geoengineering
/dʒiˌoʊɪnˈdʒɪnɪərɪŋ/ · geo·en·gi·neer·ing
noun
- The subfield of engineering concerned with designing and constructing tunnels, mines, and other human-designed geologic structures within and on earth. The geotechnical engineers specializing in geoengineering worked on the construction of a new subway tunnel beneath the city.
noun
- The artificial manipulation of the environments of the Earth, especially as a means of counteracting global warming. Geoengineering techniques, such as injecting sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, are being explored as potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Did you know? The concept of geoengineering has been explored in science fiction, such as in the 1966 novel 'Dune' by Frank Herbert, which features a planet-wide ecosystem engineering project.