Geoscience, or earth science, are general terms that encompass all types of science having to do with the study of the planet and environment. Among them are geology, which analyzes the rocks that make up the Earth, and hydrology, which examines the movement and quality of water. Soil science measures the components and characteristics of the soil. Because geoscience is such a vast subject, there are many misconceptions about what it includes and about the geo scientists who study it. To better understand this topic, three common geoscience myths are debunked below.

3 Common Geoscience Myths Debunked 

1. The Earth's Core Is Hollow

Geo scientists have established that the Earth's core is not hollow, despite what some theories may assert. This is proven by the fact that an earthquake on one side of the planet can be detected on seismographs on the other side of the planet. The waves produced by the earthquake need either solid or liquid in order to travel, and the Earth's core contains both. If the Earth's core were empty, the waves would not be able to travel.

2. Rocks & Minerals Are the Same 

A mineral is just one crystal, while rocks are aggregations of minerals. So, in essence, a rock is a clump of minerals. However, they don't necessarily even need to be the same type of mineral. In fact, some of the most well-known rocks are actually composed of more than one kind of mineral. The composition of sand varies, but it is rarely ever just one mineral type. Granite is made of feldspar, mica, and quartz. Limestone contains aragonite and calcite, as well as the skeletal fragments of marine organisms.

3. Rocks Grow

Minerals can grow as long as there is space for them to get bigger. Rocks, on the other hand, do not grow larger in size. They form once they have joined together with other like or unlike minerals. Geo scientists will never say that a rock is growing. The process is referred to as forming, and once formed, they will not get any larger. 

The geo scientists at GeoTek Alaska in Anchorage, AK, have been providing geophysical, geotechnical, and environmental services to customers across the state since 2002. They offer drilling, groundwater sampling, well monitoring, and site assessment surveys. They are an industry leader committed to meeting your data acquisition needs in a timely and professional manner. Call (907) 569-5900 or visit them online to request a quote.