Geology is the science of processes related to the composition, structure, and history of the Earth and its life. Geology is an interdisciplinary science that draws on aspects of chemistry (composition of Earth materials), physics (natural laws), and biology (understanding life forms), and is closely related to other branches. like mining, environmental engineering, agriculture, civil engineering and much more.
In this article we are going to emphasize environmental geology, one of the most important branches of earth sciences and which is on the rise due to the planet’s environmental problems, the proper use of natural resources and geological risks.
What is environmental geology?
By definition, environmental geology is a branch of applied geology. Specifically, it is the use of geological information to resolve land use conflicts, minimize environmental degradation, and maximize beneficial results from the use of our natural and modified environments and natural resources.
Definition considering its applications
Considering the breadth of its applications, we can further define the environmental geology as the branch of Earth sciences that studies the full spectrum of human interactions with the physical environment.
In this context, environmental geology is a branch of environmental science, the science of the links between physical, biological and social processes in the study of the environment.
What is the study of environmental geology?
The application of geology to these problems includes the study of the following topics:
- Terrestrial materials, such as minerals, rocks, and soils, to determine how they are formed, their potential use as resources or waste disposal sites, and their effects on human health.
- Natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, to minimize loss of life and property
- Geological terrain analysis for land use planning and environmental impact analysis
- Hydrological processes of groundwater and surface water to assess water resources and water pollution problems.
- Geological processes, such as the deposition of sediments on the ocean floor, the building of mountains, and the movement of water above and below the Earth’s surface, to assess local, regional, and global change.
Environmental geology and environmental engineering
Both environmental geology and environmental engineering try to find a solution to the various technical-environmental problems that occur in the environment, therefore both disciplines are considered complementary.
Thus, geologists and environmental engineers work as a team to solve problems of environmental impact, natural risks, use of natural resources and renewable energy, and many other activities.
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Importance of environmental geology
The importance of this branch of geology lies in the fact that it seeks to solve various environmental and energy problems, geological risks and the correct use of natural resources, all with the aim of ensuring an excellent quality of life for the human population.
In addition, it tries to secure for the future the various natural resources such as water, mineral deposits and rocks. It also seeks to make the right use of energy resources such as geothermal energy, hydroelectric energy, nuclear energy and, in general, renewable clean energy.
Finally, it contributes with adequate techniques for environmental care in various engineering activities such as construction.