Plate tectonics, continental drift, climatic change and geological evolution. Geological materials, their origin, recognition and economic potential, use and location; oil and gas, coal, mineral deposits and aggregate resources. Environmental evaluation and land use from a geological perspective. Emphasis on local and North American examples. Computer aided tutoring (VITAL, COSY) is used. No previous computer experience is needed.

This course will provide a conceptual approach to the subject of earth science. The course will include a critical review of theories of the earth and their impact on society. This course is particularly suitable for students with little or no science background.

Same lectures as 46-100, but with no laboratory. Suitable for those wishing a general knowledge of earth sciences, including processes, materials and landscapes, but who do not require practical experience. Computer aided tutoring (VITAL, COSY) is utilized. No previous computer experience is necessary. This course may not be taken for credit by students in the Earth and Atmosphere (B.Sc.(Env.)) or Earth Science (B.Sc.) majors. (Also offered through distance education format.)

Principles of recognizing and interpreting earth surface environments using examples from geology, geomorphology and archeology. Brief summary of sediment identification, recognition of processes and environments. Section description and interpretation followed by principles of physical correlation and facies interpretation. Concepts of physical, biological and radiometric dating. Controls on stratigraphic sequence development - isostasy, eustasy and tectonics. Sedimentary basin development, interpretation and history including changes in atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Minerals are the building blocks of rocks, and rocks are the basis of the earth's crust. The nature , classification and recognition of the common rocks and minerals and their chemical and physical transformations is dealt with. Emphasis is on the role that minerals and rocks play in determining the abiotic character of earth-surface environments.

Study of the interaction of ice and the earth's crust. Principles of physical glaciology and movement of ice masses. Origin, environment of deposition and structure of glacial materials. Periglacial phenomena with emphasis on cryoturbation. Elements of Pleistocene stratigraphy and the glacial sediments of the Great Lakes. Field trips will be scheduled.

Identical to 46-215 but without laboratory. Lectures taken with 46-215.

To obtain a general understanding of the physical and chemical processes that operate in the groundwater zone under natural and human-induced conditions. The interrelations between the groundwater regime and the other components of the hydrological cycle. Considerable emphasis is placed on the applied aspects of topics such as exploration, testing and development of aquifers for water supply, the chemical quality of groundwater, and the hydrogeological aspects of waste disposal.

Systematic study of structural elements of the earth crust. Introduces data. Introduces data and concepts on the distribution, origin and structural development of the major landforms in North America and other continents (plate tectonics). The course provides examples of structural geology applied to engineering, environmental geology, and ore geology. Hands-on experience on deformation analysis, slope stability and interpretation of structures during the field trip and in classroom simulations.(Offered in odd-numbered years.)

An analysis of processes leading to formation and accumulation of principal non-renewable metallic and non-metallic mineral and fuel resources. Methods of extraction and processing, economic assessment, environment problems associated with resource development. Field trips may be scheduled. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Basic principles of analysis of fossil communities (mostly marine). Students should already know the basic biology of common marine invertebrates. Sediment analysis and process interpretation to determine paleoenvironments. Analysis of fossil preservation, autecology and population structures of species; community paleoecology of selected fossil assemblages. Simple paleobiogeography and basics of community evolution through time. Stages in the evolution of marine and continental ecosystems possible causes including physical (sea-levels, meteorite impacts) and biological (predation, evolution) components. The last 5 labs are a field-based study of Lower Palaeozoic marine communities, involving compulsory attendance of field trips. This is not a 'history of life' course.(Offered in even-numbered years.)

Identical to 46-311 but without laboratory. Lectures taken with 46-311. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Inter-disciplinary course: geology; soil, crop and horticultural sciences; international development. The geological basis of farming, application of agrominerals, such as phosphates, limestones, gypsums, as well as fertilizers in agriculture and horticulture. Evaluating the environmental effects of mining/processing of agrominerals and the use of fertilizers. Case studies and experiences from around the world.

An examination of the chemical composition of both natural and contaminated waters at the earth's surface and the interaction of these waters with soils and sediments. The significance of these interactions will be studied with respect to the mobility of organic and metallic constituents in geochemical cycles and as contaminants in the environment.

Origin, transport, deposition of sediments, and formation of sedimentary rocks. Emphasis will be on the interpretation of recent and ancient environments of deposition, and on the uses of sedimentary materials. Six laboratories will be scheduled as field trips. One Saturday field trip may be scheduled.(Offered in even-numbered years.)

Lecture-discussion or seminar on selected topics in Earth Science to be conducted by faculty with expertise in the area. Students should check with the department to determine what topic, if any, will be offered during specific semesters. Field trips will be scheduled as required.

Study of the fundamental chemistry of clay minerals and humic substances in the environment, with particular reference to soils, sediments and waters. Emphasis will be placed on their structures and charge characteristics in the context of surface complexation modelling of proton binding and cation and anion adsorption. (Offered in alternate years.)