2005 Essay Contest Finalist

Entry by Ida Infusio

Petroleum Geologist

I would like to be a Petroleum Geologist. The main reason I chose this field is because I believe that what they do is very important to our everyday living. The Petroleum Geologist studies the earth’s surface and subsurface rocks to find gas and oil deposits. They search for oil and gas by studying rock formations. They are responsible for analyzing and understanding the information that is gathered by those that are part of the exploration team. Petroleum is commonly referred to as oil, which is a natural fuel that is formed from decay of plants and animals that is buried beneath the ground, millions of years ago. They take samples that are taken from the drilling and bring them into the laboratory to analyze. After they test the samples, they then determine if mining should begin.

Petroleum Geologists use microscopes and computers in the lab for analyzing the samples. They use maps and surveys to help them locate the area they will be sampling. Sensing satellites are also used to determine where oil or gas can be found. Drilling equipment is necessary to reach the rocks below the earth’s surface. The structure that holds the drilling equipment is called a “derrick”.

As a Petroleum Geologist, I would discover new areas where there would be oil deposits. The mining and drilling would begin. A new resource and new location might be found.

This would be a cool job because the oil that heats our homes and the gas for our cars was taken from the earth with the help of the Petroleum Geologist and I would be a part of it.

The Petroleum Geologist works outdoors and in the lab to gather information to determine where there might be new areas to explore for oil or gas.