Geology
Rodingite, a rock formed by fluid-mediated alteration of ultramafic rock, from the Cobb Valley, Northwest Nelson.
Geology is the study of the physical processes and history of the Earth.
Diverse and important phenomena are studied - the Earth's internal structure, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, the extinction of the dinosaurs, climate and sea level change, and landscape evolution. Also included are the origin and conservation of the Earth's natural resources - minerals, fossil fuels, soils and water.
Geology has direct relevance for students majoring in a wide range of science subjects. Understanding geological processes is important for all those who undertake environmental and resource planning and monitoring and are concerned with the social and environmental effects of global change.
Study in Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, sits beside a spectacular harbour between two active faults on a major plate boundary. Nowhere on Earth are active geological processes more obvious and accessible than right here. It is a natural laboratory for studying earth movements, faulting, earthquakes, landscape development and many other active geological processes. The city is also within easy reach of the North Island’s active volcanoes and the geologically diverse South Island.
Wellington is the hub of earth science research in New Zealand. Home to Crown Research Institutes GNS Science and NIWA, and Te Papa Tongarewa, our national museum, students have unique access to scientists involved in ongoing research programmes in these highly regarded institutions.
On campus, our teaching and research collaborations with the Institute of Geophysics and the Antarctic Research Centre contribute to the School’s international reputation for research into past climate change, volcanology, tectonics and the origin of our solar system.
More Information
For more information, please download the postgraduate prospectus or contact us.