ESC1022

Planet earth: dynamic systems, environmental change and resources ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms Marion Anderson

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: A continuation of the introduction to Geosciences. 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.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students will be able to discuss the major features of ocean basins and continents, and to describe some of the processes which form them; discuss the processes of sedimentation and use the information tied up in sedimentary rocks to infer their environments of deposition; recognise and explain the features of, and processes, that deform rocks and minerals; describe the geologic evolution of Australia; explain how fossils can be used to study the evolution of life through geologic time, and infer the palaeoclimatic conditions on earth; discuss different types of ore, coal and petroleum deposits and explain some of the processes that form them; explain some of the aspects of geosciences that are important to the environment; explain some of the aspects of remote sensing and how they relate to the study of our planet and other planets.

Assessment: Examination (2 hours): 50% + Laboratory work, quizzes, assignment and two field excursions: 50%

Contact Hours: Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week

Prerequisites: ESC1011, or permission