Planet earth: dynamic systems, environmental change and resources
Dr D C McPhail (Coordinator)
6 points * Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: ESC1011, or permission of the coordinator
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to discuss the role that plate tectonics plays in the origin of topographic features of ocean basins and continents; geological structures in rocks and some of the processes which formed them; the evolution of life in the earth's history over the past 600 million years; mountain building processes and environments; the environments and processes which form the natural resources of the earth - minerals, coal and petroleum; some of the environmental problems related to earth sciences; remote sensing techniques used in earth sciences.
Synopsis This subject is a continuation of ESC1011 and provides an introduction to more aspects of earth sciences. A review and extension of the theory of plate tectonics serves as a framework for studying the formation and evolution of ocean basins and continents, earthquakes and volcanoes, mountain ranges and the formation of coal, petroleum and mineral deposits. We will discuss the formation of rocks in various sedimentary environments and how rocks and the crust deform over geologic time. We will also discuss paleontology and the evolution of life in earth's history, particularly in the last 600 million years, using Australian examples to explain how modern-day Australia developed. We will describe types of ore, coal and petroleum deposits and explain some of the processes which form them. The relationship of earth and environmental sciences will be discussed, including 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%.
Prescribed texts
To be advised on enrolment.
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