ESC1022 - Planet earth: dynamic systems, environmental change and resources

Leader(s): Ms Marion Anderson

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (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; palaeontology 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