For courses in Environmental Geology taken by introductory, non-science majors. Also appropriate for Physical Geology courses emphasizing an environmental perspective. As the human population increases, many decisions concerning our use of natural resources will determine our standard of living and the quality of our environment. This text helps non-science majors develop an understanding of how geology and humanity interface. Ed Keller the author who first defined the environmental geology course focuses on five fundamental concepts of environmental geology: Human Population Growth, Sustainability, Earth as a System, Hazardous Earth Processes, and Scientific Knowledge and Values. These concepts are introduced at the outset of the text, integrated throughout, and revisited at the end of each chapter. Included with every text, the Hazard City CD-ROM gives instructors meaningful, easy-to-assign, and easy-to-grade assignments based on the idealized town of Hazard City.

This introductory text in environmental geology should be of interest to undergradates in applied geology, environmental geology and physical geography.

Having originally defined the Environmental Geology course, this text is considered the most comprehensive yet readable book for a course at this level. Keller continues to offer the most detailed, current research available. He covers a wide range of topics, discussing everything from fundamental geologic principles to the specifics of environmental law and geologic hazards, from a truly environmental perspective. The Ninth Edition emphasizes the engineering geology approach, with more quantification of relationships, especially in the discussion of soil and rock mechanics and landslides. KEY TOPICS: Philosophy and Fundamental Concepts; Earth Materials and Process; Soils and Environment; Geology and Ecosystems; Introduction to Natural Hazards; Rivers and Flooding; Landslides and Related Phenomena; Earthquakes and Related Phenomena; Volcanic Activity; Coastal Hazards: Coastal Erosion and Hurricanes; Impact of Extraterrestrial Objects; Water Resources; Water Pollution; Mineral Resources and Environment; Energy and Environment; Global Climate Change; Geology and Society. MARKET: A readable, comprehensive reference for environmental geology.