Geology
Geology, also called geo or earth sciences, is the study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth, its natural mineral and energy resources from its start 4,500million years ago. It includes both the liquid and solid elements of the body of Earth, the rocks that make it up and the processes by which it and they change over time. The definition of geology might also include the solid features of any terrestrial planet or natural satellite of the Earth such as Mars or the Moon.
Geology covers a broad area of connected studies such as geochemistry, geochronology, geomorphology, geophysics, hydrology, geological engineering and environmental geology. It also touches on subjects areas such as hydrology, volcanology, lithology, petrology, glaciology and so on.
The founder of modern geology is widely considered to be James Hutton (1726–1797), a Scottish farmer and naturalist. An observer and examiner of rocks, he recognised that the history of the Earth could be determined by understanding how processes such as erosion and sedimentation work in the present day. He perceived that sedimentation takes place so slowly that the oldest rocks are made up of “materials furnished from the ruins of former continents” and the reverse process occurs when rock exposed to the atmosphere erodes and decays. He called this coupling of destruction and renewal the “great geological cycle” that had been completed innumerable times. His ideas and approach established geology as a science.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Archaeology.
- Conservation areas.
- Designated land.
- Designated areas.
- Earth heritage.
- Geological periods.
- Geotope.
- Geopark.
- Lithosphere.
- National parks.
- Physiotope.
- Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
- Special areas of conservation.
- Special protection areas.
- Types of rock.
- Types of soil.
- Types of land.
- World heritage site.
Featured articles and news
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.