What foundational sciences are combined in geological engineering?

Geological engineering is an interdisciplinary field that integrates several foundational sciences to address various earth-related challenges effectively. The inclusion of chemistry, physics, geology, and biology is crucial because:

• Chemistry helps in understanding the composition and behavior of minerals and the interactions of various materials within the earth.

• Physics is essential for analyzing the physical properties of earth materials, understanding processes like erosion or seismic activity, and applying principles like mechanics to geological structures.

• Geology serves as the backbone of geological engineering, providing insights into the earth's structure, processes, and the history of rock formations, which is vital for construction and resource management.

• Biology contributes knowledge about the living organisms in relation to geological processes and can be important in environmental assessments.

This combination of sciences allows geological engineers to assess risks, design sustainable structures, and explore natural resources while considering environmental impacts, making it the correct answer. The other fields listed do not directly relate to the technical aspects and scientific principles necessary for geological engineering.