Geology 107

Many important issues in politics center on environmental issues and Environmental Geology has become an important area of study.  Your assignment is to write a 4-5 page paper about a specific topic in environmental geology, including the geologic and human influences on the issue.  Please choose a topic that is directly related to geology (e.g. pick soil erosion due to rain forest loss rather than focussing on biological effects).  Other examples might include mineral resources (mining and materials), Yucca Mountain, Exxon Valdez oil spill, alternative energy resources, issues involving our national parks.  Please check with me before proceeding with your topic.

Use the same reference criteria as given in assignment #2 (3 sources).

Please organize your paper so it includes the following sections:

• What is the issue? What are the underlying geologic processes behind this issue?
• What influence do humans have on this issue? Are humans making things worse or better?
• What are some ways this issue can be mitigated (steps taken to lessen the impact or improve the situation)?
• What is the future outlook for this issue? What will happen if preventative measures are not taken? What will happen if preventative measures are taken?