environmental geology

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environmental geology Environmental geology is the application of geological techniques to analyse and monitor environmental impacts to the Earth. The term was first applied in the 1970s to described the activities of geologists engaged in exploiting commercial reserves of fuel and minerals and in minimizing volcanic, earthquake, and other cataclysmic disturbances to the urban and industrial infrastructure. One current activity of environmental geologists is the study and correction of pollution and waste-disposal problems.

The exploitation of fuels and minerals has always been a major activity of the environmental geologist. Since the energy crisis, a greater emphasis has also been placed on the discovery of new fossil fuel sources by economic geologists. Traditional materials such as precious metals and stones, industrial metals such as iron and copper, and building materials such as stone, sand, and gravel are still in demand. A bigger challenge today is to determine the environmental effects of these activities and to reclaim disturbed areas.

Volcanic and earthquake activity are responsible for disturbing some urban and industrial areas. Where activity of this kind occurs, geologists monitor it and conduct research to improve predictive methods. The geologist's expertise in these areas can be used by the planner, engineer, and architect to construct buildings and communication networks that are resistant to geological hazards.

The study of geology is interdisciplinary. Mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology have always been keys to the study of geology and have gained even more importance in the application of geology to environmental problems, particularly in the study of the geological aspects of pollution and waste disposal. Geologists contribute to the formulation of environmental policy and the development of environmental regulations to protect geological media and groundwater resources.

Selecting sites for the location of waste-disposal facilities, designing waste-disposal facilities such as landfills and incinerators, and characterizing waste sites are other aspects of environmental geology. For example, to select a site for a waste-disposal facility, the environmental geologist defines geological stability and then identifies the geological characteristics required by the design of the disposal facility. Environmental geologists also characterize hazardous waste sites by determining the extent of contamination in the soils, groundwater, and other environmental media. This information is necessary for the engineer to design the remediation system.

K. O. Thomsen

environmental geology The study of the problems that result from natural hazards and human exploitation of the natural environment. The geologic techniques used include those of engineering geology, economic geology, hydrogeology, etc., as applied to waste disposal, water resources, transport, building, mining, and general land use.

environmental geology Study of the problems resulting from natural hazards and human exploitation of the natural environment. The geologic techniques used include those of engineering geology, economic geology, hydrogeology, etc., as applied to waste disposal, water resources, transport, building, mining, and general land use.