Environmental geology is the study of the interaction of humans with the geologic environment including the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. A primary task is to identify environmental conditions adverse to living organisms, distinguish human impacts from natural processes and, where possible and appropriate, develop information that allows engineering solutions to the problems. Examples include climate change, toxic metal releases in mining, and water quality issues.

The following faculty members undertake research in environmental geology:

Biogeochemistry
Dr. Graham Layne
Dr. Sue Ziegler

Paleoclimatology
Dr. Karem Azmy

Toxic Metal Geochemistry

Radioactive waste Management
Dr. John Hanchar