The study of rocks and minerals is called geology. Geology encompasses the examination of the Earth's solid material, including its composition, structure, and processes that shape it over time. Geologists explore various aspects such as the formation of different rock types, the movement of tectonic plates, and the history of the Earth through its stratification. This scientific discipline also focuses on the identification and classification of minerals, which are the building blocks of rocks. Understanding geology is crucial not only for resource management, like mining and oil extraction but also for assessing natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.