Spring 2014

Surface Earth Dynamics

Listed in: Geology, as GEOL-121

Formerly listed as: GEOL-21

Faculty

David S. Jones (Section 01)
Anna M. Martini (Section 01)

Description

For at least 3.5 billion years, the Earth’s surface environment has supported some form of life. What geologic processes first created and now maintain this environment? To what extent has life modified this environment over geologic time? What conditions are necessary for a planet to be conducive to life? What are the natural processes that operate at the Earth’s surface? This course looks at the environment from a geologist’s perspective. The course will start with dynamic systems that can be observed in operation today, as in river and coastal settings, where erosion and deposition occur, and by the interaction of the oceans, atmosphere, and climate. Techniques for interpreting the rock record will be developed so that past environments can be examined and potential future conditions on Earth better appreciated. Differences between earliest Earth environments and those of the more recent few billion years will be studied and integrated with the history of the origin and evolution of life. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab, including field trips, each week.

Requisite: GEOL 111 or consent of the instructor. Spring semester. Professors Jones and Martini.

GEOL 121 - L/D

Section 01
M 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM BEBU 211
W 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM BEBU 211
F 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM BEBU 211

GEOL 121 - LAB

Section 01
M 02:30 PM - 04:30 PM BEBU 211

This is preliminary information about books for this course. Please contact your instructor or the Academic Coordinator for the department, before attempting to purchase these books.

ISBN Title Publisher Author(s) Comment Book Store Price
The Earth System Prentice 3rd Kump, Kasting, Crane or 2nd ed. Amherst Books TBD

These books are available locally at Amherst Books.

Offerings

2024-25: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022