Recognition of rock types, fossils and geological structures in the field is used to interpret ancient geological environments. Students must pay the cost of transportation and accommodation. Erindale students must register in the summer session. Satellite imagery, aerial photography, imaging radar, airborne geophysics and elementary digital image processing are introduced. Basic principles, instrumentation, field procedures and elementary interpretation techniques are outlined for gravity, magnetic, electromagnetic and seismic methods used in monitoring environmental problems, in archeological investigations, and in exploration of mineral deposits.
Practical work emphasizes fieldwork and laboratory simulation of field surveys.
A course on the distribution of the major and trace elements in the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and how this has changed over time. Topics will include geochemical cycles of carbon and sulphur, radioactive and toxic waste disposal and groundwater chemistry. Radiogenic and stable isotopes will be highlighted as important geochemical tracers in such studies. 400 level courses are open to students who have obtained standing in at least nine full courses in the Faculty, including at least 1.5 full course equivalents at the 300 level. An advanced seminar dealing with topics in Earth Science, to be selected according to staff and student interests.