An oil geologist, also known as a petroleum geologist, is a scientist who uses a variety of techniques to look for oil, also known as fossil fuels or hydrocarbons, in different parts of the world. This type of geologist is interested in the Earth’s physical structure, particularly those features that increase the likelihood of the presence of fossil fuels. Because of its ties to the economy, and specifically the fluctuating prices of gas and oil, the field of oil geology is particularly volatile. Because of the constant need to find new sources of oil all over the world, job availability is increasing overall.
Oil geologists are usually geoscientists who work in the petroleum and natural gas industries. He or she is not required to do all of the work, as oil geologists must collaborate with a variety of other professionals in order to not only discover the presence of oil, but also to figure out how to extract it. Engineers, cartographers, technicians, chemists, and other scientists are among the workers. They are all concerned with finding environmentally friendly and efficient ways to extract the oil.
A petroleum geologist must be able to operate a wide range of technology and machinery, and the job frequently entails strenuous work. This technology is aimed at locating oil deposits by analyzing the composition of various levels of underground dirt and rock. It is determined where the exact point of drilling will occur based on the work of the oil geologist. This point should not only make drilling easier, but it should also be structurally sound, with as little risk of disaster as possible.
The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), which was founded in 1917, is the world’s largest professional geology society. Their mission is to advance scientific research, promote technology, and establish a code of professional ethics that professional geologists must follow. The majority of members of this organization work in jobs that revolve around petroleum exploration, and many are involved in the management of oil reservoirs all over the world. Many members are also students, and the AAPG’s membership spans the globe and continues to grow year after year.