what are the instruments used by a scientist and an earth scientist?

Question

please answer this question asap...thnx...

Answer 1

There are many different types of scientists studying many different things. They use different types of instruments to study different types of phenomena. Some use microscopes, some use chemistry sets, some use telescopes, etc.

Geological scientists use rock hammers, binoculars, magnifying glasses, microscopes, brunton compasses, maps, porcelain tiles, matches, etc., to determine the different characteristics of rocks and fossils in an effort to classify them into known catetories.

Answer 2

A geologist needs his/her trusty rock hammer. Also a hand-lens, compass or gps. Back in the lab, a microscope if often used. Sometimes big ones like scanning electron microscopes, and instruments for detailed analysis, such as an ion microprobe.

Answer 3

answerers above me are right but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

seismometers- measures seismic shift
tilt meter- A tiltmeter is an instrument designed to measure very small changes from the horizontal level, either on the ground or in structures. A similar term, in less common usage, is the inclinometer. Tiltmeters are used extensively for monitoring volcanos, the response of dams to filling, the small movements of potential landslides, and the response of structures to various influences such as loading and foundation settlement.

Richter scale- measure of the magnitude of seismic waves from an earthquake.

Magnetometers

In addition to using seismology to gather data concerning the composition of the Earth's crust, the magnetic properties of underground formations can be measured to generate geological and geophysical data. This is accomplished through the use of magnetometers, which are devices that can measure the small differences in the Earth's magnetic field. In the early days of magnetometers, the devices were large and bulky, and only able to survey a small area at a time. However, in 1981, NASA launched a satellite, equipped with magnetometer technology, capable of taking magnetic measurements on a continental scale. This satellite, called Magsat, allows for the study of underground rock formations and the Earth's mantle on a larger scale, and provides clues as to tectonic plate movement and the location of deposits of petroleum, natural gas, and other valuable minerals.

Gravimeters

In addition to using variances in the Earth's magnetic field, geophysicists can also measure and record the difference in the Earth's gravitational field to gain a better understanding of what is underground. Different underground formations and rock types all have a slightly different effect on the gravitational field that surrounds the Earth. By measuring these minute differences with very sensitive equipment, geophysicists are able analyze underground formations and have a clearer insight into exactly what types of formations lie below ground; and, whether or not they have the potential for containing hydrocarbons like natural gas.

Exploratory Wells

The best way to gain a full understanding of subsurface geology and the potential for natural gas deposits to exist in a given area is to drill an exploratory well. This consists of actually digging into the earth's crust to allow geologists to study the composition of the underground rock layers in detail. In addition to looking for natural gas and petroleum deposits by drilling an exploratory well, geologists also examine the drill cuttings and fluids to gain a better understanding of the geologic features of the area. Logging, explained below, is another tool used in developed as well as exploratory wells. Drilling an exploratory well is an expensive, time consuming effort. Therefore, exploratory wells are only drilled in areas where other data has indicated a high probability of petroleum formations. For more information on the process of drilling natural gas wells, click here.

Logging

Logging refers to performing tests during or after the drilling process to allow geologists and drill operators to monitor the progress of the well drilling and to gain a clearer picture of subsurface formations. There are many different types of logging, in fact; over 100 different logging tests can be performed, but essentially they consist of a variety of tests that illuminate the true composition and characteristics of the different layers of rock that the well passes through. Logging is also essential during the drilling process. Monitoring logs can ensure that the correct drilling equipment is used and that drilling is not continued if unfavorable conditions develop.

3-D Seismic Imaging

One of the biggest breakthroughs in computer-aided exploration was the development of three-dimensional (3-D) seismic imaging. 3-D imaging utilizes seismic field data to generate a three dimensional 'picture' of underground formations and geologic features. This, in essence, allows the geophysicist and geologist to see a clear picture of the composition of the Earth's crust in a particular area. Obviously, this is tremendously useful in allowing for the exploration of petroleum and natural gas, as an actual image could be used to estimate the probability of formations existing in a particular area, and the characteristics of that potential formation. This technology has been extremely successful in raising the success rate of exploration efforts. In fact, using 3-D seismic has been estimated to increase the likelihood of successful reservoir location by 50 percent!

2-D Seismic Imaging

Two dimensional computer assisted exploration includes generating an image of subsurface geology much in the same manner as in normal 2-D data interpretation. However, with the aid of computer technology, it is possible to generate much more detailed maps much quicker than the traditional method. In addition, with 2-D CAEX it is possible to use color graphic displays generated by a computer to highlight geologic features that may not be apparent using traditional 2-D seismic imaging methods.

While 2-D seismic imaging is less complicated and less detailed than 3-D imaging, it must be noted that 3-D imaging techniques were developed prior to 2-D techniques. Thus, although it does not appear to be the logical progression of techniques, the simpler 2-D imaging techniques were actually an extension of 3-D techniques, not the other way around. Because it is simpler, 2-D imaging is much cheaper, and more easily and quickly performed, than 3-D imaging. Because of this, 2-D CAEX imaging may be used in areas that are somewhat likely to contain natural gas deposits, but not likely enough to justify the full cost and time commitment required by 3-D imaging.

4-D Seismic Imaging

One of the latest breakthroughs in seismic exploration, and the modeling of underground rock formations, has been the introduction of four-dimensional (4-D) seismic imaging. This type of imaging is an extension of 3-D imaging technology. However, instead of achieving a simple, static image of the underground, in 4-D imaging the changes in structures and properties of underground formations are observed over time. Since the fourth dimension in 4-D imaging is time, it is also referred to as 4-D 'time lapse' imaging.