GEOL& 110 - Environmental Geology

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 22
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Study of the interaction of humans and geological processes. Analysis of geologic hazards (volcanism, slope failure, earthquakes, flooding) and resource management (ores, water, energy resources, waste disposal). GEOL& 100 or 101 recommended. Field trips may be required. Lab included.

Prerequisite: ENGL 099 with a grade of C or higher (or placement into college-level English); and either placement into OR co-enrollment in OR completion of a college-level Math course with a grade of C or higher.
Distribution Requirements:

Natural Sciences Distribution Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Use multiple lines of evidence (maps, radiometric data, landforms, etc.) to identify and assess the risk from different geological hazards, specifically volcanos, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and tsunami.
Describe geologic resource management issues, particularly fossil fuel, water, and ore resources, and how different countries manage resource issues.
Identify ways in which cultural, political and economic factors influence how science is able to inform policy on geologic hazards and Earth resource management.
Understand how the concepts from points 1 through 3 above can be used to minimize adverse geologic impacts on our own environment and on other cultures.
Describe how the issues developed in exploring points 1 through 4 above, impact their lives and the lives of others in the bioregion (Pacific Northwest).

Course Contents

Introduction/Review of physical geology concepts, Overview, Maps
Volcanic Hazards
Earthquake Hazards
Landslides/Avalanches
Rivers-flooding, physical properties of flowing water
Surface fresh water resources, water pollution I
Groundwater resources, water pollution II; soils
Mineral/Energy resources: distribution and abundance, extraction
Mining and Energy II: refining, resource depletion, alternatives
Waste management, Regional Planning and Assessment-Outlook

Instructional Units: 5.5