Does not satisfy the science requirement but may be used as an unrestricted elective. Plate tectonics provides framework for understanding processes of volcanism, mountain building and earthquakes. External forces such as glaciers, streams and ocean waves are examined in order to interpret the landscape. Laboratories include studies of minerals, rocks, maps, photographs and other materials used by geologists to study the earth. Some field work required.
Laboratory stresses fossil relationships and stratigraphic problems.
Field trips include fossil collecting. Effects of climates on natural vegetation, agriculture and human society are examined, as well as technologies used in coping with various climatic conditions. Different systems of classifying climate and relationship of climatology to other disciplines are examined. 3 cr. hrs. Students develop facility to identify constellations and observe in the planetarium and real sky with telescopes and the unaided eye.