GE 315
Geoenvironmental Systems.
Instructor: T B A.
Meeting Times: Scheduling details will be announced at a later date.
Text: “ Environmental Geology” by Edward A. Keller ( 8th ed.) 2000 Prentice Hall
Course Description:
The study of environmental issues in a geological context through local and regional
field projects. Projects will examine issues such as volcanism, flooding, shoreline
erosion, slope stability, groundwater resources and contamination, and environmental
impacts of mineral and energy resource extraction. Emphasis will be placed on evaluation
of environmental issues through the application of geological and geophysical field data
such as collecting and analyzing sediments, bedrock and sediment mapping, and well log
analysis.
Prerequisite: GE 280
Student Objectives:
Students will be able to collect, analyze, and synthesize data from topographic maps,
aerial photos, and field observation to construct maps and cross sections and evaluate
potential environmental hazards of selected sites.
Students will be able to conduct geological Phase I Environmental Site assessments
through literature and records searches, data acquisition, field site investigation, report
preparation, and professional-level presentation.
Students will engage in environmental projects that address the important issues related
to hazard assessment and remediation in flooding, shoreline erosion, slope stability,
groundwater resources and contamination, and mineral and energy resource extraction.
Students will work in small groups to prepare and present projects in a professional
manner and conduct peer evaluation of those projects
Course Grade: Credit for GE 315 is only awarded upon successful completion of both
the lecture and the laboratory portions of the course. All points obtained by students for
their work in exams,presentations, quizzes and lab assignments are added up and the
grade is assigned according to the standard LSSU grade scale.
The course requires significant independent work, reading assignments prior to class and
completion of lab work.
Because this is an integrated lecture-laboratory course, attendance is required at all class
meetings.
Student Accommodations and Support Services: In compliance with Lake Superior
State University policy and equal access laws, disability-related accommodations or
services are available. Students are to meet with the professor in a timely manner,
preferably the first week of class, to discuss their disability related needs. Students are
required to register with the Office of Student Accommodations and Support Services
(OSASS) for disability verification and for determination of reasonable academic
accommodations. OSASS is located in the KJS Library, Office 144, Ext. 7559.
Topics:
Hazardous Earth Processes:
1) Volcanic Activities:
Types of Volcanoes
Effects of Volcanic Activity
Prediction of Volcanic events
2) Earthquakes and related Phenomena:
Causes of Earthquakes
Magnitude, Intensity and Frequency
Earthquake prediction
Perception of the Earthquake Hazard
3) Mass Wasting:
Slope Stability
Types of Slides
Human Activities and Landslides
Prevention and Corrective Methods
Snow Avalanches
Perception of the Landslide Hazard
4) Flood Hazards:
Nature and Extent of Floods
Magnitude and Frequency of Floods
Urbanization and Flooding
Channelization
5) Coastal Hazards:
Coastal Erosion
Rise in Sea Level
Hurricanes and Cyclones
Tsunamis
Perception and adjustments to Coastal Hazards
Human Interaction with the Environment.
6) Hydrology and Water Usage.
Surface Water Hydrology
Groundwater Hydrology
Water Availability and Use
Surface- and Groundwater Pollution
7) Waste disposal.
Waste – Water Treatment
Ocean Dumping
Solid Waste Disposal
Selection and Design of Waste Disposal Sites
Hazardous Wastes
8) Mineral Resources and the Environment.
Resources and Reserves
Types of Mineral Resources
Environmental Impact of Resource Development
9) Energy and the Environment.
Fossil Fuels
Nuclear Energy
Geothermal Energy
Renewable Energy Sources