Petrologist

What is a Petrologist?

Duties

The duties of a petrologist include the following:

• Conduct a detailed analysis of geochemical, geological and geophysical data from various sources like survey results, aerial images and well logs.
• Track possible sources of minerals, oil, water and natural gas with the use of aerial charts, research and photographs.
• Critically assess both ground and surface water movements to compile findings on issues of concern like waste management and restoration of contaminated spaces.
• Identify and flag risks for natural calamities and disasters like earthquakes, hurricane and volcanic eruptions, providing well-researched advice on minimising potential damage.
• Work alongside health and medical research specialists to effectively address health issues related to geological materials.

Day In The Life

As a petrologist, you would be working in the field and collecting rock samples for research purposes. You will spend time analysing and closely studying different rock types in a lab to understand their composition (e.g. colour, cleavage, hardness), and determine how to extract minerals or other resources from them. With the help of geological data, you may be providing guidance to employers on effective ways to extract resources from a site or how to handle various kinds of rocks. You will use chemicals or x-rays to gain a deeper understanding of rocks you are analysing such as inferring past climate patterns, changing geography and composition.

Gaining a grasp of chemical behaviours of elements and compounds derived from rocks gives insight into many different variables. Some tasks also involve simplifying research findings for a larger audience and working as a consultant for your respective employer. You would be sharing research reports with supervisors so they can undertake informed actions. Another vital aspect of this profession is to execute project management when needed, with innovation and critical thinking.

Work Schedule

The work schedule can vary based on the type of role you have and where you work. Most petrologists work full time and sometimes have to work long and irregular hours, dependent on the fieldwork required. Petrologists must be comfortable spending much of their time doing fieldwork to collect rock samples and bring them back to the laboratory for analysis. You would be looking for rock formations, different geological structures and samples from rocks that are important. Being outdoors will involve working in adverse weather like extreme heat, snow and rains. You may also have to spend time in remote secluded areas.

Growth Of The Job

Aspiring petrologists will find ample opportunities in this industry as the demand is expected to grow at 16% over the next decade – faster than the average for other occupations. Growth is mainly due to more awareness with regard to environmental safety standards and a larger focus on harnessing natural resources worldwide. With a burgeoning population, there will be an urgent need for professionals like petrologists to extract valuable resources such as gold, oil, etc. from rocks.

Typical Employers

Typical employers of petrologists include private mining and oil firms, research institutes and laboratories, universities and colleges. Here is a look at prospective employers in recent times: Museum of Natural History, University of Utah, Ramboll Group, Kleinfelder, Inc. and The Doe Run Company, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, etc. Applicants that stand out will be those that are passionate about making advances in understanding the processes influencing the evolution of the Earth’s crust.