Geo Rocks: The Chronicles of Geologists

By Liez’l Marie Lamasan

 

Landslides. Earthquakes. Tsunamis. Volcanic eruptions. Natural catastrophes are tied with science specialists who dig deep into the many hows and whys of the universe. Specifically, your go-to-expert in such phenomenon is an earth scientist, aka, geologist.

Who are geologists? Geologists are associated with their studies of materials that make up the earth and its natural processes. They believe that rocks matter. Their wide understanding of the earth is shaped over time – from academic years, to hard labor, in-depth trainings, and bitter sweet experiences.  Tagged as a “fault-finder”, they are highly skilled to explore the glorious past of land masses, its superb changes, one rock after the other.

Call her Laila Grace Roxan Indico. She’s an Antiqueña/Ilongga who has a blooming love affair with her profession.

Barely three months ago, the young geologist spent most of her time in the northern part of Antique due to work. Clothed in rugged grey pants and loose t-shirt, Laila traced her curiosity for geology back in the academe.

“We had a career orientation in high school where I was encouraged to pursue Geology.  I got interested with the course because of the laboratory subject, field work, and my love for sciences,” she recounted in Hiligaynon.

Her life in the field work is composed of walking down the terrain and hiking the mountain belts amidst extreme heat and cold. She collects data samples apt for research and geologic mapping purposes. The highlands, caves, rivers, and waterfalls have become her vast playgrounds. During the course of her duty, Laila is equipped with tools such as acid kit, brunton compass, maps, meter tape, GPS, cameras, and so on.

The geology vocation required arduous toil and travel. Geologists, for that matter, are prepared to conditions that can be challenging. Laila said that despite the weary days and nights, it still is the best of both worlds.

“You’re doing work while travelling, so it’s a win-win,” she said.

To further enjoy the ups and downs of the earth science career, the young geologist advised to “do the job that you love the most so that you are not forced to do it.”

While geologists have a lot on their plate, they have a high regard of their profession. For some, it delved on the commitment to serve the people in far-flung areas and learn the practical tricks of survival.

Dr. Leilanie Suerte, the current Supervising Geologist of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-6), told her neophyte experience in one of the remote towns in Antique.

“We had our field work in San Remigio, specifically in barangays Panpanan and Lumpatan to check the landslide. I was new at the job then. We had to endure walking from 7 AM to 7 PM, and crossing Sibalom river nine times,” she recalled.

Dr. Suerte admitted that at such time she was not used to dealing with rough terrains and difficult slopes. She has a slight fear of being in the deepest parts of the water. The tiredness she felt eventually blew away as the majestic mountain view greeted her at the summit.

“Life is thrilling as a geologist,” she delightfully exclaimed.

Talk about childhood dream, Dr. Suerte reflected that history and science was her cup of tea. A magazine that she once read featured the iconic Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. This gave an inkling about the immense career. The reading material discussed how various rock types determine the accounts of a landscape and explain the present occurrences.

“Back then, the history that I knew has something to do with Jose Rizal. But with geology, you see history in billions of years which is about fossils. I like the description that you study the activities of volcanoes. You can collect data of volcanic rocks. Their work is exciting and unique,” the expert described in local language.

For most of her time, Dr. Suerte has been working with local government units, reminding them of the value of hazard maps in disaster risk reduction management.  Geologic maps, on the other hand, are vital in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) as it define the hydrological and georesources available in the field.

The geologist, whose career spans for 16 productive years and counting, likewise encouraged youngsters to pursue geology especially that recent times call for science-oriented decisions.

“I think this (profession) is a good background and you are able to use geology skills in life. Hardship, endurance, safety, teamwork. Whatever you need in life, you get to learn and harness it through the geology course,” Dr. Suerte said.

On a lighter note, the two geologists were drooling over Kpop and books as their sweet escape. This hobby guaranteed all out smiles and relaxation, a remedy that beats the bustle of a daily grind.

Geology is everywhere. The next time you explore the grandiose caves, trek to the highest points, and even dive underwater, think about the geologists. As adventurous as they are, geologists thrive through dedication, strong interpersonal skills and diligent science work. (PIA)