Physical Geology Lecture - Environmental Geology

Physical Geology Lecture - Environmental Geology

Definition of environmental geology.

How are geologists and geologic knowledge useful to society?

in seismic hazard assessment for critical facilities construction, and planning.
in geologic hazard assessment for volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, hurricanes, radon, etc..
in dam safety and siting considerations.
in finding ground water resources.
in ground water and soil contamination cleanup.
in exploration for the myriad of geologic resources we discussed in prior section.
in development of alternate energy resources.
in resource/reserve estimation and economic prediction.
in understanding possibilities of global climate change.
in helping archeologists, anthropologists and historians in reconstructing past environments and events.
in evaluating our other planets.
in solving crimes.
in giving expert witness testimony in legal matters with a geologic component.
in providing policy advise to the executive and legislative branch of the government.
in educating people in an informed democracy.

Who hires geologists?

oil companies.
mineral exploration companies.
consulting companies large and small.
non-profit organizations.
government agencies at all levels. Most states have a geologic or natural resource survey of some type.
educational institutes of a variety of types.
lawyers.
publishers.

Wrap-up comments for the class and review.

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