GEOL 205 - History and Evolution of the Earth

Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall 2014 and alternate years

Prerequisite: GEOL 100, GEOL 101 or GEOL 105. An introductory examination of the origin and physical evolution of the Earth as inferred from the rock record. Areas of particular emphasis include: (1) the origin of the solar system and differentiation of the planets; (2) the evolution of the terrestrial atmosphere and hydrosphere; (3) explanations for the development of life; (4) organic evolution and interpretations of “mass extinctions;” (5) the changing configuration of continental blocks and ocean basins by continental drift, seafloor spreading, and plate tectonics; and (6) the growth of continental blocks and their mountain systems. Staff.