Example geology dissertation topic 1:

A study of the environmental impact of the construction of Rutland Water.

As one of the larger man-made reservoirs within England, the construction of Rutland Water involved the relocation of residents and the flooding of a number of farms and villages. Parts of the former villages may still be still, above the high water line, such as Normanton Church, formerly of the estate of Normanton Hall (demolished). Now matured, this dissertation assesses the environmental impact of both the original construction of the reservoir as well as the present environmental diversity of the site. Primarily involving secondary research, interviews could be carried out with local resident groups and others associated with Rutland water should the researcher wish to develop this angle within the dissertation.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Cosgrove, D., Roscoe, B. and Rycroft, S. (1996). Landscape and identity at Ladybower Reservoir and Rutland Water.Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 21(3), pp. 534-551.
• Downing, R. A. (2004). Groundwater in a national water strategy, 1964-1979.Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 225(1), pp. 323-338.
• Knights, E. A. (1982). Rutland Water—From conception to operation. Hydrobiologia, 88(1), pp. 7-17.