The science of Geology is considered by many to be a "new" science, despite the fact that the first geological or geological treatises were written in antiquity, most notably the works of Aristotle, Theophrastus, Strabo, Pliny, etc. The slower evolution of Geology, compared to the "traditional" Sciences, is partly due to man's inability to perceive the spatial and mainly the temporal scale that governs the earthly processes that often take place before our eyes. The observation and study in the present time provides information about the events that took place in the past (distant and/or recent), while at the same time it foreshadows the possible future development, concepts that are inextricably related to Geological Time and the Geological Cycle. For a long time the view of the Earth remained attached to theories and views that operated axiomatically, such as "Creationism" and "Catastrophism".
The science of geology is not based on axioms. Its basic and fundamental principles have been fiercely questioned over time and have been the subject of intense controversy until pioneering theories, such as the "Lithospheric Plate Theory", were established, revolutionizing the way of perceiving and viewing the Earth, which is henceforth considered a biogeodynamic system constantly evolving in space and time. Geology differs from other sciences, as laboratory experiments with scale models and a defined set of factors have limited value, requiring the application of other research methods. Geology is characterized by the descriptive approach of specific structures under specific conditions. Complex geological processes and structures such as orogeny, weathering/erosion processes, sedimentary processes, earthquakes, volcanoes, crustal deformation and climate-orogeny interaction are not satisfactorily approximated with simple mathematical models. Nevertheless, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry contributed to the development of branches of geosciences, the accurate measurement of quantities and the quantitative study of geological processes. Towards the end of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th century, atomic-nuclear physics and crystallography give new impetus to the metrology of geosciences and to the development of disciplines such as mineralogy, petroleology, paleontology, as well as geophysics as a synergistic field of physics and geology. In the decades that followed, especially after 1960, mathematics, statistics, informatics, as well as modern microscopic and analytical techniques were increasingly utilized. Geology is quantified to a significant extent, but not without methodological difficulties. Further technological progress has had a decisive influence on the evolution of Geology, and Geosciences in general, since it has allowed a more objective understanding of complex processes from the surface of the Earth's crust to the core and from mega to nanoscale and subsequently to their modeling. For example, the possibility of studying with satellite methods, analyzing and dating rocks and fossils, even at microscopic and sub-microscopic scales, combined with a number of other scientific methods, have given new impetus to solving research questions related to the broader scientific context.
Geology, as a distinct science, consists of specializations of many sub-disciplines-, basic and applied research, such as Mineralogy, Petrology, Physics Geography, Paleontology, Stratigraphy, Climatology, Seismology, Tectonics, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Volcanology, Depositology, Hydrogeology, Geothermal, Soil-/Rock-Engineering, Geological Oceanography, Environmental, and Planetary Geology. In addition, the utilization by Geology of a series of related and non-related sciences (from Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, to Medicine and Archaeology) gives the geoscientist a holistic philosophy of management and treatment of his research subject. The Geologist as a scientist is equipped in a way that can respond to the resulting multi-factorial, multi-parametric and interdisciplinary challenges. However, the geologist is still the scientist who derives his primary data from the Earth, and outdoor work is a primary and fundamental step in its path, despite technological progress. Every model he develops, every data he receives from the analysis of a satellite image, a statistical study, a mechanical or numerical model must be verified, even in today's era, by the use of simple, timeless "tools": the geological hammer, the compass, the magnifying glass and the geological map. The collection of primary data, which can be enhanced with modern means -such as portable X-ray analyzers, LIDAR and SWATH technology for the extremely detailed mapping of terrestrial and underwater relief- and recorded in geographic information systems combined with global positioning systems-, is followed by their analysis and evaluation in the laboratory, using conventional, but also highly advanced and complex techniques that can, for example, They are based on the use of data from satellites or even particle accelerators and synchrotron radiation. Thus, the geoscientist divides his time between the countryside and the laboratory, since the former needs the latter in order to be exploited, and the latter cannot exist without the former. The study of minerals and rocks, fossils, the