ESC 191 Historical Geology

This course discusses the history of the earth from its formation about 4.6 billion years ago to the present. The focus is on the evolution of land forms (mountains, plains, ocean basins) and the development and evolution of life forms (both plants and animals). The framework is the geologic time scale and the successive sequences and events that are characteristic of each of several time intervals, beginning with the earliest Precambrian and continuing to the recent. Some labs focus on interpretation of landforms; in particular, the interpretation and use of geological maps, correlation of rock units, and the concept of lateral and vertical facies changes and facies maps. Other labs focus on the fossil record, with visual study and identification of fossils along with their use in depositional environment interpretation. Field trip(s) possible. Two and a half hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Lab Fee. Prerequisite: ESC 190 or permission of instructor. Spring (L09)