ESCI 321 - Advanced Topics in Environmental Geology

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

This course investigates fundamental geologic controls on environmental issues such as resource distribution and use, ground and surface water pollution, and atmospheric pollution. A specific topic is selected each year, and work in the class includes a survey of relevant literature, field visits to local sites, and development of a group project.

Topic for 2024/25b: Climate and Energy Geoscience in Trinidad and Tobago. The twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is resource-rich, especially regarding petroleum. The country is one of the leading emitters of CO2 per capita. Yet, as a small Caribbean nation, it is exceptionally vulnerable to the effects of climate warming including severe storms, droughts, and sea-level rise. Further, the water-intensive production of liquified natural gas and the paucity of water during the six-month dry season leave the country ill-equipped to buffer against some of the most severe effects of climate change. The course focuses on the effects of climate change on the welfare of humans and other living beings on these Caribbean islands, among other geological issues. In this class, we travel to Trinidad and Tobago for 10 days to conduct research on projects developed during the first half of the semester. In preparation for the trip we meet weekly to learn about the geology, hydrology, and petroleum resources of the island and identify research projects to conduct during and after the field trip. Deon Knights, Jill Schneiderman.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

One 3-hour period.

Course Format: INT