Of late, man's interference in the Earth's systems has become more pronounced, exemplified by climatic havoc attributed to global warming, destruction of the ozone layer, deforestration leading to flooding or desertification, spread of pollution and radioactivity through the environment, and hydrological interference resulting from intensive construction for housing and transport. It now is indisputable that in many ways the Earth operates as a single system, with non-living and living components interconnected by a variety of mutual influences. Better understanding of the Earth, processes occurring on and within it and its history allows us to predict the effects of dynamic natural processes and actions of man on the Earth and its inhabitants, and thereby prepare ourselves for the future. The Huttonian adage that 'the present is the key to the past' is today supplemented by the principal that 'the present is the key to the future'. The undergraduate program allows the student many choices following four main streams, outlined below.
Students train on modern software releases with internet access to data bases around the world.
As our department is relatively small, a close relationship develops between staff and students, strengthened by time spent together in the field. These are supplemented by regional excursions to study Israel geology during semester breaks. Graduate students and staff participate in field excursions abroad, usually to neighboring countries, each year or two. To serve as a center of excellence for research and discovery at the forefront of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. To train students at the undergraduate and graduate levels to meet demand for professional personnel in the Earth and Environmental Sciences.