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GEOL 202 -- Surface & Envir Geol

Expanded course description

The earth's surface is continually in a state of change. Active geologic processes act to modify the shape and form of the land creating deep valleys at one location and broad floodplains in another. Surface rock that is exposed to the earth's atmosphere and hydrosphere begins to breakdown both physically and chemically through the process of weathering. Erosion then acts to sculpt the surface and transport loose sediment with the help of landslides, surface water, wind, and ice. If conditions are right, this sediment can be preserved and transformed into a new material referred to as sedimentary rock. Stored within these preserved rock samples are the clues that indicate when, where, and how these earth materials were formed. This course will introduce students to the characteristic landforms observed on earth as well as on other planets in our solar system. Students will learn how to identify geologic landforms, gain insight into how these landforms are formed, and learn how to read the rock record expressed within sedimentary rocks.

With the geologic skills gained in the first half of the course, we will then explore what the rock record suggests about earth's climate throughout geologic history. Insight into how global warming might impact the earth's future climate can be gained by understanding how climate has fluctuated in the geologic past. Contained within the sedimentary rocks is a record of the past environmental conditions on our planet's surface. By unlocking the clues contained within the rocks, we can begin to understand the factors that control the initiation of ice ages and warm periods.

The course format includes 3 lecture hours each week in addition to a required field trip. Weekly labs will develop basic geologic skills such as the ability to read topographic maps, interpret aerial photographs, characterize human modification to the earth's surface, and identify rock samples.

Core components: Graded materials include exams, lab assignments, 2 papers, and field-trip attendance. Completion of GEOL 201, the first course in the introductory sequence, is encouraged but not required.

Group: SCI

Offered 200602.

Syllabus

Although syllabi can change from term to term, a syllabus may provide further information about typical instances of this course.

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