AboutDr Thomas Bell Expertise I can answer questions regarding surface earth processes and the chemical transformations that sediments and rocks undergo with burial. I can also answer questions regarding deep time, the evolution of the elements, and the last 4.5 billion years of earth history. I specialize in metallic ore forming processes, the major geologic time periods when they were produced and what they tell us about the evolution of our planet. Learn more about my professional interests at Stratamodel.com.
Experience I am a professional consulting geologist with a background in the petroleum, mining, environmental, and geotechnical industries with over 25 years of experience.
Education/Credentials Ph.D., Geology, University of California at Berkeley, 1984
M.A., Geology, University of California at Berkeley, 1980
B.S., Geology, San Jose State University, 1978
Expert: Dr Thomas Bell Date: 6/14/2008 Subject: partial colour blindness
Question i want to study geology as a honours subject in ug course.i have a partial color blind problem. is it worthy to study in geology? is it prove problem to get job after Ms?
Answer Sabyasachi,
Geology is a big field but there are some specialities within geology where partial color blindness would be a problem. However, these few specialty areas should not prevent you from becoming a geologist. In fact I know a couple of geologists who are either completely color blind or have a partial color impairment.
Let me give you some examples of where it might be a problem. Geologic maps use color to code areas of similar rock types so reading a geologic map might be a little more difficult but not impossible since they have map symbols as well as color to symbolize the map. Rock and mineral identification uses color as one criterion but it is only one of many tests and I am sure you could overcome that as well. The study of rocks and minerals under a microscope also has a color aspect.
I am sure you have learned coping mechanisms in your everyday life and you should be confident that you can find those aspects of geology that interest you where the ability to distinguish color are of no consequence.
Follow your interests and don't let this very small problem prevent you from studying geology. Good luck with your studies.
