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ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS

Department of Geography and Geology

UW Colleges Department of Geography and Geology

Geography answers two questions: where are things located and why are they located where they are? Geographers interpret and explain the occurrence, distribution and interactions of natural and cultural features on the earth. They analyze phenomena according to their locations, aerial extent and spatial relationships.

The chief tool of the geographer is a map. Just as historians study subjects in terms of time, geographic studies are conducted in terms of space or location. Traditionally the discipline has been divided into two main sub-disciplines: physical geography, which concentrates on the natural environment (landforms, weather and climate, biogeography and soils) and cultural geography which deals with the locational aspects of human activities (economic geography, urban geography, historical geography). Some geographers, called cartographers, concentrate on map making. Many geographers are now using sophisticated computer mapping and analysis programs (GIS) to answer locational and spatial questions.

Geology is the study of the solid surface of the earth and the processes which shape this surface. Geologists are interested in the origin and nature of rocks and sediments and the various processes that affect them. By looking at the earth's physical composition and history, geologists find the key to discovering useful resources and understanding the earth’s processes.

Career opportunities in geography and geology are quite varied. Many geographers hired today have specialized training in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Geographers may be hired in business, natural resources management, urban and regional planning, environmental management and education. Some work for private businesses, often analyzing spatial aspects of marketing or doing site analysis. Many geographers are hired by governmental agencies and the military. Increasingly geographic skills are required in law enforcement, health and social services, banking, real estate and insurance.

At present, most jobs in geology are in mineral and fossil fuel exploration, groundwater management, dealing with natural hazards and various types of environmental assessment. Some geologists work for governmental and planning agencies in more general environmental consulting capacities.

Classes usually offered in geography/geology at UW-Marinette include:

Classes usually offered for the geography/geology major at UW-Marinette include:

Related Links for geographers and geologists

• Geoportals
• Earthworks/Jobs
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administraton
• Planet Ark
• Great Lakes Info Network
• Green Map System
• Association of American Geographers
• TerraServer - USA
• Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey

For more information regarding the Geography/Geology program at UW-Marinette or within the UW Colleges, please contact Keith West, Assistant Professor 715-735-4352