concentration in Surficial Processes

Example Question 1: How do catastrophic events (e.g. major floods, mining) impact ecosystems?

Geog G305 Environmental Change - Nature and Impact
Geog G475 Climate Change
Geol G302 Development of the Global Environment
Geol G334 Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Geol G415 Geomorphology
Geol G451 Principles of Hydrogeology
SPEA E440 Wetlands: Biology and Regulation
SPEA E443 Habitat Analysis-Aquatic
SPEA E554 Groundwater Flow Modeling

NOTE: In most instances, it would be advisable to include at least one tool course from the list above

Shawn Naylor, "Analysis of vadose zone dynamics and recharge through coal combustion byproducts used in a reclaimed mine setting." BSES Senior Thesis, 2001

ABSTRACT
Overview of Acid Mine Drainage
Abandoned mine land (AML) areas can contribute large amounts of acidity and toxic metals (chromium, cadmium, etc.) to streams and ground water exiting their boundaries.  Rainwater recharge coming in contact with pyretic refuse gains acidity through oxidation reactions and becomes increasingly aggressive towards trace metals, which are mobilized into solution by acidic water. Evaporation during dry months also causes iron sulfate salts to be precipitated on the surface leaving soils that are too acidic for most vegetation.  Lack of vegetation then leads to excessive erosion and further exposure of reactive pyretic refuse as well as silting of streams and lakes.