Role and Function of Environmental Geology - Research Paper Example

?Environmental Geology: Role and Function in the Natural World and the Human Race Introduction In my coming college days, I am planning to take up the degree of Environmental Geology. Yes, I am going to be an environmental geologist in the near future. I am optimistic that my future will be bright. Despite of the so-called Coming of Days -- considering the climate change and other “horrible” natural phenomena occurring in this time-period -- I am hopeful that the generations to come, as well as the present generation, will live happy and safe in this world we call Earth. An environmental geologist, to my mind, has an important role to play in keeping the planet Earth clean, green, and safe. I choose this degree for the reason that I love the Mother Earth -- this is the only place I love to live. The environmental geology might be a new science; yet, its key function provides a much brighter world for the future inhabitants of this pale-blue-dot planet. This paper will discuss the brief story, specialized field, responsibilities, and prospects of the profession called environmental geology. Brief Story Erickson remarks that the technical profession called environmental geology is a “relatively new science” (ix). Perhaps by relative he means the emergence of environmental geology as a separate discipline of geology science in the late 20th century. The rising concern of the Earth’s environmental degradation, depletion, and near destruction significantly occurred since the late-20th-century. As such, people had made important ways to prevent the utter extinction of the green planet and the human race as well. The science of geology, as it has been seen, greatly contributed and continues to contribute to the better understanding of the changing physical world. It has been argued that the Earth’s fundamental changes (e.g., change of land formation and of temperature) were the results of human miscalculated activities. Erickson notes that people are called “human volcano” for the reason that they have the power to destroy the physical environment in an instant (ix). The human-induced damages, either conscious or not, to the natural world are comparable to the long-time geologic processes (Erickson ix). But like a volcano, humans have the capacity, if there is a will, to recreate, relive, and re-empower the world in which they live. And the environmental geologist plays a vital role in transforming the natural world into something worth residing and living. Specialized Field In the field of geology -- as well as other natural sciences -- such area of human knowledge is becoming more specialized in the contemporary epoch. Unlike other geologists, environmental geologists have specific work activities or programs to perform. Camenson provides a list of things to do for the environmental geologists: conduct research, analyze and report, understand the issues involved, among other works (94). Camenson says that an environmental geologist has to conduct research in order to “identify, reduce, and eliminate sources of pollutants and hazards” (94). What the environmental geologist does, among others, is to study and determine certain causes of a particular environmental phenomenon. Equipped with the knowledge of the Earth, this geologist explores the sources that created a problem to the natural world -- including man’s built environment. Analysis and reportage are other job activities of an environmental geologist. The environmental geologist does the analysis from his or her gathered measurements and observations. Moreover, this geologist fully knows and understands the environmental issues in promoting, protecting, and enhancing the environment. Curriculum It is true to say that most geology is environmental geology in reality (Ransom and Wainwright 2), nevertheless, environmental geology as a work profession is much more focused and highly concentrated in contrast to other disciplines of geology (e.g., forensic geology). Probably the variations between the environmental geologist and other non-environmental geologists are much reflected in the list of courses that are taken by a geology-major student. Camenson enumerates several courses taken by an environmental-geology student; examples of which are “Toxicology for Industry” and “Geochemistry of the Earth’s Surface” (96). In general, the things or ideas that the environmental-geology student study and learn are about chemicals and hazards salient in industries and other venues established by man. In acquiring this kind of knowledge, the learner is able to view the world in a much clearer manner. That is to say, he or she becomes conscious of the truth concerning the negative effects of chemicals and similar related man-made agents to the natural environment. Responsibilities Bell gives the general functions of an environmental geologist through his given figure: The responsibilities of an environmental geologist are to (1) identify the problem, (2) collect and interpret the data, (3) formulate, (4) reformulate or review, and (5) implement plans in resolving the identified environmental problem. As a technical person in the scientific discipline, the environmental geologist has to determine the problem that is confronting a particular society. The problem could be contaminated water in a community whose members are experiencing a bad effect of drinking such water. In collecting the data, he or she could use the existing land use available in the community. Of course, the water system is part of the data that an environmental geologist can obtain from with respect to this type of dilemma. After acquiring a sufficient data and systematically interpreting them, the environmental geologist can proceed to formulate a plan in resolving the identified problem. Perhaps a chemical substance from certain nearby industry seeped into the water system; and this geologist could create a plan that could stop the chemical leakage. Doubtless to say, political and economic facets are integral to today’s formulation of environment-related policy. Implementing the designed plan is largely political. On the other hand, Knodel, Lange, and Voigt provide the specific framework in which the environmental geologist is expected to perform. In their figure, there are features that are new and detailed in contrast to Bell’s: choices of method and laboratory work are just two examples. Furthermore, a procedure is repeated when the investigation is not fully satisfied. Prospects Echaore-McDavid states that there are numerous companies and institutions that a geologist can work into. She remarks that a geologist can work in a “geological and environmental consulting firms” and in the “local, state, and federal government agencies” among other institutions (Echaore-McDavid 74). On the one hand, an environmental geologist can apply for a job in an environmental consulting firm. Multinational companies -- especially oil or chemical companies -- need an environment specialist who can lend his or her specialty concerning the proper ways or methods of establishing and maintaining a particular physical structure. In the West, the government strictly requires commercial enterprises -- in particular, those who operate using chemical materials -- to follow the rules and regulations pertaining to clean and green environment. Meaning to say, one has to abide the environmental laws of the land to keep the society and the people healthy and strong. On the other hand, an environmental geologist can apply for a job in government offices or agencies. In the United States, a geologist can work in the U.S. Geological Survey; even in the U.S. Department of Energy, an environmental geologist has the chance to apply for the job and consequently be accepted if he or she meets their required standard. Conclusion Environmental geology as a specialized profession is something new. Its emergence is arguably rooted to man’s consciousness of the scarcity and possible destruction of the natural resources and the physical world. The environmental geologist -- a technical profession that I am planning to take -- has a vital role in securing the safety and well-being of the planet Earth and the human race. Indeed, politics is essential for the success of the long-term project undertaken by man: saving our lonely planet. Still, an environmental geologist has a significant participation in prolonging the life of the Mother Earth. And I want to contribute, no matter how little, in securing the safety and vitality of the planet that I dearly love. By becoming an environmental geologist, it is my hope that my generation and the next will have a good and brighter future. Works Cited Bell, Fred G. Environmental Geology: Principles and Practice. London: Blackwell Science, 1998. Print. Camenson, Blythe. Great Jobs for Geology Majors. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2007. Print. Echaore-McDavid, Susan. Career Opportunities in Science. 2nd ed. New York: Ferguson, 2008. Print. Erickson, Jon. Environmental Geology: Facing the Challenges of Our Changing Earth. New York: Facts On File, 2002. Print. Knodel, Klaus, Gerhard Lange, and Hans-Jurgen Voigt. Environmental Geology: Handbook of Field Methods and Case Studies. New York: Springer, 2007. Print. Ransom, Barbara, and Sonya Wainwright. Recent Advances and Issues in the Geological Sciences. Westport, CT: Oryx, 2002. Print. Read More