Responsibilities of a Geologist for a Natural Gas Company

The study of geology is the study of the earth. A geologist whose job is to find oil and natural gas deposits is called a petroleum geologist. This job requires a bachelor’s degree in geology and much of this work will be done in an office rather than in the field.

A petroleum geologist working for natural gas company will generally have the following responsibilies:

• Prospect for natural gas by examining aerial or satellite photographs of a location. The geologist will be looking for the geological signs of the presence of a natural gas deposit. Signs that might indicate the presence of gas include certain rock formations.
  
  


• Use seismic waves to help pinpoint the location of a gas reservoir. Seismic waves are similar to sonar in that by using heavy vibrations, a geologist may be able to gather data to geological formations underground. The vibrations vary depending on the nature of the rock structure.
  
  


• Study geological test results. Analyzing the underground formations in a particular location will allow detection of the various patterns that signify the presence of natural gas. Analyzing water from wells in an area in which they are prospecting is another way of locating natural gas. A petroleum geologist will also prepare maps illustrating the location of the natural gas deposits for the purpose of extracting it.
  
  


• Determine the calculations of how much gas there is to be extracted from a particular deposit. Once gas has been discovered, the geologist will be required to estimate the size of the deposit.
  
  


• Communicate the findings and test results to their employers, or write proposals for drilling in a certain location. The petroleum geologist will need to have communication skills and the ability to explain scientific findings to people from a variety of backgrounds.