Environmental Geosciences and Restoration Ecology

Paper Code: 
25ENV 324
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
4.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to-

  1. Become aware of the degradation of the earth and methods of Ecological restoration
  2. Understand geological systems in a better way

 

 

Course Outcomes: 

Upon completion of the course, students will:

CO86: Explain the fundamental theories of the origin and evolution of the universe with a special focus on the earth.

CO87: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts underlying geosciences, including the earth’s structure, composition and processes

CO88: Analyze and assess the geological factors causing natural hazards affecting living and non-living environments.

CO89: Critically evaluate current events and public information related to natural hazards

CO90: Evaluate the principles underlying            restoration ecology and ecological restoration in local, national and global contexts

CO91: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

12.00
Unit I: 
Basic Concepts of Geosciences

 

  • Environmental Geosciences- fundamental concept
  • Origin of Universe: Big Bang Theory, Steady State theory, Pulsating Universe theory
  • Major division of geological time
  • Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift

 

14.00
Unit II: 
Geosciences and Earth Systems

 

  • Earth system and biosphere
  • Interrelationship of various earth systems-geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere
  • Climate of India, Indian monsoon
  • Climate of Rajasthan
  • El-nino and La-nina
  • Drought
  • Tropical cyclones and western disturbances

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Earth Process and Geological Hazards

 

  • Earth Processes: Cycle in the Earth system
  • Catastrophic Geological Hazards
    • Floods
    • Landslides
    • Earthquakes
    • Volcanoes
    • Avalanche

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Ecological Restoration

 

  • Definition and objectives of Ecological Restoration
  • Need for Restoration
  • Principles and guidelines of Restoration

 

10.00
Unit V: 
Planning and Implementation of Ecological Restoration

                

  • Steps for restoration: Developing the Plan; Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting
  • National and International restoration projects

 

 

Essential Readings: 

ESSENTIAL READINGS

  • Siddhartha, K. (2018). The Earth’s Dynamic Surface Book of Geomorphology. Kitab Mahal, Allahabad.
  • Singh, S. (2006). Physical Geography. Pravalika Publications, Allahabad.
  • Keller, E.A. (2011). Introduction to Environmental Geology (5th edition). Pearson Prentice Hall.
  • Krishnan, M. S. (1982). Geology of India and Burma. CBS Publishers and Distributors.
  • Margaret A. Palmer, Joy B. Zedler, and Donald A. Falk (2016). Foundations of Restoration         Ecology. Island Press, Washington DC
  • Holl Karen D. (2020) The Primer of Ecological Restoration. Island Press, Washington DC

 

SUGGESTED READINGS

  • Hudson, T. (2017). Living with Earth: An Introduction to Environmental Geology. Routledge.
  • Duff, P. M. D., and Duff, D. (Eds.). (1993). Holmes' Principles of Physical Geology. Taylor and Francis.
  •     Gupta, A. K., Anderson, D. M., Pandey, D. N., and Singhvi, A. K. (2006). Adaptation and human migration, and evidence of agriculture coincident with changes in the Indian summer monsoon during the Holocene. Current Science 90: 1082-1090.
  •     Leeder, M., and Arlucea, M.P. (2005). Physical Processes in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Blackwell Publishing.
  •    Pelletier, J. D. (2008). Quantitative Modeling of Earth Surface Processes (Vol. 304). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Chicago
  • Riley Ann L. (2016): Restoring Neighbourhood streams: Planning, Design, and Construction.

Island Press, Washington DC

 

References: 

JOURNALS

  • Environmental Geosciences Journal
  • Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences
  • Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection
  • Restoration Ecology
  • Ecological Restoration
  • Ecology and Society

 

 

 

Academic Year: 
2025-2026
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