How to Be Structural Geologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 29, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Structural geology is the study of the large-scale deformation of Earth's rocks and how it affects their physical and chemical properties. Structural geology can be used to understand how landforms have been shaped, how earthquakes occur, and how tectonic plates move. The field is a crucial component of understanding the Earth's history and predicting its future.

By studying the orientation of rocks and faults, structural geologists can infer the stress and strain that have been applied to rocks over time. This allows them to understand the forces that have caused earthquakes, and the effects that they have had on the landscape. By examining the movement of tectonic plates, they can determine their boundaries, as well as their current and future effects on the Earth's surface.

Structural geologists are also a valuable resource for understanding how human activities, such as mining and drilling, can affect the environment.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Structural Geologist is to earn a bachelor's degree. This should be in a relevant field such as geology, earth sciences, or environmental science.
Acquire Field Experience. It is important for those looking to become Structural Geologists to gain field experience. This can be done through internships, summer jobs, and research projects.
Consider Graduate Studies. While not required, some Structural Geologists may choose to pursue graduate studies in order to further their knowledge and skills.
Obtain Certification. Depending on the location, Structural Geologists may be required to obtain certification in order to work in the field. This usually involves passing a test or completing an approved course of study.
Stay Up to Date. Structural Geologists should stay up to date on the latest technology and techniques in the field. This can be done through attending conferences and workshops, reading professional literature, and taking continuing education courses.

The structural geologist plays an important role in the efficient and ideal use of the earths resources. By studying the patterns of rocks and the forces that shape them, structural geologists are able to identify potential resources that can be harvested, such as oil, gas, and minerals. They also identify areas prone to landslides, earthquakes, and other geological hazards, helping to protect people and infrastructure from disaster.

Structural geologists also provide vital insight into the processes of erosion, deposition, and sedimentation, which helps to inform land management policies. the work of structural geologists helps to ensure that the natural environment is managed in an efficient and ideal way.

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Job Description

Develop structural geology field mapping and modeling projects
Conduct field and laboratory research on structural geology
Analyze and interpret structural geology data, including the formation of sedimentary rocks, faults, and folds
Publish research papers in peer-reviewed journals
Prepare and review technical reports
Create presentations to communicate research results
Guide students conducting field work and laboratory investigations
Develop and teach courses related to structural geology
Consult with industry on geological hazards and exploration projects
Advise government agencies on geological mapping and surveying projects

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of structural geology principles and terminology
Familiarity with geologic mapping techniques
Proficiency in conducting field studies and observations
Ability to interpret geological data, maps and diagrams
Understanding of rock properties and characteristics
Knowledge of laboratory techniques for analyzing rocks
Ability to analyze and interpret structural data
Capability to use specialized software for structural analysis
Familiarity with borehole logs and seismic data
Ability to prepare reports summarizing findings

Structural geology is the study of the Earth's structure, specifically the orientation and geometry of rocks and their deformational history. It is a key skill for any geologist, as it allows them to identify and interpret the tectonic forces that have shaped the Earth's surface. In turn, this can help in predicting future tectonic activity and its potential impacts.

Structural geologists also study the regional and global distribution of rocks, which can provide insight into their origin and evolution. Furthermore, structural geology can be used to improve our understanding of the Earth's mineral resources, as well as its geological hazards such as earthquakes and landslides. By having a strong understanding of structural geology, geologists can better assess the risks posed by these geological phenomena, as well as plan for their mitigation.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How have your previous research experiences prepared you for a role as a Structural Geologist?
What methods do you use to interpret structural geology data?
How do you assess the risk of potential hazards in a given area?
What techniques do you use to identify and analyze structural features?
How do you communicate your findings to other members of the team?
What experience do you have in producing geological maps and cross-sections?
How do you use geospatial tools to visualize and analyze data?
What strategies do you employ to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in structural geology?
How do you collaborate with other geologists to solve complex problems?
What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and precision in your work?

Common Tools in Industry

Geological Hammer. Used to split rocks and identify their composition (e. g. sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic).
Hand Lens. Used to examine rocks and minerals up close, to identify their characteristics (e. g. color, texture, crystal shape).
GPS Unit. Used to accurately measure and record the location of geological features (e. g. faults, folds, mineral deposits).
Magnetometer. Used to detect the presence of magnetic minerals in rocks (e. g. magnetite, hematite).
Photogrammetric Camera. Used to take aerial photos of geological features (e. g. for mapping large-scale geological structures).
Stereoscope. Used to produce 3D images from overlapping photos of geological features (e. g. for analyzing fault movements).
Geophysics Equipment. Used to measure various physical properties of rocks and soil (e. g. electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility).
Geotechnical Drilling Rig. Used to analyze subsurface materials like soils and rocks (e. g. for determining ground stability).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geosciences Institute (AGI)
Geological Society of America (GSA)
Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG)
International Association for Mathematical Geosciences (IAMG)
European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers (EAGE)
Geologic Society of London (GSL)
Society of Economic Geologists (SEG)
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Association of Petroleum Exploration Geophysicists (APEG)
Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)

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Common Important Terms

Structural Geology. The study of the three-dimensional distribution of rocks and their deformational histories. It involves the analysis of the physical properties of rocks and in particular, their internal structure.
Rock Deformation. The change in the shape of a rock due to the application of forces. It can be caused by tectonic forces, pressure, temperature and chemical processes.
Stratigraphy. The study of the rock layers (strata) that form Earth's lithosphere. It includes the analysis of sedimentary, metamorphic and volcanic rocks.
Tectonics. The study of the large-scale movements of Earth's lithospheric plates, as well as their interactions with each other.
Structural Analysis. The application of mathematical and physical principles to the study of the structure and composition of rocks, as well as their deformational processes.
Faulting. The process by which geologic faults are formed, usually through the displacement of two sides of a rock layer.
Folding. The deformation of layers of rock due to compression or tension, which results in bends and folds in the rocks.
Fracturing. The process by which fractures in rocks are formed, usually due to the application of pressure or stress.
Metamorphism. The process by which rocks are altered by heat, pressure, and chemical reaction to form different rock types.
Geomorphology. The study of landforms and their evolution as a result of a variety of geologic processes, including erosion and tectonic activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Structural Geologist? A1: A Structural Geologist is a geoscientist who studies the physical structure of the Earth, including deformation, tectonic processes, and rock formations. Q2: What types of expertise do Structural Geologists possess? A2: Structural Geologists possess expertise in mapping and analyzing rocks, geologic structures, and geologic processes through field observations and laboratory analysis. They also have knowledge of seismic and gravity data. Q3: What kind of tools do Structural Geologists use? A3: Structural Geologists use a variety of tools, such as measuring instruments, mapping software, and geophysical surveys, to collect and analyze data. Q4: What kind of degrees do Structural Geologists need? A4: Structural Geologists typically possess a Bachelor's degree in Geology or a related field and may pursue further education such as a Master's or Doctorate. Q5: What kind of job opportunities exist for Structural Geologists? A5: Structural Geologists can pursue a variety of job opportunities, including those in the oil and gas industry, the mining industry, environmental consulting, academia, and government agencies.