Environmental Geology

An introductory text cannot explore all aspects of environmental concerns. Here, the emphasis is on the physical constraints imposed on human activities by the geologic processes that have shaped and are still shaping our natural environment. In a real sense, these are the most basic, inescapable constraints; we cannot, for instance, use a resource that is not there, or build a secure home or a safe dam on land that is fundamentally unstable. Geology, then, is a logical place to start in developing an understanding of many environmental issues. The principal aim of this book is to present the reader with a broad overview of environmental geology. Because geology does not exist in a vacuum, however, the text introduces related considerations from outside geology to clarify other ramifications of the subjects discussed. Likewise, the present does not exist in isolation from the past and future; occasionally, the text looks both at how the earth developed into its present condition and where matters seem to be moving for the future. It is hoped that this knowledge will provide the reader with a useful foundation for discussing and evaluating specific environmental issues, as well as for developing ideas about how the problems should be solved.

Features Designed for the Student

This text is intended for an introductory-level college course. It does not assume any prior exposure to geology or college-level mathematics or science courses. The metric system is used throughout, except where other units are conventional within a discipline. (For the convenience of students not yet “fluent” in metric units, a conversion table is included on the inside back cover, and in some cases, metric equivalents in English units are included within the text.)

Each chapter opens with an introduction that sets the stage for the material to follow. In the course of the chapter, important terms and concepts are identified by boldface type, and these terms are collected as “Key Terms and Concepts” at the end of the chapter for quick review. The Glossary includes both these boldface terms and the additional, italicized terms that many chapters contain. Most chapters include actual case histories and specific real-world examples. Every chapter concludes with review questions and exercises, which allow students to test their comprehension and apply their knowledge. The “Exploring Further” section includes items that might serve as ideas for projects or research papers building on text material.

Each chapter includes one or more case studies relating to the chapter material. Some involve a situation, problem, or application that might be encountered in everyday life. Others offer additional case histories or relevant examples. The tone is occasionally light, but the underlying issues are nonetheless real. (While some case studies were inspired by actual events, and include specific factual information, all of the characters quoted, and their interactions, are wholly fictitious.)