GEOL 211 - Earth Materials and the Environment

Credits: (4)

Instructional Method: Lecture
Prerequisites: GEOL 105
Pre- or Corequisites: CHEM 111 or permission of instructor
Study of mineral and rock formation, major mineral and rock groups, their crystallography, compositions, structures, classification, identification and environmental aspects of their extraction and use. Techniques include microphotography and automated, digital image analysis of minerals. Introduction and demonstration of the X-Ray Diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscope and Electron Microprobe as instruments for mineralogical analysis. The origin, evolution and distribution of igneous and metamorphic rocks will be based on established field relationships and experimental determinations. Case studies will be used focusing on environmental aspects of minerals and rocks including their relationships with sediment, soil and groundwater pollution, slope stability, karst and sinkhole terrains, and ancient climate change.