Environmental Geosciences

ABOUT THE COURSE:Environmental Geosciences is the study of the interactions between the Earth's physical components such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere and human activities. This field is crucial for understanding how natural processes and human actions impact the environment, as well as for developing solutions to environmental problems. The importance of environmental geosciences lies in its diverse applications, including the sustainable management of natural resources like water, minerals, and fossil fuels, and the identification and mitigation of pollution and environmental hazards. In summary, Environmental Geosciences bridge the gap between natural sciences and societal needs, ensuring a sustainable and healthy environment.INTENDED AUDIENCE: Research. Students, Officials from IndustryPREREQUISITES: B.Tech/BE in Civil or Environmental or MSc in Environmental Science/ Geology.INDUSTRY SUPPORT: Research Institute/ PSUs/ Govt. Institute.

Syllabus

Week 1:Brief Introduction about lecture series.Introduction of Orgin of the Earth, its internal structure Concept of Atmosphere, Hydrosphere. Lithosphere and their constituents. Plate tectonics.Week 2:Types of Weathering, Erosion, transportation and Geological work of Wind , River and Glaciers.Week 3:Dip, Strike, Folds & Faults its environmental interpretation, Geological Hazards - Earlhquake, Volcanoes,Floods and Landslidcs.Week 4:Crystals system - different Crystal classes . Concepts of Minerals-its properties, Properties of common silicate minerals, sulphide and oxide minerals.Week 5:Concept of rocks. Magma-its composition and constitution,description of sorne comtron Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks.Week 6:Distribution of water in Earth, Groundwater provinces of lndia, Hydrological cycle, Aquifer-its types; Porosity and PermeabilityWeek 7:Law of groundwater movement- Darcy's larv and applications. Groundwater fluctuations Pollution of groundwater resources.Week 8:Various Stratigraphic units of India. Fossils. their mode of preservation and uses.Week 9:Process of soil formation, irnpact of soil erosion, soil physical and chemical propertiesWeek 10:Fossil fuels. Conservation of non-renewable resources. Week 11:Geochemical classification of elements. Geophysical methods.Week 12:Remote Sensing and GIS applications. Impact of clirnate change on water resources.