This brief paperback presents the basics of physical geology within the context of environmental applications
to show how geology relates to life and society�showing us how the world works, how we can avoid or live with potential/natural
hazards, and how geology interacts with major environmental problems facing people and society.
Introduces philosophy and fundamental concepts, the structure of the Earth and plate tectonics, and the origin
and significance of rocks and minerals. Addresses the major natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanic activity,
rivers and flooding, landslides, and coastal processes; the major natural resources associated with the geological
environment and the subject of pollution; global change, environmental management, and relationships between the
environment and society.
Table of Contents
I. FOUNDATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY.
1. Philosophy and Fundamental Concepts.
2. Internal Structure of the Earth and Plate Tectonics.
3. Minerals and Rocks.
II. EARTH PROCESSES AND NATURAL HAZARDS.
4. Earthquakes and Related Phenomena.
5. Volcanic Activity.
6. Rivers and Flooding.
7. Slope Processes, Landslides and Subsidence.
8. Coastal Processes.
III. RESOURCES AND POLLUTION.
9. Water: Resource and Pollution.
10. Mineral Resources.
11. Energy Resources.
12. Soils and Environment.
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE AND SOCIETY.
13. Global Climate Change.
14. Geology, Society, and the Future: Selected Examples.
APPENDICES.
Appendix A: Minerals.
Appendix B: Rocks
Appendix C: Maps and Related Topics.
