Earth Sciences

AIMS

To demonstrate the immensity of surface and near-surface processes and resulting changes on Earth through geological time. Students will learn: processes and problems at Earth’s surface and near-surface realms, details of surface processes and the resulting products, with an emphasis on spatial distribution and the interrelationship of the various processes shaping the surface. The course provides a systematic description of commonly-occurring sedimentary rocks.

Practical classes and two short fieldtrips will be used to demonstrate surface processes in action through time and to teach the identification and application of common sedimentary rocks and structures in the field, in hand specimen and graphic logs.

OUTCOMES

An understanding of:

• surface and near-surface processes and products;
• the systematic classification of sediments and the ability to identify common sedimentary rocks and structures in the field, in hand specimen and in graphic logs;
• global change through time.

CONTENT

Topics studied in lectures and during fieldwork include:

• Weathering, sediment transport, etc.
• Classification of sediments (texture, composition, sedimentary structures);
• Siliciclastics, evaporates;
• Carbonates, phosphates, siliceous & organic-rich sediments;
• The geology of running water and groundwater;
• Oceans and coasts;
• Earth’s atmosphere and climate;
• The geology of deserts;
• Glaciers and Ice ages;
• Terrestrial environments;
  
• Global Change in the Earth System.