Geology can be considered an underappreciated science when compared to others like physics and chemistry. However, if we didn’t have geology, then we wouldn’t know how the earth formed. Geologists’ Day dedicates this time towards thanking them for all the research they do to help further understand how our world works.
This holiday also seeks to inspire people to become geologists themselves and learn about historical geologists that have helped people understand our world better.
History of Geologists’ Day
Geology, or the study of the composition of rocks, soil and other materials, has been around since the times of Ancient Greece. Greek scientists wondered how the rocks were formed, studying fossils, and generating theories about how they were formed.
Later during the Middle Ages when science was thought to have challenged the Catholic Church. During this time Leonardo da Vinci explored the functions of the human body but also became a pioneer in geology.
He also concluded that the fossils embedded on mountain tops must have been from animals that swam on an ancient sea bed, though they couldn’t conclude how they got there.
During the 17th-century, links begin to be made between sedimentary deposits in the oceans and the strata observable in rock formations. Much of the explanation as to how that happened however remained a mystery until James Hutton and Strata Smith came along.
They helped find the explanation of the earth’s long and slow development over the course of thousands of years. Geologists’ Day aims to show appreciation for the geologists that continue to study the rocks and all its formations.
It also strives to help further the study of how the earth came to be. Geologists’ Day is all about learning the history of the earth, the geologists who studied the earth and help inspire people out there to study geology.
How to celebrate Geologists’ Day
Celebrate Geologists’ Day by learning a bit about what geology is all about. Digging in rocks, observing maps, and studying how they came to be is what a geologists’ job is all about. Take the time to join a few online classes and see if its something you enjoy.
If so, why not go for a degree while you’re at it. Take a look into the history of geologists, what they believed about the earth at the time. Also show your appreciation for their studies by sharing this holiday with your friends and family.
