of soils, dam sites, building sites, and landfills
- Hazards mitigation: studying earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and tsunamis
At Santa Rosa Junior College, we offer the following Geology courses:
Geology 1 (The Earth)
Investigate introductory geology, earth materials, and earth processes, including plate tectonics, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
Geology 1L (Introductory Geology Laboratory)
Examine geological materials and processes using a hands-on approach.
Geology 7 (Geology Field Trip)
Travel to locations throughout California to investigate geology in action!
Geology 11 (California Geology)
Investigate geology with special emphasis on understanding California's unique and diverse geological setting.
Geology 20 (Natural disasters)
A survey of Earth's processes that have direct, often sudden and violent impacts on societies and civilizations.
LINKS
United States Geological Survey (USGS): http://www.usgs.gov
Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC): https://www.scec.org/
USGS Geology of the National Parks: http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/
National Association of Geoscience Teachers: http://nagt-fws.org/
Northern California Geological Society: http://www.ncgeolsoc.org
Geological Society of America: http://www.geosociety.org
SRJC Geology Club: Rebecca Perlroth, Advisor