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Earth and Space · Chapter 1: Introduction to Earth and Space Science
Careers in Earth and Space Science
Careers in Earth and space science in Pakistan: geologist, meteorologist, seismologist, oceanographer, space scientist and GIS specialist, with the study path.
Key termRememberExampleWatch out
01Concept
Pakistan has high mountains, a long coastline, big rivers, deserts, earthquakes, floods and valuable minerals. So it needs people who understand the Earth and space. Here are the main careers.
| Career | What they do | Where they work in Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist | Study rocks and find minerals, oil, gas and water | Geological Survey of Pakistan, OGDCL and other oil and gas companies, mining projects |
| Seismologist | Record and study earthquakes | Pakistan Meteorological Department, universities |
| Meteorologist | Forecast weather and study climate | Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), airports, TV channels |
| Oceanographer / marine scientist | Study the sea, coasts and sea life | National Institute of Oceanography (Karachi), ports |
| Hydrologist / glaciologist | Study rivers, groundwater and glaciers | WAPDA, water and irrigation departments |
| Space scientist / engineer | Design, launch and run satellites | SUPARCO |
| GIS and remote-sensing specialist | Make digital maps from satellite images | Planning departments, disaster agencies, private companies |
| Disaster-management officer | Plan for and respond to floods and earthquakes | NDMA and provincial disaster authorities (PDMAs) |
| Environmental scientist | Study pollution and protect natural areas | Environmental protection agencies, NGOs |
| Teacher / lecturer | Teach geography, geology or physics | Schools, colleges and universities |
How to get there
- Class 9–10: Science group (physics and mathematics are most useful).
- Class 11–12: Pre-Engineering is the most common route; Pre-Medical can lead to environmental and marine sciences.
- University (4 years): BS Geology, BS Meteorology, BS Marine Science, BS Environmental Science, BS Geography/GIS, BS Space Science, or BE Aerospace Engineering.
- After the degree: MS/MPhil or PhD for research and university teaching.
In Sindh, the University of Karachi and the University of Sindh (Jamshoro) teach geology, geography and marine or environmental sciences. The Institute of Space Technology (Islamabad) specialises in space science and aerospace engineering. Always check each university's current programmes and entry requirements.
02Real World Examples
Thar coal
Geologists mapped the huge coal deposits under the Thar Desert, now used to make electricity.
Flood warnings
Meteorologists and hydrologists watch rainfall and river levels to warn villages before floods arrive.
Glacier lake floods
Glaciologists monitor lakes formed by melting glaciers in Gilgit-Baltistan that can suddenly burst.
Satellite maps
GIS specialists use satellite images to plan roads, track crops and map damage after disasters.
03Practice Questions
Try to answer in your own words first, then open the model answer.
Short questions
Q1.Name four careers in Earth and space science.Show answer
Answer
- Geologist
- Meteorologist
- Oceanographer
- Space scientist
(Seismologist, hydrologist, GIS specialist and disaster-management officer are also correct.)
Q2.What does a geologist do? Where can a geologist work in Pakistan?Show answer
Answer
A geologist studies rocks and finds minerals, oil, gas and groundwater. In Pakistan, geologists work at the Geological Survey of Pakistan, oil and gas companies such as OGDCL, and mining projects.
Q3.Which organisation forecasts the weather in Pakistan?Show answer
Answer
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Its meteorologists forecast rain, heatwaves and cyclones, and it also monitors earthquakes.
Q4.What does a GIS and remote-sensing specialist do?Show answer
Answer
They make digital maps from satellite images and use them to plan cities, track crops and map damage after floods or earthquakes.
Long questions
Q5.Describe five careers in Earth and space science and explain why Pakistan needs them.Show answer
Answer
- Geologist: finds minerals, oil, gas and water. Pakistan has coal in Thar, gas in Sui and many minerals.
- Meteorologist: forecasts weather. Pakistan faces monsoon floods, heatwaves and cyclones.
- Seismologist: studies earthquakes. Northern Pakistan is an earthquake zone.
- Oceanographer: studies the sea. Pakistan has a long coastline on the Arabian Sea.
- Space scientist: runs satellites at SUPARCO for communication and Earth observation.