Course Description
Geologic history and applications of marine microfossils, especially foraminifera, calcareous nannoplankton, radiolaria, and diatoms.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Term paper or project.
Athena Title
MARINE MICROPALEO
Prerequisite
GEOL 4010-4010L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will learn to identify representatives from the major groups of marine microfossils including foraminifera, radiolaria, calcareous nannoplankton, and diatoms. Emphasis is placed on the geologic history of these groups and their applications in biostratigraphy, paleoecology, paleoenvironmental reconstructions, and paleoceanography. Learning outcomes are assessed by exams and lab-based projects.
Topical Outline
Introduction and History of Micropaleontology Biostratigraphy: overview Paleoceanography: overview Foraminifera: morphology and classification, biology, taphonomy, applications (biostratigraphy, paleoenvironments, paleoceanography), geologic history Radiolaria: morphology and classification, biology, taphonomy, applications (biostratigraphy, paleoceanography), geologic history Calcareous nannoplankton: morphology and classification, taphonomy, applications (biostratigraphy, paleoceanography) Diatoms, silicoflagellates, and related siliceous groups: morphology and classification, biology, taphonomy, applications (biostratigraphy, paleoecology, paleoceanography) Other groups: selected by students Lab Exercises: Microfossil sample preparation, foraminifera (Cenozoic; paleoceology), radiolaria (Cenozoic; biostratigraphy), calcareous nannoplankton (Cenozoic, biostratigraphy), diatoms (Cenozoic, paleoecology); comprehensive lab project required of grad students.