ENVIRONMNTAL GEOLOGY

Catalog description

This course surveys geologic hazards such as flooding, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions that affect humanity and studies means by which they may be mitigated. Geologic resources such as groundwater, surface water, and soil are studied to assess supply, conservation practices, and contamination mitigation. Mineral, fossil fuel, and alternate energy resources are examined for potential and for environmental assessment of production and consumption. Land-use planning and environmental impact analysis integrate the foregoing. The laboratory portion applies, on a practical basis, aspects of the above in the classroom and in approximately 16 hours in the field. This course is suggested for students in any major which deals with human interactions with the physical environment, such as architecture, engineering, environmental studies, city planning, natural resources, geology, and geography. (C-ID GEOL 131)