Earth Processes for Engineering

In this subject students will be introduced to physical earth processes and their engineering applications and implications. In particular, the subject concentrates on engineering aspects of climate, water, rocks and soils and their interactions. Simplified modelling and relevant analytical techniques are introduced throughout the subject. The students will learn about fundamental material required for later year subjects in civil, environmental and geotechnical engineering. The subject covers topics such as climate and seasonality; carbon cycle, global water cycle and catchment water cycle; rainfall, infiltration, runoff and evapotranspiration; catchment processes and stochastic rainfall modelling; Earth structure and composition; mineral and rock properties; geological processes; soil identification and classification; soil compaction.

• 1ILO 1. Identify key aspects of the climate, soil and water environment that their course is directed towards;
• 2ILO 2. Describe and quantify aspects of the climate system, climate variability and climate change;
• 3ILO 3. Describe and analyse hydrological systems and the cycling and transformation of water and energy in those systems;
• 4ILO 4. Relate the concept of environmental sustainability in the context of climate, water and soils;
• 5ILO 5. Describe basic geological concepts and processes related to formation of earth materials;
• 6ILO 6. Characterise earth materials based on their index and classification properties;
• 7ILO 7. Apply theory of compaction to stabilise soil as an engineering material.
• 8ILO 8. Demonstrate effective work practices in both independent and collaborative settings through successful project completion.