GEOL 1470 Environmental Geology

Environmental geology is the study of the interactions between humans and their surface or near-surface geologic environment: rocks, water, air, soil, life. Humans are impacted by Earth processes, and by their activities, have an impact on Earth. Using physical geologic principles (rocks, minerals and plate tectonics) as a foundation for the study of these environmental interactions, this course will explore issues relating to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and mass movement; natural resources including water, soil and energy; climate change; human population; pollution and environmental policies. Laboratory exercises will apply geologic principles to environmental problems. Field trip required. (3 lect., 3 lab) LSCI

Credits

4 credits

Transfer Status

Equivalent to UW.

Major Topics

(LECTURE) Foundations:
  • Earth Systems & Earth’s Planetary Environment
  • Geologic Time & Process Rates
  • Earth Materials: Minerals, Rocks, Soils
Internal Processes:
  • Plate Tectonics
  • Earthquakes
  • Volcanoes
Surface Processes:
  • Streams and Flooding
  • Mass Movements
  • Climate--Past, Present, and Future
  • Resources:
    • Water
    • Soil
    • Mineral and Rock
    • Energy—Fossil Fuel
    • Energy—Non-Fossil Sources
    Pollution and Human Health:
    • Water Pollution
    • Air Pollution
    Other Topics (optional):
    • Coastal Zones and Processes
    • Ice and Glaciers, Wind and Deserts
    • Land-Use Planning
    • Waste Disposal
    • Environmental Law & Policies
    (LAB)
    • Rock & Mineral Identification
    • Topographic and Geologic Maps & Remotely Sensed Imagery
    • Volcanic Hazards
    • Earthquake and Seismic Risk
    • Slope Stability and Mass Movements
    • Fluvial Processes & Flooding
    • Groundwater Hydrology
    • Surface Water Quality & Contamination
    • Soil Quality & Contamination
    • Air Pollution
    • Fossil Fuel Formation & Exploration
    • Climate Change
    Other Topics (optional):
    • Coastal Erosion
    • Glaciers & Deserts
    • Landfill Planning & Waste Disposal
    • Radioactive Waste Disposal
    • Radon

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Define the main geologic, petrologic, tectonic and geomorphologic processes involving crustal rocks.

2. Identify and classify rocks (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary) and to read and interpret geologic maps and sections.

3. Explain the reason for the natural abundances of important chemical elements and compounds in natural environments (air, water, soils, rocks) Diagram the migration of the elements within the main natural environments (biogeochemical cycles).

4. Demonstrate knowledge of basic hydrologic principles, the significance of water and the implications of global water use.

5. Explain the nature and causes of air and water pollution, especially the impact of the movement of pollutants.

6. Evaluate the geology of energy sources and economic considerations.

7. Compare the nature of geological hazards, and their impact on society.

8. Identify environmental problems and apply geologic principles to solving those problems.

9. Make informed decisions relating to the environment, resources, and society as a whole.

10. Demonstrate an ability to use math and metrics to analyze environmental issues.

11. Acquire and synthesize data needed to apply science to the needs of society.

12. Analyze system dynamics of geologic systems and understand how geologists use temporal and spatial relations to interpret system.

13. Demonstrate awareness of competing concerns (including economic, social, & biological tradeoffs) that arise in environmental geologic decision-making.

14. Develop the ability to extract knowledge from published studies and communicate it in a professional manner via formal writing assignments and oral presentations.

15. Analyze the impact of human population growth on the global environment.

16. Explore potential impacts of natural geologic events on society and some of the potential impacts of human activities on our environment.

17. Illustrate the connection between water and human health.

18. Describe the role of human activities and natural variability in controlling climate and apply geologic techniques for analyzing climate history and understand how geologists define the climate history.

19. Apply scientific methods and knowledge in making and evaluating decisions in human affairs.

20. Recognize the limitations of science in addressing certain societal problems.

21. Analyze the impact of environmental geology on societal problems, history, and culture.

Other Information

Any information placed here must be adhered to by all instructors:

For assessment purposes a web-based Geoscience Concept Inventory (GCI), specific to Environmental Geology must be given as pre- and post-tests. Data from the GCI must be forwarded to the Math & Science department for inclusion in the Physical Science Assessment Report. Information on the GCI can be found at: http://gci.lite.msu.edu/adm/menu. Field trip required.