ESC1022

Planet earth: dynamic systems, environmental change and resources

(SCI)

Ms Marion Anderson

6 points + Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: ESC1011, or permission

Synopsis: A continuation of the introduction to Earth Sciences. Topics include: Plate tectonics; formation and evolution of ocean basins and continents, earthquakes and volcanoes, mountain ranges and the formation of coal, petroleum and mineral deposits; the formation of rocks in various sedimentary environments and how rocks and the crust deform over geologic time; paleontology and the evolution of life in earth's history; the importance of groundwater hydrology, aqueous geochemistry and transport of elements in waters of the earth's surface and crust.

Assessment: Examination (2 hours): 50% + Laboratory work, quizzes, assignments and a field excursion: 50%