GEOG 208 Earth System History - Frostburg State University

GEOG 208 Earth System History

"Come and take a walk through Earth History"

GEOG 208
Earth System History

Exploration of the 4.6 billion year evolution of the Earth's systems from hypothesized origins through the present. Analysis of the origin of the oceans, atmosphere and continents, the evolution of life, and the interactions between these activities to examine the major processes that have shaped the Earth.

Experiential study of fossils and sediments as indicators of chronology, interpretation of geologic sections for environmental reconstructions.

Multiple field trips will be required and run during the weekly lab period.

Three hrs. lecture and 2 hrs. lab. Not open to students who have credit for former GEOG 307. Fall. Prerequisite: GEOG 103 or permission of instructor.

GEOG 208 Course Objectives

By the end of the course, you should be able to explain and understand scientific concepts, laws or principles, interactions and processes relating to the Earth’s history. Students should have the ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of:

Develop an in-depth understanding of the Earth’s history.
Develop a detailed understanding of the techniques and limitations through which the Earth’s history has been reconstructed.

Required Text

Stanley Stevens, M. 2005. Earth System History 3^rd edition. WH Freeman & Co New York

Useful additional reading

Van Andel, T.H. 1991. New Views on an Old planet – continental drift and the history of the Earth. Cambridge University Press.
Gould, S.J. 1987. Time's Arrow, Time's Cycle. Harvard University Press
Playfair, J. 1802. Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth

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