Code

ENS 511

Title

Geological Environment

Credits

2 Credits

Compulsory/Optional

Compulsory

Prerquisites

None

Aims

To familiarise students in earth processes and earth materials

Intended learning outcomes

At the end of the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe main earth processes
2. Describe the structure of the earth and how it is determined
3. Explain the compositions of earth materials
4. Describe the weathering process and formation of soil profiles
5. Explain applications of groundwater exploration in crystalline terrains
6. Explain earth hazards, mainly earthquakes, tsunami and landslides and their prediction and controls

Time Allocation

24 hours lectures + 6 hours practical + 6 hours field work

Content

Earth in the Solar System; Structure of the Earth; Lithosphere and its composition; Plate tectonics; History of Earth and Geologic time; Rocks and minerals and weathering processes; Soil profiles; Hydrosphere: Earth’s water resources and its applications; Groundwater exploration; Landslides and Earthquakes their prediction and control

Recommended Texts

Cooray, P.G. (1984). The Geology in Sri Lanka. National Museum, Colombo, pp.340.

E.W. Spencer, 1988.Introduction to structure of the earth, Billy P. Glass, 1982. Introduction to planetary geology,

Yasamanov, N.A..1990. Modern Geology,

Secord, James A.1998. Principles of Geology

Walton Williams C., (1970) Groundwater resources evaluation, McGraw Hill Book Co., New York.

Panabokke, C.R. (2008). Groundwater Conditions in Sri Lanka – a Geomorphic Perspective, National Science Foundation publ., pp.144.

Landslides, Publications in National Building Research Organization