ESCI 321 - Advanced Topics in Environmental Geology

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

This course investigates fundamental geologic controls on environmental issues such as resource distribution and use, ground and surface water pollution, and atmospheric pollution. A specific topic is selected each year, and work in the class includes a survey of relevant literature, field visits to local sites, and development of a group project.

Topic for 2021/22b: Eocene Paleoceanography. (Same as ENST 321) 56 million years ago, our planet was in a hothouse climate state with very high atmospheric CO2: crocodiles swam at the poles and Antarctica was covered in palm forests. Fossil fuel emission projections suggest that we may reach a similar CO2 concentration in the coming centuries. We use samples from a deep-sea sediment core, located close to Antarctica, to investigate the climate and ocean history of this warm period. Specifically, we use the fossils of tiny creatures called foraminifera to help us reconstruct ecosystem and ocean chemistry changes through time. Participants learn methods in sediment processing and preparation, microfossil identification, and geochemical method development and analysis. Along the way we learn about large scientific collaborations and what it’s like to work within the International Ocean Discovery Program. Laura Haynes.

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 221.

One 4-hour period.

Course Format: INT