Course Description
Evolution of North American continent through time. Stratigraphic, sedimentary, and magmatic history and tectonic development of various regions since the early Precambrian. Paleontological record of environmental and biological changes. Origin of energy, mineral, soil, and water resources. History of human habitation and resource utilization. Current environmental hazards and challenges.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Enrollees in graduate level courses are expected to do a more intensive term project, prepare abstract, and give oral presentation before a general geological audience.
Athena Title
Geology of North America
Non-Traditional Format
May be taught during the summer session in the field as part of the Interdisciplinary Field Program.
Prerequisite
GEOL 1122 or GEOL 1122H or GEOL 1260-1260L
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year. Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to compare and contrast the tectonic development and depositional history of the North American continent’s distinct physiographic regions and organize them to construct the geologic evolution of the continent through time.
- Students will be able to correlate North American geologic history and processes to the distribution, economic availability, and future sustainability of natural resources including fresh water, productive soils, building materials, critical minerals, fossil fuels, and alternative energy.
- Students will be able to explain current natural hazards and environmental problems in the context of regional geologic settings and evaluate studies and methods for their reduction and/or mitigation.
- Students will be able to evaluate regional and global environmental changes due to human and natural causes and predict future change based on various inputs and on different time scales.
- Students will be able to demonstrate well-developed teamwork skills, based on your extensive collaboration with a diverse group working toward a common goal in a domestic field study experience.
Topical Outline
- • Modern-day geographic, geophysical, and geological overview of North America
• Precambrian evolution of the cratonic core complexes, continental accretion, and late Precambrian orogenic belts
• Precambrian fossil assemblages
• Early Paleozoic evolution of North America
• Middle to Late Paleozoic evolution of North America
• Mesozoic evolution of North America
• Cenozoic evolution of North America
• Mid-continent platform sedimentation and sea-level changes
• Eastern margin rifting and westward migration of the continent
• Western margin convergent tectonics and terrane accretion
• Evolution and crustal deformation of the cordillera
• Sedimentary basin marine and terrestrial deposits
• Regional aquifers
• Evolution of coal and oil/gas deposits
• Phanerozoic fossil record of changing climates and regional environments
• Volcanism and sedimentation on active margins
• Plutonism and ore body development
• Coastal plain sedimentation and changing sea level
• Late Cenozoic glaciation, glacial deposits, and the immigration of Homo sapiens
• Paleolithic population of North America, culture, climate, and resource utilization patterns
• Recent European exploration, colonization, and westward expansion, emphasizing climate and resource availability as controls on development patterns
• Modern resource utilization, mineral, water, and soil resources, and environmental challenges facing various regions of the U.S.
• Modern regional geologic hazards (seismic, volcanic, flooding, landslides, and subsidence)
• Future resource and environmental requirements of the U.S. population
Syllabus follows Topical Outline above, but the order may vary. No single textbook covers all aspects of this course. A reading packet will include relevant articles from a variety of professional and popular journals and books.
