In this chapter:

   (1)   “Examining board” means the examining board of professional geologists, hydrologists and soil scientists.

   (1g)   “Geology” means a science that involves the study of the earth and the earth’s origin, composition, structure and physical history, including the study of the natural agents, forces and processes that cause changes in the earth and the investigation and collection of data concerning the crust and the interior of the earth and the surface and underground gases, solids and fluids that make up the earth.

   (1r)   “Hydrology” means a science that involves the study of the waters of the earth, including the study of the occurrence, circulation, distribution, chemistry or quality of water or its role as a natural agent that causes changes in the earth, and the investigation and collection of data concerning waters in the atmosphere or on the surface or in the interior of the earth, including data regarding the interaction of water with other gases, solids or fluids.

   (2)   “Practice of professional geology” means the performance of or offer to perform any geologic service or work in which the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health, environment or property is concerned or involved. “Practice of professional geology” includes the collection of geological data, consultation, investigation, evaluation, interpretation, planning or inspection relating to a service or work that applies geology.

   (3)   “Practice of professional hydrology” means the performance of or offer to perform any hydrologic service or work in which the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health, environment or property is concerned or involved. “Practice of professional hydrology” includes the collection of hydrological data, consultation, investigation, evaluation, interpretation, planning or inspection relating to a service or work that applies hydrology.

   (4)   “Practice of professional soil science” means the performance of or offer to perform any service or work related to soil science in which the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health, environment or property is concerned or involved. “Practice of professional soil science” includes the collection of soil data, consultation, investigation, evaluation, interpretation, planning or inspection relating to a service or work that applies soil science.

   (5)   “Professional geologist” means a person who engages in the practice of professional geology.

   (5m)   “Professional geologist section” means the professional geologist section of the examining board.

   (6)   “Professional hydrologist” means a person who engages in the practice of professional hydrology.

   (6m)   “Professional hydrologist section” means the professional hydrologist section of the examining board.

   (7)   “Professional soil scientist” means a person who engages in the practice of professional soil science.

   (8)   “Professional soil scientist section” means the professional soil scientist section of the examining board.

   (9)   “Soil science” means a science that involves the study of soils between the surface of the earth and bedrock, including the study of natural or human processes or forces that occur in soils, and the investigation and collection of data concerning soils, including data regarding the interaction of soils with other gases, solids or fluids or living organisms.