Course Schedule

Fall 2009

Spring 2010

Previous Courses

History and Evolution of the Earth

GEOL155 Melting glaciers, extinction events, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes all remind us that we live on the surface of an ever-changing planet. While we often view these events against the backdrop of our own lifetimes, geologists know that they have been played out again and again over time. This course focuses on understanding the 4.6 billion year history of our home: the Earth.

With an emphasis on understanding the techniques used to answer questions about the earth, we will explore the concepts of geologic time, along with the evolution of thought on the subject. We will examine early Earth, including planetary and lunar formation, plate tectonic theory, and origins of life on the planet. Major emphasis is placed on the physical, chemical, and biologic evolution of the atmosphere, continents, and oceans over time. We will also focus on the fossil record, and the importance of biology and evolution of life on our understanding of Earth history, as well as their effects on the planet itself. Another major focus is on the last 65 million years of Earth history, with an emphasis on glaciations and climate change. We will consider the future of our planet in the context of present-day trends as well as Earth history. The laboratory component of this course is designed to familiarize students with the rocks and fossils that archive the history of Earth.