Here's why:

* Focus on the natural world: Geology studies the Earth's physical composition, structure, processes, and history. This involves analyzing rocks, minerals, fossils, and landforms.

* Empirical evidence: Geologists rely on observation, experimentation, and data analysis to understand the Earth. They use scientific methods to test hypotheses and draw conclusions.

* Quantitative measurements: Geology heavily relies on quantitative measurements, such as dating rocks, analyzing mineral compositions, and mapping geological features.

While some aspects of geology may involve human interaction, such as studying the impact of human activities on the environment, the core principles of the discipline are rooted in the study of the physical Earth.