Geology for Environmental Engineers

The environmental field has evolved since its beginnings in the 1970s with the passage of CERCLA (Superfund) and creation of the USEPA. Moreover, the nature of site characterization studies and remediation designs has also evolved since that time. But in order for the environmental engineer to understand the behavior of the chemicals and pollutants in the environment and properly design remediations, knowledge of the principles and tenets of geology is critical--the science that interprets the facts concerning the earth. This book discusses the different types of rock and the geologic processes that produce the many types of soils and rocks typically found in most environmental sites. It provides a concise introduction to plate tectonics, continental drift, and subduction zones, as they play roles in the formation of the planet and the geological features encountered by engineers who are working on environmental and civil related projects. The reader will gain an understanding of the many processes that affect the behavior of fluids in and moving through ground formations--essential to designing and implementing successful environmental remediation projects. References and suggested additional reading are provided to aid the student and professional alike.