Extras · 1 of 4

A typical day

It splits in two. On a field day you are out at first light logging core, mapping outcrops, taking samples, checking monitoring wells, writing everything down in a waterproof notebook. On an office day you turn that into cross sections, maps, models and a report someone else will act on, plus the permits and client calls that come with it. Most geologists get some of each, and which way the balance tips changes the job completely.