GEOL511 - GEOLOGY OF SOILS

Soil is considered the "skin of the earth", with interfaces between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. It is the mixture of minerals, organic matter, gases, liquids and a myriad of organisms that can support plant life. As such, soil is a natural body that exists as part of the environment. This course will examine the nature, properties, formation and environmental functions of soil. In addition to lectures, the course includes biweekly labs or field trips, and a multi-day field trip to held during Spring Break.