structure of the Earth, seismic and volcanic activity and generally the deformation of the earth's crust are just some of the topics related to the research field of Geology. Consequently, geosciences acquire an important role in modern times due to their contribution to the exploitation of mineral raw materials (including industrial minerals as well as critical and precious metals & stones), to the discovery of energy sources, to the research and management of surface and groundwater, to the development and management of technical projects, to the prevention and management of natural disasters, and of course to environmental management (environmental impact forecasting, planning and monitoring of rational management of sensitive natural resources, restorations, decontamination). Studies for the identification of deposits of metals, solid fuels, hydrocarbons, natural gas and geothermal fields provide possibilities for the exploitation and exploitation of the energy field contributing positively to the GDP of each country. In the context of mineral raw materials, the anthropogenically modified environment (mining waste, sanitary management of pollutants, etc.) is also the subject of research. In addition, conducting research on the mechanical and chemical properties of minerals and rocks and their use as building materials offers new perspectives on the creation of modern and ecological constructions and infrastructures. In addition, water identification, exploitation and protection research is considered vital and contributes to the development of an area. Regarding the construction industry (dams, tunnels, road, transport, port works, etc.), the science of Geology contributes to critical areas. For example, the detailed geological study prevents failures in infrastructure projects, but also provides for the environmental impact of the presence and operation of projects. The construction of projects of all scales and the expansion of settlements require, in addition, studies of soil-subsoil suitability, seismic activity and seismotectonic characteristics of the area, in order to carry out the appropriate planning to reduce seismic risk. Also, other natural disasters that over time are magnified due to excessive population growth in locations with a high degree of risk, or climate change, need to be studied and effectively managed.
The Geoscientist of the 21st century is called upon to address and manage issues related to the welfare of society as a whole and the economic development of each country in combination with environmental protection. As a scientist, he knows more than anyone else the wider Geoenvironment and clearly understands that the Earth is a living planet, a system of atmosphere-biosphere-hydrosphere-lithosphere interaction where the living world coexists with the inorganic. Planet Earth has existed for 4.5 billion years, during which life appeared and evolved sometimes slowly and sometimes rapidly. Geo-bioscientific research proves that, during these millions of years, numerous mass (or not) extinctions, organisms, natural disasters, climatic fluctuations, ecosystem changes and the appearance of new species have been recorded. Evidence for the oldest life forms is found in sediments (now poly-metamorphic rocks), either as fossils or as mineralogical/geochemical/isotopic traces. All microorganisms associated with primary life forms, such as bacteria and archaea, do chemosynthesis, that is, they get their energy from the chemical and mineral phases with which they interact. These organisms live today in extreme geochemical environments, the study of which gives us clues about the early stages of life of the planet but also about the evolution of life on Earth and other planets. The Holocene, the present geological period during which human civilization developed, began only 11,700 years ago with the end of the last—but not the only—Ice Age and was until recently considered a relatively stable geological period. However, the ever-increasing influence of human activity resulting in the disturbance of the delicate balance of the geoenvironment and the physics of climatic variation, as well as instability in the hydrosphere and biosphere, have led to the proposal to call the modern period the Anthropocene. In this ever-changing world, the study, management and protection of the Geoenvironment is imperative for humanity. The well-trained Geoscientist is called upon to play an important role in the demand of modern societies for geo-environmental policy making in the context of sustainable development and with respect for the environment.
The aim of the undergraduate program of studies of the Department of Geology & Geoenvironment of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is to prepare the future colleague to be able to manage and deal with a variety of academic and applied problems, while further training within or outside the borders is considered necessary due to the aforementioned range of Geosciences. Geosciences – and geoscientists – will play an important role in expected momentous events, and answering questions about the existence of water, mineral raw materials or tectonic activity on Mars or other planets will contribute, in addition to protecting and preserving planet Earth, to the possible colonization of space and the evolution of human existence and civilization in the present 21st century.