Historical Geology & Sedimentology

COURSE OBJECTIVE
The main goal of this course is to achieve insight in the geological and biological history of Earth as a continuum of interrelated events that have shaped our planet; to recognize the sequence of and interrelationships between major events in the history of the Earth, its surface, and its life forms. This will create an increasing awareness on e.g. how interdependent all of its various systems and subsystems are. In order to gain an understanding of stratigraphic patterns and structures influenced by relative sea-level changes, variability in accommodation space and sediment production an industry-based modelling program is used.

By the end of the course the student should be able to: - Know the main (plate)tectonic, climatological and evolutionary events in their context in space and time.

COURSE CONTENT
The course commences with a brief history of historical geology and an overview of the major global events. We address major themes – sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology, paleontology, and plate tectonics in time and space –, which are woven together to unravel Earth's history. The focus is on those, large-scale, processes relevant for understanding how climatic and tectono-sedimentary changes are recorded in the geological record. In addition, the interdependent aspects of these themes will be addressed. Smaller-scaled events will be highlighted during the practicals.

TEACHING METHODS
14 lectures, practicals 

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
The final mark consists of the following components: (1) Written exam Historical Geology (70%), (2) assignments (10%) and (3) exercises (20%).

A minimum mark of 5.0 is required for the written exam in order to pass the course. Grades resulting from exercises and assignments are only valid during the course of the year.

RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
AB_1062 Paleontologie (Global Change); AB_1120 Sedimentaire systemen in ruimte en tijd (Sedimentary systems)

TARGET AUDIENCE
Earth Sciences