Physical Geology:

• Introduction to Geology and scope, Earth and solar system: origin, size, shape, mass, density and atmosphere. Theories of Earth’s origin and age. Interior of earth and composition. Weathering and erosion: factors, types and effects. Earthquakes: seismic waves, intensity and magnitude scale, origin. Volcanoes: types, products and causes.

Geomorphology:

• Basic principles, geomorphological cycles, weathering and erosion, mapping tools and techniques. Epigene/exogenic processes, Hypogene/endogenic processes, Diastrophism and volcanism, Extraterrestrial processes, Geological work of wind, glacier, river, underground water and ocean.

Geodynamics:

• Earth as dynamic system, continental drift, sea-floor spreading, mid-oceanic ridges. Paleomagnetism applications. Plate Tectonics: concept, margins, orogeny, trenches, island arcs and volcanic arcs.

Environmental Geology:

• Earth’s spheres: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere. Energy budget, Global environments, Global warming and climate change. Geological hazards and mitigation. Resource Management: Energy resources, watershed management, land use planning, water resources management.

Structural Geology:

• Introduction, contours, maps, bed/dip/strike concepts, outcrop effects. Clinometer usage. Deformation types, folds, faults, joints and unconformity.

Hydrology:

• Hydrogeology definition, hydrological cycle and parameters. Groundwater origin and distribution, aquifer types, water-bearing properties of rocks.

Physical Geography:

• Definition, scope, Earth System components. Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Fluvial Cycle, Hydrosphere characteristics.

Remote Sensing & GIS:

• Remote sensing systems, sensors, signatures. Applications in geoscience. Satellite types, image processing, GIS components and integration.

Crystallography:

• Crystal characteristics, parameters, symmetry elements and systems.

Mineralogy:

• Definition, physical properties, common minerals, optical properties.

Geochemistry:

• Crystal chemistry, chemical bonds, periodic table, element distribution and abundance.

Petrology:

• Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks - formation, classification, textures and structures.

Economic Geology:

• Ore deposits, minerals classification, formation processes, important metallic/non-metallic minerals, coal and petroleum distribution.

Mineral Exploration:

• Geological, geochemical and geophysical prospecting, mining considerations.

Stratigraphy:

• Principles, geological time scale, Indian physiographic divisions, major successions and sequences.

Paleontology:

• Fossils: definition, preservation, significance. Morphology and distribution of various organisms, evolutionary history.