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Science & Research · Updated Aug 2026

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

JVS 2.0.0-phase4b
AI Exposure
74/100
High

How much of this occupation’s work can be materially affected by current AI systems.

Replacement Risk
63/100
High

How likely exposure is to translate into reduced human demand.

Includes provisional estimates for AI adoption pressure and labour-market resilience. How this is measured

Evidence quality
Confidence83/100
Task coverage85%

Confidence reflects task coverage, mapping and capability-evidence quality, and how much of the score rests on provisional inputs.

Task-level evidence

What is driving the score?

Occupation scores are built from the task mix—not a single prediction about a job title.

JVS 2.0.0-phase4b
TaskImportanceAI impactExposure
Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.High
78
Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.High
78
Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.High
79
Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.High
78
Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.Medium
78
Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.High
74
Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.High
81
Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.Medium
80
Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.High
64
Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.Medium
77
Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.Medium
78
Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.Medium
78
Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.Medium
79
Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.High
66
Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.Medium
78
Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.Medium
79
Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.High
39
Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.Medium
40
Most exposed

Where AI can do more

Routine, digitized, and highly repeatable tasks face the greatest pressure.

  1. Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.81
  2. Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.80
  3. Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.79
  4. Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.79
Hardest to automate

Where people still matter

These tasks score lowest on automation feasibility—physical presence, judgement, accountability and real-world variability all resist end-to-end automation.

  1. Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.01
  2. Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.02
  3. Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.03
  4. Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.04
  5. Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.05
Where else this work leads

Related occupations

Occupations O*NET links to this one. Relatedness reflects shared work, not a claim that these roles are safer.

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Beyond AI capability

Adoption and labour-market outlook

Structural factors are kept separate from raw capability so you can see what actually resists automation. Adoption pressure and labour-market resilience are still provisional models—25% of this occupation’s replacement-risk weight rests on them.

Human dependency63
Physical dependency40
Adoption pressure56
Labour-market resilience58
Methodology & sources

O*NET 30.3 occupational data interpreted through the JobsVsAI capability, automation and structural-constraint models.

Confidence83/100
CalculatedAug 21, 2026
Read methodology →