Which two branches of Earth Science focus on the study of rocks and minerals?

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The study of rocks and minerals is primarily encompassed within the fields of geology and mineralogy. Geology is the overarching study of the Earth, including its structure, processes, materials, and the history recorded in rocks. Within geology, there are specific sub-disciplines that examine various aspects of Earth materials, one of which is mineralogy.

Mineralogy specifically focuses on the study of minerals, their properties, classification, and the processes that form them. The interplay between these two branches provides a comprehensive understanding of the composition and evolution of the Earth's crust, as well as the conditions under which different rocks and minerals form.

In contrast, oceanography deals with the ocean's dynamics and processes, and climatology focuses on climate systems rather than the composition of Earth materials. Meteorology addresses atmospheric phenomena, which does not relate directly to the study of geological materials. Therefore, geology and mineralogy are the correct branches of Earth Science that concentrate on rocks and minerals.

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