Geology is the scientific study of the Earth's structure, composition, and processes that have shaped its history. It involves examining rocks, minerals, fossils, and other geological materials to understand the Earth's history, the processes that have shaped its surface, and the forces that continue to shape it today. Geologists study a wide range of topics, including plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, erosion, and the formation of mountains and other geological features. Geology plays a critical role in understanding natural hazards, such as earthquakes and landslides, and in helping to locate and extract natural resources, such as oil, minerals, and groundwater.