Humans and Their Geological Environment: Ancient to Modern

The health and welfare of human populations is intimately connected to the natural environment, ranging from catastrophic phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and floods to less-catastrophic yet equally important factors such as soil, water, and climate. In some cases, events that occurred thousands of years ago are recorded in written accounts of oral histories such as volcanism in ancestral Klamath Indian lands and Noah’s Flood. In other cases, geological and archeological studies are required to understand past human-geological connections, and current research into modern problems (e.g., arsenic in groundwater and climate change) may inform public policy. Readings include popular and scientific literature and oral histories. 3 hrs. sem.