Study of the origin and development of structural features of the earth's crust. Applications of principles of geology, physics, and mathematics to understanding relationships of strata and interpreting structural features. Study of regional tectonics and major structural provinces. BSC 2010C or equivalent strongly encouraged as background. Lectures cover principles and applications of paleontology, including biostratigraphy, taphonomy, paleoecology, and micro- and macroevolutionary patterns and processes.
Labs survey the invertebrate phyla comprising the bulk of the fossil record.
The formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks in varying tectonic environments. Emphasis is placed on the identification of igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand specimens and thin sections. GLY 4552C. Study of modern sedimentary environments and their relationships to one another in order to understand environments preserved in the rock record. Physical, chemical, and biological aspects of terrestrial, transitional and marine sedimentary environments will be examined in light of their eventual preservation in the stratigraphic record. A lecture and laboratory class that integrates knowledge of the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and cyrosphere to study the sedimentary rock record.