Download Introduction to geology

William and Mary College Syllabus for July 2011
Geology 407:
Geological and Environmental Perspectives of the Galway Bay Region western
Ireland.
Overview
The course will introduce the fundamentals of geology and ecology through a series of
campus based lectures and practicals. The fieldtrips will use classic field examples and
environments to explore the geology, landscape and shorelines of Galway Bay.
Galway Bay’s Coastal Environments
Introduction to the intertidal zone
Introduction to seaweeds
Seaweeds as agents of biodeterioration of intertidal bedrock
Human impact on the coastal environment
Introduction to geology
What is geology?
How is geology connected with other sciences?
Milestones in the history of geology
Key ideas and the people behind them
The geological time scale
Relative and absolute dating (‘clocks in rocks’)
Reading history in the rocks
Inside the earth
Journey to the centre of the Earth
The changing earth
Plate tectonics; earthquakes and volcanoes
Minerals – the building blocks of rocks
Physical and chemical properties of minerals
Phase diagrams
The Rock Cycle (i) Fiery beginnings – igneous rocks
Classification of igneous rocks
Volcanic hazards
The Rock Cycle (ii) Water and air – sedimentary rocks
Weathering, erosion, transport, deposition
Classification of sedimentary rocks
Environmental indicators
The Rock Cycle (iii) Under pressure – metamorphic rocks
Classification of metamorphic rocks
Faulting and folding – structural geology
Life on Earth
Life through geological time
Fossils – how they are formed
Mass extinctions
Palaeoenvironments
Man and the Earth – natural resources
Rocks and water.
Fossil fuels
Mineral resources – industrial and gem minerals; ores
Construction industry resources
Geological maps
How to read a geological map
Interpretation of simple geological maps
Ireland’s Geological History
The making of Irish rocks particularly those exposed in the west of Ireland.
Lectures
Lectures and practicals take place in Earth and Ocean Sciences, Room A206 in the
Quadrangle Building, usually between 10.30 am and 11.50 pm Monday to Thursday over
a four week period.
Fieltrips
Four fieldtrips are planned i.e. two one day trips and two half day trips. Students will
explore the landscape and coastal environments of Galway Bay. The trips will highlight
field examples of different rocks and minerals and will explain the geological processes
that moulded the landscape. Detailed examinations of intertidal zones will also be
included.
Recommended reading:
Marshak, Stephen (2005). EARTH: portrait of a planet. Norton & Company. ISBN 0393-92502-1 (there is a 3rd edition due this year)
Raffaelli,D.G. & Hawkins, S.J. (1996) Intertidal Ecology Kluwer Academic.
Examination:
A 60 minute written exam will be given at the end of the four week course.
Course Convenor :
Dr. Martin Feely,
Senior Lecturer,
Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences,
NUI, Galway.
Ph. +353 (0) 91 492129; [email protected]