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Geoscientific environmental research deals with very complex problems requiring integration of knowledge from many different fields. Computer-based risk evaluation methods are required as practical tools to automatically compare and evaluate contaminated sites. ALTRISK and HYDRISK are two examples of knowledge-based systems useful for environmental analysis. What types of problems must be solved by the geosciences that are relevant to environmental issues? Is it possible to define a special field of "environmental geology" that is distinct from the other branches of the geosciences? Geoscientists have always believed that it is part of their responsibility to find solutions to environmental problems. These questions have been treated for many years in numerous publications and discussions, and have been considered in educational programs. The environmental sciences are characterized by pragmatism. Research must be restricted to that which is sensible and leads to further decisions and actions that result in solutions which are acceptable with respect to their consequences. There are two essential aspects of environmental research: 1) Investigators should use scientific, empirically reproducible methods; and 2) Research should be driven by the significance and consequences of any potential risk—for example, the environmental impact on human health. These aspects cannot be considered separately. Pragmatic considerations determine the modality and resolution of the research. This has the effect of "styling" the mode of operation and the approach to specific problems. The method of sampling influences the perception of effects in a specific situation and also determines the assessment of risk. Because of the very complex correlations between many causes, risk cannot be determined in an exact manner. It is necessary that an expert be asked for an opinion of the degree of risk involved, based on his or her past experience in similar circumstances. Environmental research requires interdisciplinary investigations and the integration of knowledge from different fields. Even taking into account all of the known interrelationships, an exact evaluation of the risk may be impossible. The very complex problems dealt with by geoscientific environmental research are characterized by many interactions that depend upon conditions within the system.