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Course ID: | GEOL 4020-4020L. 3 hours. 2 hours lecture and 2 hours lab per week. | Course Title: | Internal Earth Processes | Course Description: | Internal processes which are responsible for the formation and
physico-chemical evolution of the earth. Study of the basic tools
of igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry,
thermodynamics and heat-transfer mechanisms and their application
in field and laboratory investigations. | Oasis Title: | INTERNAL PROCESSES | Pre or Corequisite: | GEOL 3010-3010L | Semester Course Offered: | Offered spring semester every year. | Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
| Course Objectives: | Student will be familiar with the basic tools of igneous and metamorphic petrology,
geophysics, and structural geology. The student will be able to make physical
observations and measurements in rocks and quantitatively evaluate these data to draw
conclusions on the processes which formed these features. The student will be able
to use field and laboratory measurements to interpret the geologic and structural
history of earth materials. The student will understand the basic internal processes
which are responsible for the formation of the continents and ocean basins.
Evaluation will be by extensive laboratory/homework exercises in addition
to written exams. A major term project requiring the integration of a variety of
observations and measurements into a coherent geologic interpretation will be an
important part of the course. | Topical Outline: | Topics are by week:
1. Geochemistry of the earth; geochemcial evolution of the earth,
radiogenic isotopes and ages of the earth, moon, and meterorites. Lab: Mineralogy
of igneous rocks.
2. Geochemistry of the core and mantle; untramafic xenoliths. Geochemistry
of the crust; surface exposures of deep crust. Lab: Mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks.
3. Thermodynamic equilibria and the phase rule. Melting in simple silicate
systems. Melting in complex silicate systems. Lab: Trace element modeling.
4. Origin of basaltic magmas. Differentiation of basaltic magmas.
Assimilation and the origin of andesites. Lab: Mineralogy of metamorphic rocks.
5. Physical properties of magma and magma transport. Introduction to
metamorphism. Metamorphic P-T paths. Lab: Metamorphic fabrics.
6. Metamorphism of pelitic rocks and wackes. Metamorphism of basalts,
granultes, migmatites, anatexis. Lab: Metapelitic rocks.
7. Origin of granitic magmas. Crystallization of granitic magmas and
hydrothermal processes. Hydrothermal solutions and ore deposits. Lab: Granitic rocks.
8. Stress and strain, Hookes law. Elementary rock mechanics. State of
stress in the lithosphere. Lab: Stereonets and structural measurements.
9. The earth's gravitational field. Analysis of gravity and geoid
anomalies. Gravity and gross earth structure. Lab: Gravity modelling.
10. Seismic wave propagation. body and surface waves; free oscillations,
global tomography; implications for global processes. Lab: Seismicity and
structure/tectonics -- East Tennessee Seismic Zone.
11. Earthquakes and first motion studies. Faulting and stress at plate
boundaries. Intraplate seismicity. Lab: Seismic waves and deep structure -- the
Moho under the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
12. Interpretation of structural features. Lab: Structural geology, some
classic examples.
13. Interpretation of structural features. Lab: Structural geology, some
classic examples.
14. Plate tectonics. Plate motion on a sphere, relative vs. absolute plate
motions, convergent plate boundaries-seismic, gravity, and geoid signatures. Fate of
the subducted slab. Lab: Term project.
15. Plate tectonics. Divergent plate boundaries-seismic, gravity and geoid
signature. Seismic imaging of magma chambers. Transform plate boundaries. Lab:
Term projects.
See topical outline above. | Honor Code Reference: | The instructors expect all students to abide by UGA's Student Honor Code. Authorized
assistance in assignments, and consequences for lack of compliance, will be specified
by the instructors when assignments are made. | |
Course ID: | GEOL 4020W. 3 hours. 2 hours lecture and 2 hours lab per week. |
Course Title: | Internal Earth Processes |
Course Description: | Internal processes which are responsible for the formation and physico-chemical evolution of the earth. Study of the basic tools of igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry, thermodynamics and heat-transfer mechanisms and their application in field and laboratory investigations. |
Oasis Title: | Internal Earth Processes |
Nontraditional Format: | This version of the course will be taught as writing intensive, which means that the course will include substantial and ongoing writing assignments that a) relate clearly to course learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline—for example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; and c) prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life. The written assignments will result in a significant and diverse body of written work (the equivalent of 6000 words or 25 pages) and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in student writing, providing opportunities for feedback and substantive revision. |
Pre or Corequisite: | GEOL 3010-3010L |
Semester Course Offered: | Offered spring semester every year. |
Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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Course Objectives: | The course will feature two types of writing assignments: a term paper of 7 pages (=high stakes assignment), and shorter assignments (=low stakes assignments) leading up to the term paper. The writing assignments will be largely descriptive - accurate and clear descriptions are an important part of scientific writing and, because the scientific content will not be exceptionally challenging, the students will be able to focus on their writing skills. The paper is relatively short because we want the students to focus on these skills, and we want the paper to go through a revision process supervised by the WIP teaching assistant (TA) and/or the main instructor. The paper will follow current conventions (e.g., referencing style) for scientific writing in the field of Earth Sciences. We will also include peer review as part of the low stakes and high stakes assignments. Our primary goal is to foster the ability to write clearly, concisely, and correctly. This is a required course for Geology majors. |
Topical Outline: | Internal processes which are responsible for the formation and physico-chemical evolution of the earth. Study of the basic tools of igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry, thermodynamics and heat-transfer mechanisms and their application in field and laboratory investigations. |
Syllabus: No Syllabus Available
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