EAOS111 Earth and Ocean Science

Contacts

For administration of any sort (advising, course planning, attendances, illness, changes of lab stream etc.):  Assoc. Prof. Daphne E. Lee, assisted by Dr Andrew Gorman

Contact Assoc. Prof. Daphne Lee for further information / changes.

Content

This course begins with an overview of the Earth, concepts such as geological time and the rock cycle, and large-scale aspects of oceans and continents. The processes responsible for the movement of tectonic plates - sea-floor spreading at oceanic ridges and the formation of ocean basins, deep-sea trenches and the destruction of oceans - are covered. Their effects on the Earth's surface features are explained along with continental drift, continental collisions, the origin of mountain chains, and volcanic arcs. The structure of the Earth's interior, including the deep mantle and core, is examined.

The nature of the seabed is discussed in light of modern techniques such as swath mapping, GPS, and deep-sea drilling. Marine and atmospheric circulation patterns (for example, El Nino), and chemical and nutrient cycles are introduced. The course then explores processes that operate on the surface of the earth - weathering and soil formation, landslides and huge submarine slumps, river erosion and sedimentation, glaciation, and origin of landforms. Marine sediments and marine biological systems are discussed and appraised.

Evolution of life is studied through the fossil record, with sessions on dinosaurs, reefs, whales, humans, and the fossil history of Antarctica. Discussion of the origin of the Solar System and the unique place Earth has in it complete the lecture course.

Weekly laboratory sessions focus on earth materials, circulation patterns, geological and marine cycles, landslides, rivers, paleontology, and marine organisms. One lab is held at the Portobello Marine Laboratory. Another takes place on the Polaris research vessel. The course includes two field trips: one to study the rocks, fossils, and landforms of the Oamaru region, and the other to study the evolution, sediments, and geomorphic history of the Taieri River and the Taieri Plains.

See Blackboard for more information (enrolled students only).

Teaching Staff

Geology staff and Marine Science staff

Format

First semester, 51 lectures (M, T, Th, and F from 12.00-12.50 pm). The 13 laboratory classes are from 2.00-4.50 pm, and students have a choice of M, T, W, Th, or F labs.

Fieldwork

Two one-day field trips (there is a choice of Saturday or Sunday) to North Otago and Taieri Plains.

Assessment

The final grade for EAOS111 is made up of the following:

• 5% Lab test, 19 – 23 March (in lab time)
• 6% North Otago Field Trip Saturday 16 OR Sunday 17 March plus assignment (due noon Monday 18 March – Dept office 1n14)
• 5% Taieri Field Trip Saturday 21 or Sunday 22 April plus assignment (to be handed in to demonstrators at end of trip)
• 8% Class exam (12 noon – 12.50pm Friday 19 April)
• 2% Polaris assessment – web based
• 2% Portobello lab assessment – web based
• 12% Final practical exam (evening of 27 – 31st May, 7 – 8.15)
• 60% Final theory exam (to be advised)

Textbook

The Blue Planet:  An introduction to Earth System Science:  Brian J Skinner & Barbara W Murck 2011, J Wiley & Sons Inc.

Additional reading (in Science Library)

• A Continent on the Move:  New Zealand Geoscience into the 21st Century.  Graham, I. 2008. (Chief Editor).Geological Society of New Zealand and GNS Science, Wellington. 388pp
• Oceanography:  An invitation to Marine Science.  Garrison, T. 2007.  Brooks & Cole, 582 pp.
• Photographic guide to Rocks and Minerals of New Zealand.  Mortimer, N. et al. 2011, GNS Science Publications