Overview
Hydrogeologists monitor, measure, analyse and describe the earth's surface and groundwater resources and many aspects of the water cycle, including human use of water resources.
Day-to-day
- conducts preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with Prospectors, Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and other mineral scientists and engineers
- prepares and supervises the production of laboratory reports and scientific papers
- conducts studies of the structure, nature and formation of the earth’s crust and the minerals contained in it
- studies and dates fossils and rock strata to develop knowledge of the evolution and biology of life forms, and to assess their commercial applications
- studies the effects of natural events, such as erosion, sedimentation, earthquakes and volcanic activity, on the formation of the earth’s surface and sea beds
- carries out exploration to determine the resources present by sampling, examining and analysing geological specimens, rock cores, cuttings and samples using optical, chemical, electronic and mechanical techniques
- conducts surveys of variations in the earth’s gravitational and magnetic fields to determine its physical features
- investigates the propagation of seismic waves to determine the structure and stability of the earth’s mantle and crust
- studies the causes of earthquakes and other stress states of the earth’s crust
- performs laboratory and field studies as well as aerial, ground and drill hole surveys.
Considerations
- Physically demanding
- Working outdoors
To become a Hydrogeologist
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You need a bachelor degree in science majoring in environmental science or a related field (such as geology or hydrology) to work as a Hydrogeologist. It is also common to complete postgraduate studies.