GEOL333

This course studies the interactions between geology and the surface and near-surface environment. First we will examine geologic resources such as water, soils, minerals, and energy; this section will include examination of current extraction including resource limits, alternative resources, and pollution. The second part of the course concerns geological hazards, both generated in the earth's interior (earthquakes and volcanoes) and those acting on the Earth's surface (mass movement, flooding, and coastal hazards), and the role of humans in both increasing their occurrence and damages and how to (try to) mitigate them. Third, we will examine the interplay between humans and the surface environment, in particular climate and hydrology. Finally we will study some applications of environmental geology in society, including land use planning, waste disposal, and environmental laws and regulations.