Environmental geology, like hydrogeology, is an applied science concerned with the practical application of the principles of geology in the solving of environmental problems created by man. It is a multidisciplinary field that is closely related to engineering geology and, to a lesser extent, to environmental geography.[1] Each of these fields involves the study of the interaction of humans with the geologic environment, including the biosphere, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, and to some extent the atmosphere. In other words, environmental geology is the application of geological information to solve conflicts, minimizing possible adverse environmental degradation, or maximizing possible advantageous conditions resulting from the use of natural and modified environment. With an increasing world population and industrialization, the natural environment and resources are under high strain which puts them at the forefront of world issues. Environmental geology is on the rise with these issues as solutions are found by utilizing it.[2]
- ^ Bell, F (1998). Environmental geology : Principles and practice. Oxford ; Malden, Mass. : Blackwell Science. ISBN 0632061367.
- ^ Knödel, K; Lange, G; Voigt, H.G. (2007). Environmental geology : handbook of field methods and case studies. Berlin ; New York: Springer. ISBN 978-3-540-74669-0.