GEO100 Geology

This course introduces you to geology and demonstrates its relevance in other science disciplines and in society. No previous knowledge of geology is required. The relevance of geology in the natural sciences is best illustrated with the following quote from the US Geological Survey: "The Earth is a system in which atmosphere, oceans, land, and life are all connected. Rocks and soils contain the answers to questions about the origin of energy and mineral resources, the evolution of life, climate change, natural hazards, ecosystem structures, and the movements of nutrients and toxicants. The science of geology has the power to help us understand the processes that link the physical and biological world so that we can model and forecast changes in the system."

The lectures focus on four themes:

Theme 1 - Earth materials. This theme deals with the formation of the solar system and chemical elements (Big Bang and beyond), Earths building materials (rocks and minerals), and the Earth structure. The lectures will cover the basic chemical and physical processes of how elements, minerals and rocks are formed.

Theme 2 - Earth dynamics. This theme includes plate tectonic processes. Plate tectonics shape the Earth at all scales, from large-scale mountain ranges to small scale structures visible in rocks. This theme also includes how to date geological events in time.

Theme 3 - Energy, Natural Resources, and Climate Change. In this theme, the relevance of geology in energy and climate issues will be explained.

Theme 4 - Surface processes. The final theme includes landscape formation with special emphasis on the effects of glaciers on the Norwegian landscape, the water cycle, and ground water.

The exercises include the description and identification of common minerals, rock types, and surficial deposits, and the interpretion of geological maps. There is also a compulsory one-day excursion.

Knowledge: After succesful completion of the course, the students will be able to:(1) summarise the formation processes of chemical elements in the Universe; (2) summarise the processes associated with the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; (3) summarise the evidence for continental drift and plate tectonics; (4) describe the dynamic processes that take place at plate tectonic margins; (5) apply the principles of relative and absolute age dating; (6) summarise the characteristics of brittle and ductile deformation; (7) summarise the basic concepts of running water and groundwater; (8) summarise the basic concepts of glacialogy; (9) describe how the Norwegian landscape developed during the ice ages; (10) understand the role of geoscience in climate and energy issues.

Skills: After succesful completion of the course, students will be able to (1) describe and identify minerals and rocks; (2) obtain relevant information from quaternary geological/geological maps.