GEOL 301 - Rock Record And Earth History

Credits: 4

Taught jointly with GEOL 213. Overview of the major processes and events that shaped the lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere of Earth. Origin of Earth, its oceans and atmosphere. Emphasis on origin of life, expansion of the biosphere and the results of biosphere expansion on the oceans and atmosphere. Periodic collapse of the biosphere during mass extinctions considered in light of geologic and extraterrestrial processes. Types of evidence used by Earth scientists to understand these events. Three hours of lecture and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: one four-credit 100-level geology course, or one of ENVI 206, ENVI 234, or GEOL 234. Fall Please note: students that have taken GEOL 213 will not receive credit for GEOL 301.