Geosciences

Vocabulary flashcards related to Environmental Geology covering key concepts, definitions, and methods discussed.

Environmental Geology

The study of how humans interact with the geologic environment, including rocks, soil, and water.

Goals of Environmental Geology

Resolve land-use conflicts, prevent environmental degradation, and optimize use of natural resources.

Topics Studied in Environmental Geology

Earth materials, natural hazards, hydrologic processes, geological processes, land use, and pollution tracking.

Engineering Geology

Application of geological knowledge to engineering problems; ensures construction safety and environmental protection.

Role of Engineering Geologists

Work with civil, mining, and environmental engineers on tunnels, dams, bridges, roads, and power plants.

Coastal Engineering

Involves sand replenishment, cliff stability, harbors, piers, offshore drilling platforms, and subsea pipelines.

Engineering Geology Phases

Includes planning, environmental impact analysis, design, construction, and post-construction evaluation.

Common Engineering Investigations

Assess ground strength, slope stability, erosion, flooding, and seismic hazards.

Geoarchaeology

Applies earth science concepts and methods to archaeological research; helps locate and protect buried cultural heritage.

Geophysical Methods in Archaeology

Use magnetic and other techniques to detect buried structures without excavation.

Medical Geology

Studies how geological materials and processes affect human and ecosystem health.

Goals of Medical Geology

Identify harmful materials, predict their movement, explain exposure pathways, and prevent harmful exposure.

Geological Contributions to Health

All nutrients originate from Earth’s rocks and minerals; some rocks have been used historically to treat diseases.

Forensic Geology

Uses minerals, soil, and earth materials to help solve legal investigations and crimes.

Questions Asked in Forensic Geology

What is this material? Where is it from? Is it unique or linked to a crime scene?

Forensic Soil Analysis

Soils have distinct compositions of minerals, fossils, and human-made particles useful for matching crime scene evidence.

Uses of Forensic Geology

Determine if a suspect was at a crime scene, analyze burial sites, and provide evidence in court.

Exploration Methods

Techniques for finding and studying new mineral and fuel sources.

Topographic Map

Shows land shape and elevation above sea level.

Geochemical Map

Displays chemical composition variations of an area.

Metallogenic Map

Shows locations and types of mineral deposits.

Direct Exploration Methods

Include excavation of trenches and borehole drilling to collect rock samples.

Indirect Exploration Methods

Use geophysical techniques to study physical properties of rocks and soils.

Seismic Method

Uses shock waves to determine rock properties; measures reflected waves to image subsurface structures.

Electrical Method

Measures the electrical conductivity of earth materials using surface or borehole instruments.