Oceanic (mid-ocean) ridges, mountain belts, ocean basins, continental margins, continents, stable interior

Two principal divisions of Earth’s surface are the… and …. A significant difference is their relative levels. The elevation differences between continents and ocean basins is primarily the result of differences in their respective densities and thicknesses. The largest features of the continents can be divided into two categories: …and the …. The ocean floor is divided into three major topographic units: …, deep-ocean basins, and ….

Task 5. Look at Figure 3.2. The map shows the general distribution of Earth’s mountain belts, stable platforms and shields. Where are young mountain belts situated? Do the Carpathians lie in the young or old mountain belt? Where are shields situated? Where does our country lie?

Task 6. Discuss the following:

1. The continental margin.

2. The deep-ocean basins.

3. The oceanic (mid-ocean) ridges.

Individual work

Task 1. Read the text and translate it into Ukrainian (in written form). Talk about main functions of geologists. Why did you make up your mind to become a geologist?

Geologists work to understand the history of our planet. The better they can understand Earth’s history the better they can foresee how events and processes of the past might influence the future.

Geologists study earth processes:   Many processes such as landslides, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions can be hazardous to people. Geologists work to understand these processes well enough to avoid building important structures where they might be damaged. If geologists can prepare maps of areas that have flooded in the past they can prepare maps of areas that might be flooded in the future. These maps can be used to guide the development of communities and determine where flood protection or flood insurance is needed.

Geologists study earth materials.   People use earth materials every day. They use oil that is produced from wells, metals that are produced from mines, and water that has been drawn from streams or from underground. Geologists conduct studies that locate rocks that contain important metals, plan the mines that produce them and the methods used to remove the metals from the rocks. They do similar work to locate and produce oil, natural gas and ground water. 

Geologists study earth history.   Today we are concerned about climate change. Many geologists are working to learn about the past climates of earth and how they have changed across time. This historical geology news information is valuable to understand how our current climate is changing and what the results might be. 

Geologists work in a variety of settings. These include: natural resource companies, environmental consulting companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities. Many geologists do field work at least part of the time. Others spend their time in laboratories, classrooms or offices. All geologists prepare reports, do calculations and use computers. 

Although a bachelor's degree is required for entry level employment, many geologists earn master's and/or doctorate degrees. The advanced degrees provide a higher level of training, often in a geology specialty area such as paleontology, mineralogy, hydrology or volcanology. Advanced degrees will often qualify the geologist for supervisory positions, research assignments or teaching positions at the university level.

Task 2. Talk about main functions of geologists. Why did you make up your mind to become a geologist?