This illustrated handbook describes a broad spectrum of methods in the fields of remote sensing, geophysics, geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, and microbiology designed to investigate landfill, mining and industrial sites. The descriptions provide information about the principle of the methods, applications and fundamentals. This handbook also deals with the stepwise procedure for investigating sites and common problems faced in efficient implementation of field operations.
Environmental geologists use a wide range of geologic data to solve environmental problems and conflicts. Professionals and academics in this field need to know how to gather information on such diverse conditions as soil type, rock structure, and groundwater flow and then utilize it to understand geological site conditions. Field surveys, maps, well logs, bore holes, ground-penetrating radar, aerial photos, geologic literature, and more help to reveal potential natural hazards in an area or how to remediate contaminated sites. This new workbook presents accessible activities designed to highlight key concepts in environmental geology and give students an idea of what they need to know to join the workforce as an environmental geologist, engineering geologist, geological engineer, or geotechnical engineer. Exercises cover: • Preparation, data collection, and data analysis • Descriptive and engineering properties of earth materials • Basic tools used in conjunction with geoenvironmental investigations • Forces operating on earth materials within the earth • Inanimate forces operating on earth materials at the surface of the earth • Human activities operating on earth materials Each activity encourages students to think critically and develop deeper knowledge of environmental geology.
Using a hands-on, inquiry-based, problem-solving approach throughout, this laboratory manual for environmental geology features 27 exercises based on classic and recent case histories and current events topics. Reviews basic geology and math necessary for the labs and lists Internet addresses for supplemental material related to each exercise. Focuses on geologic systems and human interaction with them -- e.g., volcanos, earthquakes, landslides, snow avalanches, coastal hazards, river floods -- with examples from throughout the United States. Discusses water and soil pollution -- e.g., surface-water and ground-water quality, processes, and pollution -- with numerous examples from throughout the United States. Illustrates the role that the geosciences play in our life-support system -- e.g., groundwater overdraft and saltwater intrusion, energy types, conversions, uses, and options; waste management vs. waste deposit, and total energy and resource flow within a system. Calls for application of basic geological concepts and techniques to regional land-use planning. Considers future trends and global change. For those interested in environmental geology, applied geology, or environmental science.
Environmental Geochemistry: Site Characterization, Data Analysis and Case Histories, Second Edition, reviews the role of geochemistry in the environment and details state-of-the-art applications of these principles in the field, specifically in pollution and remediation situations. Chapters cover both philosophy and procedures, as well as applications, in an array of issues in environmental geochemistry including health problems related to environment pollution, waste disposal and data base management. This updated edition also includes illustrations of specific case histories of site characterization and remediation of brownfield sites. - Covers numerous global case studies allowing readers to see principles in action - Explores the environmental impacts on soils, water and air in terms of both inorganic and organic geochemistry - Written by a well-respected author team, with over 100 years of experience combined - Includes updated content on: urban geochemical mapping, chemical speciation, characterizing a brownsfield site and the relationship between heavy metal distributions and cancer mortality
This lab guide helps readers learn to make wise choices for sustainability in a finite, changing, and geologically active world. Eighteen exercises cover many current issues in environmental geology and are introduced in four sections. Earth's Materials, Geologic Time, and Geologic Processes; Maps, Aerial Photographs and Satellite Images; Measurements, Basic Calculations and Conversions, and Graphs; Volcanoes, Volcanic Products, and Volcanic Hazards; Hazards of Mount St. Helens; Earthquake Epicenters, Intensities, Risks, Faults, Nonstructural Hazards and Preparation; The Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989, and Forecasting Earthquakes in the Bay Region; Landslides and Avalanches; Subsidence; River Floods; Coastal Hazards; Groundwater Hydrology; Water Quality Data and Pollution Sources; Lake and River Contamination from Industrial Waste; Groundwater and Surface Water Contamination from Resource Extraction; Groundwater Overdraft and Saltwater Intrusion; Geology and Regional Planning; Global Change and Sustainability. A hands-on reference for anyone who wants to make more informed choices, and review information critically, about the environment.
The full potential of geophysics in engineering investigations is still to be realised. The many available techniques can provide important information about the ground, its mass properties, its small-scale variations, and its anomalies of structure or content. The advantage of a geophysical survey is that it enables information to be obtained for large volumes of ground that cannot be investigated by direct methods due to cost. The applications of geophysics in the characterisation of contaminated land are still developing, but have great potential for example in the distribution and migration of pollutants in the ground and groundwater. Geophysics is still insufficiently or inappropriately used in engineering and the newer capabilities are not appreciated, so there is a need for up-to-date guidance about how to apply geophysical investigations.This report is published in co-operation with the Geological Society and presents a logical guide through the process of using geophysical investigation methods in site characterisation. It explores the roles of geophysical methods and provides the background to geophysics as an investigative tool. The procurement, management and reporting frameworks for a geophysical investigation are set out, and the importance of the involvement of a recognised geophysics specialist adviser with the work is emphasised. The report explains the need for a conceptual ground model to enable appropriate investigative methods to be chosen. The underlying science and current practices of the main techniques are explained as well as the processes of data acquisition, handling and presentation. The different targets determinable by geophysical methods are considered in separate sections for geological, geotechnical, geo-environmental and structural engineering applications. The report concludes with recommendations for practice. The guide is aimed at geotechnical and civil engineers, geologists and engineering geologists, specialist geophysics contractors, contractors, consultants and clients.
With the continuing increase in population, more people are sharing the finite resources of the urban watershed, resulting in new and increasingly complex interactions between humans and the environment. Environmental contamination is a chronic problem-and an expensive one. In urban areas, water and soil contamination poses a threat to public healt
Data on water quality and other environmental issues are being collected at an ever-increasing rate. In the past, however, the techniques used by scientists to interpret this data have not progressed as quickly. This is a book of modern statistical methods for analysis of practical problems in water quality and water resources.The last fifteen years have seen major advances in the fields of exploratory data analysis (EDA) and robust statistical methods. The 'real-life' characteristics of environmental data tend to drive analysis towards the use of these methods. These advances are presented in a practical and relevant format. Alternate methods are compared, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each as applied to environmental data. Techniques for trend analysis and dealing with water below the detection limit are topics covered, which are of great interest to consultants in water-quality and hydrology, scientists in state, provincial and federal water resources, and geological survey agencies.The practising water resources scientist will find the worked examples using actual field data from case studies of environmental problems, of real value. Exercises at the end of each chapter enable the mechanics of the methodological process to be fully understood, with data sets included on diskette for easy use. The result is a book that is both up-to-date and immediately relevant to ongoing work in the environmental and water sciences.
Reichard's Environmental Geology emphasizes human interaction with the environment within a geological context. The writing style holds the interest of nonmajor students, and the text brings applications to the forefront so that students feel a connection to the topic.
This text focuses on helping non-science majors develop an understanding of how geology and humanity interact. Ed Keller—the author who first defined the environmental geology curriculum—focuses on five fundamental concepts of environmental geology: Human Population Growth, Sustainability, Earth as a System, Hazardous Earth Processes, and Scientific Knowledge and Values. These concepts are introduced at the outset of the text, integrated throughout the text, and revisited at the end of each chapter. TheFifth Edition emphasizes currency, which is essential to this dynamic subject, and strengthens Keller's hallmark “Fundamental Concepts of Environmental Geology,” unifying the text's diverse topics while applying the concepts to real-world examples.
