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Academic Year 2000/2001


Geologic Catastrophes
E&ES 105 SP

Although the earth's crust appears very stable and permanent, subtle as well as significant changes occur continuously. Ice ages have slowly altered topography and ecology, and processes associated with tectonic deformation of the earth's crust (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanism) have caused abrupt though more localized changes. These changes will be examined through case studies ranging from the influence of crustal rifting in eastern Africa on the development of Australopithecus and the effect s of climatic variations on Cro-Magnon in Europe, to the destruction of Minoan civilization by volcanic eruptions and the results of the Good Friday earthquake and the Mount Saint Helens eruptions on homo sapiens.

MAJOR READINGS

List of pertinent articles will be supplied. Textbook pending - not known as yet.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three topical tests (earthquakes, volcanism, mass movement) or 3 short papers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Additional Requirements and/or Comments not known

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM E&ES    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-26-2001


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