Geology majors study a wide variety of topics that include materials of the earth (minerals and rocks) and processes that affect them, as well as the evolution of life and its relationship to earth materials and processes. ?These Earth processes include volcanism, plate tectonics, earthquakes, landslides, and ground and surface water migration. ?Geology majors utilize their knowledge to identify and assess environmental hazards such as ground and surface water contamination, land surface stability, and volcanic and earthquake activity. ?Knowledge of earth processes also helps majors understand the formation, occurrence, and extraction of natural resources such as water, oil and gas, and valuable minerals and metals. Geology is an outstanding field of study for students who enjoy blending the outdoor physical environment with science. ?Geology majors are deeply concerned about environmental issues and resources and their impact on society. ?Thus they have chosen to do more than just talk about such issues; they have decided to focus their careers towards actually solving these ?real world? issues. ?The Geographic Information Analysis concentration develops expertise with geographic information technology, geographic information systems (GIS), the global positioning system (GPS), and remote sensing (imaging of the earth from aircraft and satellites). Students in this concentration develop skills in spatial analysis, environmental modeling, and computer programming.