Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements

Explain what geology means.

Earth Materials

Define mineral. Tell how to identify minerals. Tell how rocks and minerals differ. List five of the most common rock-forming minerals. Tell how they are identified. Tell how hardness, specific gravity, color, streak, cleavage, luster, and crystal form are useful in identifying minerals.

Earth Processes

1. Tell about the occurrence of volcanoes on land and in the ocean. Describe the difference between intrusive igneous rocks and extrusive igneous rocks.
2. Describe the major steps in the geologic history of a mountain range. Describe the anticline, syncline, fault, strike, dip, and an unconformity. Discuss the relationship between mountain building and erosion in forming the present landscape.
3. Describe the major features of an ocean floor between the shorelines on either side.

Earth History

1. Tell what fossils are and how they aid in understanding the story of the earth's history.
2. Make a collection of 10 different fossils and identify them to the best of your ability.
3. Discuss with your counselor the theory of continental drift.

Geology and People

1. Describe five energy sources, how they occur, and how they are used today. Describe the source of the products supplied by your local utilities. Tell which of these products are related to geologic processes.
2. Visit a mine, oil or gas field, gravel pit, stone quarry, or similar area of special interest to you. Make a collection of geologic specimens found at the site visited. Tell about the geology of the place.

Careers in Geology

1. Read a pamphlet about careers in geology. Tell what you learned.
2. Visit with a geologist, other than your counselor. Tell what he or she does. Find out how he or she prepared for the job.