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Academic Year 2005/2006

Geology of Connecticut
E&ES 109 FA

Connecticut offers a unique opportunity to study the formation and deformation of various crustal units dating back some 500 million years. Few states in the nation possess a similar diversity of exposed rock and mineral occurrences. The geology of Connecticut has strongly influenced (and continues to influence) the economic development of the state. Demographic trends in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries were controlled (to a large degree) by the topography (which resulted mainly from glaciation) and by the occurrences of (white) water and certain (economic) mineral and rock units. The course consists of weekly afternoon field trips to key localities. Students will learn how to recognize and classify different rock types and distinguish their formational and deformational histories. Emphasis will be on visiting historic sites that were foci of socio-economic development such as the hydropower industries that developed along major streams; the iron foundries of the Northwest, the brownstone quarries and "copper" mines in the Connecticut valley, and the granite quarries in the southeastern part of the state. One-hour classes will precede field trips.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

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-30-2006

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