Preamble
Man’s environment is the earth system. The earth system broadly comprises the five spheres namely the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and the lithosphere. Energy and matter is interchanged at the interfaces of these spheres. Some physical, chemical as well as biological processes that take place within and at the interfaces of these spheres constitute environmental hazards. Some of these processes are natural while others are man-made or man-induced. It is therefore important to understand these processes and the role human activities play in the enhancement of geo-hazardous conditions in order to plan and manage our environment sustainably.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
SEMESTER 11
COURSE TITLE: SES 863: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
Lecture Hours/Week: 3 hrs Units: 3
Prerequisites: Attainment of basic requirements for Masters of Science (Environmental Earth Sciences) admission of University of Eldoret.
Contact Hours: 39
Purpose of course
The course discusses practical application of the principles of geology in the solving of environmental problems.
Expected Learning Outcomes of the Course
On completion of the course students should be able:
(i) To understand the structure and composition of the Earth.
(ii) To understand how environmental processes are influenced by the material composition and structure.
(iii) To learn about the natural and human-induced factors that contribute to environmental hazards.
(iv) To learn about methods used to monitor the common geo-hazards and their mitigation measures.
COURSE CONTENT
The structure and composition of the earth. The weathered zone as the interface between geo-bio-atmosphere, geologic and physical property settings affecting the earth's surface and internal processes. Geophysical studies of landslides, earthquakes and volcanoes. Other geological hazards. Risk assessment. Water pollution and management. Geo-environmental distribution of diseases. Monitoring and mitigation of geological hazards.
Mode of Delivery
Lectures, independent studies, problem based learning, library and internet reading/research.
Instructional Materials and/or Equipment
Books, Hand outs, projector, Chalk/white board.
Course Assessment
Type of assessment Weight (%)
Continuous Assessment Test (1 and 2) 40%
End of semester Exams 60%
Total 100%
Core Reading Materials
Strahler, A. N. and Strahler, A. H. (1973): Environmental Geoscience: Interaction between
natural systems and man. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., N.Y.
Chernicoff, S. and Whitney, D. (2007): Geology: an introduction to physical geology. 4th
Edition. Prentice Hall, USA. (Chapters 8, 17).
Keller, E. A. (2002): Introduction to Environmental Geology. 2nd Ed. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
Montgomery, C. W. (1992): Environmental Geology. 3rd Ed. Wm. C. Brown Publishers, USA.
Schiesser A . (2014). Geological Disaster Laboratory Manual and Case Studies 3rd Edition. Kendall Hunt Publishing.
Edward A. Keller. (2011). Introduction to Environmental Geology. Prentice Hall.
Recommended References
Chester, D. (1993). Volcanoes and Society. London: Edward Arnold.
Burton, I., Kates, R. W. and White, G. F. (1993). The Environment as Hazard (2nd edn). New York and London: The Guilford Press.
Alexander, D. (1993). Natural Disasters. London: UCL Press.
International Journal of Geosciences
Journal of Environmental Hydrology
International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology
World Applied Sciences Journal.
- Teacher: Elias K Ucakuwun