Geology forms one of the core underpinning disciplines of Environmental Science, and knowledge of geology is essential to many practising environmental scientists. This module focuses on the basic underlying geological principles and concepts that are relevant to the Environmental Sciences. Specific topics covered include:
- the internal structure of the Earth and its development since the formation of the Solar System
- the theory of Plate Tectonics, its manifestation on the Earth's current surface, and the consequences of its operation in the geological past;
- minerals and the three major subdivisions of rocks, including their identification and how their properties (e.g. porosity and permeability) can relate to a variety of environmental science issues;
- how rocks and geological events may be dated, both relatively and in terms of the absolute time scale
In addition, practical-based exercises will provide experience of a variety of geoscience data and phenomena, including the identification of minerals and rocks, and interpretation of geological maps.
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-10045/lists
demonstrate an understanding of the theory of plate tectonics, its manifestation on the Earth's current surface, and the consequences of its operation in the geological past will be achieved by assessments: 1 &4
recognise and describe minerals in hand specimen and thin section using a hand lens, petrological microscope and related techniques. will be achieved by assessments: 4
describe the three major subdivisions of rocks in terms of how they are formed and how their properties relate to environmental science issues. will be achieved by assessments: 4
use techniques for the acquisition, interpretation, analysis and visualisation of geoscience data (e.g. geological maps). will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2 &3
interpret geological maps in order to understand the geological structure and stratigraphy of specific study areas, and be able to synthesise observations and interpretations within a geological report. will be achieved by assessments: 2
- Practical classes 30 hours
- Completion of assignments and private study 100 hours
Completion of Excel spreadsheet that numerically models deformation due to geological faulting
750 - 1000-word report on geology of student's local area, including Geographical Information System containing relevant geological maps.
Completion of guided worksheet on geophysical data interpretation
Paper will consist of two sections. Section A consists of 20 short-answer questions on all aspects of the module. Section B consists of a choice of 6 questions from which 3 should be selected and answered via a paragraph or two of text, as well as labelled diagrams
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.