Why Study Environmental Geology?
One reason for studying environmental geology might simply be curiosity about the way the earth works, about the how and why of natural phenomena. Another reason is that we are increasingly faced with environmental problems to be solved and decisions to be made, and in many cases, an understanding of one or more geologic processes is essential to finding an appropriate solution. Of course, many environmental problems cannot be fully assessed and solved using geologic data alone. The problems vary widely in size and in complexity. In a specific instance, data from other branches of science (such as biology, chemistry, or ecology), as well as economics, politics, social priorities, and so on may have to be taken into account. Because a variety of considerations may influence the choice of a solution, there is frequently disagreement about which solution is “best.” Our personal choices will often depend strongly on our beliefs about which considerations are most important. ABOUT THE BOOK
