RedVector RV-10215

Basics of Soil Resources 2: Erosion, Desertification, Salinization & Soil Acidification

Basics of Soil Resources 2: Erosion, Desertification, Salinization & Soil Acidification

2 hrs. Online Course

Level: Fundamental

Item#: RV-10215

SME: Donna Rona

This course has been discontinued.

 
 
This course focuses on the topics of erosion, desertification, salinization and soil acidification. These are issues that affect all life on earth. 70% of earth’s land capable of supporting agriculture has suffered erosion and soil degradation. This has a direct impact on the chemical cycles of life, the atmosphere, water and food supplies of the entire planet.
 
The rise and fall of civilizations through history has been based on the condition of the soil.  From the fertile crescent to the Egyptian Empire and the Han Empire of China, it is the soil that built the empire, and land degradation that led to the deterioration and eventual collapse of these civilizations.
 
Soil and land resources are generated, developed and renewed within a geologic time frame, in processes that take hundreds of thousands or even millions of years. The span of human history is measured in some thousands of years. For this reason, land resources must be regarded as essentially non-renewable. It is therefore exceptionally important to adopt a proactive approach to conservation and sustainable management of these critical resources.
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:
  • Discuss the forms, processes and characteristics of erosion
  • Explain the impact of soil degradation on biodiversity
  • Define the vocabulary of erosion
  • Describe the process of desertification
  • Analyze the consequences of desertification and soil acidification
  • Indentify the problems involved in salinization of soils
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Donna Rona
Donna Rona Photo
A coastal engineer with over 36 years experience in coastal, marine and environmental engineering, Dr. Rona is a licensed Professional Engineer in Mechanical Engineering. Combining a strong background in physics and earth sciences with extensive field experience in engineering, she has enjoyed a diverse career as a practicing engineer and consultant. Earning a BS in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami, she has also continued to participate in engineering and science education as both adjunct faculty and guest lecturer at several universities, later branching out to earn a certificate in Online Teaching from the University of California.
 
Dr. Rona is an experienced teacher and communicator. Author of professional journal papers, trade magazine articles and the book Environmental Permits (published by Van Nostrand Reinhold), she has served as editor of technical journals, taught graduate courses in engineering, and has served as a business communications consultant. She has authored over 40 technical courses currently offered online.  Working with legislators, technical experts, and businesses, she has also developed skills and expertise in negotiation and arbitration.

Dr. Rona, an advocate of lifelong education, has also earned multiple advanced degrees in integrative medicine, including the Doctor of Naturopathy degree.

State Licenses
AK - Land Surveyor (General)
AL - Land Surveyor (General)
AR - Land Surveyor (General)
DC - Land Surveyor (General)
GA - Land Surveyor (General)
IA - Land Surveyor (General)
ID - Land Surveyor (General)
IL - Land Surveyor (General)
IN - Land Surveyor (General)
KS - Land Surveyor (General)
LA - Land Surveyor (General)
MA - Title 5 Soil Evaluator (General - T517-0012)
MD - Land Surveyor (General)
ME - Land Surveyor (General)
MI - Land Surveyor (General)
MN - Land Surveyor (General)
MS - Land Surveyor (General)
MT - Land Surveyor (General)
NC - Geologist (General - 170145)
NC - Land Surveyor (General)
ND - Land Surveyor (General, Technical)
NE - Architect (Health, Safety & Welfare)
Accreditation: Vector Solutions is authorized by IACET to offer 0.20 CEUs for this program
NE - Engineer (General)
Accreditation: Vector Solutions is authorized by IACET to offer 0.20 CEUs for this program
NH - Geologist (General)
NH - Land Surveyor (General)
NJ - Engineer (General - 24GP000006300)
NJ - Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) (Technical - 2015-011)
Accreditation: This course have been approved by the NJ SRPL for 1 Technical hour.
NM - Land Surveyor (General)
NV - Land Surveyor (General)
NY - Engineer (General)
Accreditation: Vector Solutions is authorized by IACET to offer 0.2 CEU for this program.
OH - Land Surveyor (General)
OK - Land Surveyor (General)
OR - Photogrammetrist (General)
PA - Land Surveyor (General)
SC - Geologist (General - SCPG1865)
SC - Land Surveyor (General)
SD - Land Surveyor (General, Technical)
UT - Land Surveyor (General)
VA - Land Surveyor (General)
WA - Land Surveyor (General)
WI - Land Surveyor (General)
WY - Land Surveyor (General)