E&ES109

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E&ES109

Geology of Connecticut E&ES109 FA

Next Offered in 9899 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, which were foci of socio-economic development such as the hydropower industries which developed along major streams; the iron foundaries 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

List to be provided.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Term paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

FIRST YEAR INITIATIVE: field course Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Fieldwork Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: NSM E&ES

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-10-1997

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