Blog post - geology is different

 
As we venture off into geology I want to re-visit our thinking about process of science.  Geology is different from physics in terms of process - way different.  Both seek to understand phenomenon in the natural world but pursue questions in different ways.  In physics we did experiments and were able to control variables.  In geology we rely more on observations of natural phenomena and features; it is hard to control earthquakes or volcanic eruptions!  Geology is more of a narrative science.  We collect data and construct stories that include predictions and explanations.  Some technical terms.  Whereas physics (and chemistry) are analytical sciences, geology (anthropology, cosmology and some parts of biology) can be viewed as hermeneutic or narrative sciences; that is they involve interpretation of features that can not only be difficult to do but open to dispute and discussion.  As we do more geology I will be asking you to reflect more on these differences.