Geological Technicians

Because of our reliance on petroleum and natural gas to help us meet so many of our basic energy needs, many geologists have focused in recent years on the exploration for new deposits of these fossil fuels. Natural gas provides fuel for ovens and for furnaces to heat homes. Petroleum is refined into gasoline for cars, grease to keep machinery parts operating smoothly, and plastic, tar, and kerosene, among other products.

Small companies and large multinational corporations send teams of geologists and drill operators to scour farms, deserts, and the ocean floor for new deposits of oil. One of the most important members on these teams is the geological technician.