Geology is the study of the physical structure and substance of the Earth. It provides knowledge about construction materials like stones and clay. It also helps understand natural geological processes like erosion that impact civil engineering projects. Geology is important for determining suitable foundations, exploring ground conditions via drilling, and planning major projects like dams, roads and tunnels. The study of geology includes physical geology, petrology, structural geology, and the weathering of rocks. Physical geology examines how the Earth's surface and interior change over time. Petrology studies the origin, composition and structure of different rock types. Structural geology analyzes the three-dimensional distribution of rocks and their deformation history. Weathering breaks down rocks through mechanical and chemical processes.