Workers in this unit group conduct research and develop practical applications in areas of the physical sciences not covered by those classified elsewhere. Their functions include: conducting research into the physical nature of the earth, the nature and history of the earth's crust and the physical nature and properties of the atmosphere and the forces affecting it, and developing practical applications in such fields as radio communications, water conservation, mineral exploitation, civil engineering and weather forecasting; observing and interpreting celestial phenomena and developing practical applications in such fields as navigation and space exploration; examining, analysing and classifying minerals and advising on the likely commercial yield of mineral deposits containing gems and precious stones.