Geology 108 - Groundwater and Fossil Fuels

Are we running out of drinking water? Is fracking safe? When is peak oil? This course is a basic geology course that focuses on two earth materials we use every day: fresh water and fossil fuels. We cover where groundwater is found and why, the depletion and contamination of groundwater, and some major aquifers. We will also explore the formation, worldwide distribution, and extraction of coal, oil, and natural gas. This course introduces students to physical and historical geology, focusing particularly on plate tectonics and sedimentary basins, with attention to current events and illustrations from around the world.