地质科学涉及对地球的固体（岩石和矿物）和液体（水和岩浆）部分以及它们与其他地球系统之间相互作用的研究。地质学家试图了解当前和整个地球悠久历史中塑造地球的物理和化学过程。地质学家关注的一些关键过程包括不断建造山脉和火山，开采矿石和能源，在板块边界发生地震，通过地球历史发展生命和气候以及侵蚀地球表面。
The science of geology involves the study of both the solid (rocks and minerals) and liquid (water and magma) portions of the Earth and the interaction among these and other Earth systems. Geologists seek to understand the physical and chemical processes that shape the Earth currently and throughout Earth's long history. Some key processes geologists focus on include the constant building of mountains and volcanoes, production of ore and energy resources, earthquakes at plate boundaries, evolution of life and the climate through Earth history, and erosion the Earth's surface.