Description
When most people think about geology, they picture remote areas, mountains, and rugged terrain, and this kind of scenery is what attracts many to the geosciences. But because the term geology means “the Study of the Earth”, geological features and resources are around us all the time, even in the heart of the largest city. Geologic features have influenced the location, layout and planning of cities, the structural requirements for buildings, and access to key resources such as water. Geologic materials provide the literal building blocks for cities, and the local geology can have a significant effect on architectural design that gives each city its own unique personality. And geologic processes like earthquakes, volcanoes, and flooding can have devastating effects on cities that last for decades. In this class, we will discuss the ways that geology has continued to shape some of the world’s major cities, including our own hometown of San Antonio.
