Photonics for GEOLOGY
On Geologists’ Day we highlight how photonics technologies help geologists to better understand the Earth's surface and subsurface. Photonics technologies have already been recognized by geologists and have been used as an increasingly important tool over the past few decades.
One way that geologists use photonics is in remote sensing. Remote sensing is the collection of information about the Earth's surface using sensors that are not in direct contact with the Earth. This can be done using satellites, airplanes, or drones. Geologists use photonics to analyze the data collected by these sensors, which can provide information about the Earth's surface and subsurface. For example, LiDAR systems are used to create detailed 3D maps of the Earth's surface, which can be used to identify geological features such as fault lines and rock formations.
Another way that geologists use photonics is in spectroscopy. Spectroscopy can be used to identify the chemical composition of materials. Geologists use spectroscopy to analyze the composition of rocks and minerals, which can provide important information about the Earth's geology. For example, Raman spectroscopy can be used to identify the minerals present in a rock sample, which can help them determine the conditions under which the rock was formed.
Geologists also use photonics in seismology, which is the study of earthquakes and the Earth's interior. They can use fiber-optic sensors to measure changes in temperature and strain in the Earth's crust, which can provide information about seismic activity. This information can be used to better understand the mechanics of earthquakes and to improve earthquake forecasting.
Geologists’ Day is a day to be thankful for all the research
that has been done by geologists to help further understand how our world
works. Let’s also thank the developments in photonics technologies that have
provided essential tool for geologists, to gain a better understanding of the
Earth's geology.