Environmental Geology - 3323

Dr. Ridley's Homepage • Courses taught by Dr Ridley •  Geosciences Courses • Geoscience Homepage

Environmental geology is an applied science, examining the interaction between society and the physical environment. The course will illustrate how knowledge of geologic processes and the physical constituents of the Earth are necessary to understand environmental problems. Furthermore, environmental geology plays a significant role in decision-making concerning the use of water, minerals, energy resources, and our response to and preparedness for natural hazards.

The geologic environment includes not only the physical constituents of the Earth – it’s rocks, sediments, soils and fluids, but also the surface of the Earth, its landforms, and in particular the processes which operate to change it through time.  This environment is both a resource and a hazard to human development, and is essential to life.

The main objective of the course is, therefore, to equip students with an understanding of how geology interacts with major environmental problems and issues facing people and society.