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Geology-The Science of Earth
Geology is an incredibly
fascinating
subject. It concerns earth and all that is in it. Its origin, its
history, and the dynamics of how it changes. Geologists study such
diverse phenomena as volcanoes and glaciers, rivers and seas,
earthquakes and mountain building processes, and even the history of
life. It is a study what happened in the past and what is happening at
present- a study that increases our understanding of nature and our
place in it.
But Geology does much more than
satisfies intellectual curiosity. Geology is primarily an applied
science. All earth materials, including water, soils, minerals,
petroleum, coal and building materials are geologic and are discovered,
developed and managed with the aid of geological science. Thus it has
direct application in exploration and mining of mineral and other
natural resources. It has also equally important application in the
field of engineering such as in construction of dams, roads, bridges,
tunnels and buildings. It has great importance in development of
irrigation and drinking water supply (especially in groundwater
development), watershed management and soil erosion control, water
resources and hydropower development, and many other environmental
studies and management.
Study of natural hazards such
as earthquakes, landslides, floods and volcanic eruptions and to
recognize how such natural hazards can be avoided or dealt with
effectively is another important aspect where knowledge of geology has
become increasingly indispensable.
Where
do Geologists Work?
Geologists in Nepal work in
widely different fields of development activities. They work in HMG
departments such as Department of Mines and Geology, National
Seismological Centre, Department of Irrigation, Department of Soil
Conservation, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS),
Electricity Development Centre (EDC), Department of Water Induced
Disaster Prevention (DPTC) and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Cement
and other mineral based industries, private engineering consulting and
construction companies are also gradually becoming important employing
agencies for geologists. Geologists working under the HMG are grouped
into the Engineering Services and divided further into Engineering
Geology, Hydrogeology and General Geology sub-groups.
About
the Geology Department
The
Department of Geology was established in 1967 at Tri-Chandra Campus,
Tribhuvan University. Till today this is the only department offering
B.Sc. course in Geology in Nepal. The M.Sc. course in Geology is offered
at Kirtipur Campus, TU with excellent physical facilities and academic
environment. The Department of Geology has permanent field stations at
Malekhu, Richoktar (Dhading district) and Dumre Bazar, Tansen (Palpa
district) for providing field training to second and third year students
respectively. The newly constructed buildings of the department at
Malekhu and Dumre have greatly helped to conduct the field training more
effectively. The each building has the capacity to accommodate about 40
students. The total number of students to be admitted in the first year
of Geology is limited to 40 (including the morning and day shifts). The
number of students in third year is limited to 30.
The Department of Geology
organizes fieldwork for second and third year students. The second year
students go to Malekhu for 2-weeks fieldwork (from 14th Poush to 27th
Pouse). Similarly the third year students will go to Dumere (Tansen,
Palpa) for 3 weeks for fieldwork (14th Poush to 5th Magh). After both
the field works students are required to submit fieldwork report and
each student has to pass the examination on fieldwork subject. The first
year students are also required to go for one-day field excursion to
Kakani-Ranipauwa and Chobhar-Dakshinkali. Tribuvan University provides
partial financial support to the students's fieldwork. |
