Why Geology Matters
Why does the geology of North Carolina matter?
If you're like most citizens of North Carolina, you probably rarely (or never) think about the importance of geology and geologists. Most don't realize that geology affects every aspect of our lives, every single day. Depending on who you are and where you live in our State, geology will be important to you for different reasons. In most cases, the geology beneath us doesn't have a negative effect. But in some situations geology can control important factors, that if overlooked, can have a significant financial impact or cause injury and/or death. Also, geology may be the key to understanding and mitigating existing issues.
“Just knowing” is key! Many problems in life can be avoided all together or their impacts softened by just having some basic knowledge of what to expect. If you are a citizen buying a home, a builder building a small or large construction project, or a County Planner planning for the future, understanding the potential impacts from the geology will give you the tools to make informed choices in all steps of your decision process.
The geology of North Carolina is the result of a long and sometimes violent geologic history that includes erupting volcanoes with lava and ash, the breaking apart and colliding of continents, earthquakes, rock bending and breaking, and the creation of useful minerals and resources. Geology is an important part of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For North Carolina to remain a leader in STEM careers, the next generation of STEM scientists need to be motivated. Geology is an excellent avenue to foster general interest in the sciences.
A basic understanding of geology and geologic processes can provide the tools to make informed decisions about earth science issues as adults.
The geology of where your home is can have an effect on long term maintenance and even safety. Home buyers and owners should be aware of underlying geologic hazards such as landslide potential, old mine collapse, radon potential, and shrink swell clay soil, to name a few.
As changes of land use and urban development encroaches onto less suitable sites, knowledge of the connection between the ground beneath a home site and the home itself becomes increasingly critical to the homebuyer. An informed realtor may want to be aware of the potential hazards listed above for the home buyer. When the Ground Moves – A Citizen’s Guide to Geologic Hazards in North Carolina - NC Geological Survey Informational Circular 32 provides a simple review of some of the geologic hazards that can be encountered in North Carolina.
For businesses to be successful, cost effectiveness is key. A simple understanding of geology can help a business owner make informed decision on a variety of topics. Whether you are the owner of a construction company that needs crushed stone for a project or a plant nursery that wants to put in a high yield water supply well…..geology can help.
Land use planners must balance land use with respect to multiple demands: residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, mineral-resources, energy-resources, and water-resources. Geologic maps can be an important tool in the decision making process.
Understanding the connection of the land to the short- and long-term construction process has the potential to avoid costly delays. Additionally this understanding may reduce long-term liability that could arise if serious geologic hazards exist.
Essential spatial information on geologic hazards guides local and state emergency managers in their efforts to prepare for, respond to, recovery from, and mitigate hazards. See how emergency managers can use geologic information in their work.