Overview

This topic will focus on the formation and evolution of the Australian continent over geological time, as revealed by the fossil and rock records. Students will be given the opportunity to relate classical geologic principles to the understanding of the main processes, modern and ancient, that contributed to the development … For more content click the Read More button below.

Topic availabilities

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Tuition pattern

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Aims

This topic aims to:
  • Develop understanding of basic geological principles of rock and mineral formation, deformation of the Earth's crust, and deposition of sedimentary strata, with focus on the evolution of the Australian continent
  • Understand the concept of geologic time and how classic geologic principles and modern techniques are used to date rocks and fossils
  • Develop a deeper understanding of scientific theories such as plate tectonics and life evolution and how they can explain the geological and biological evolution of the continent
  • Know about the birth and evolution of Earth and modern Australia

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Understand and explain facies, stratigraphic relationships, transgression and regression, process of fossilization
2.
Understand and explain environments of deposition, paleogeographic reconstruction and paleoclimatic inferences
3.
Describe the regional geology of the Adelaide area and Flinders Ranges
4.
Understand and explain Precambrian history and formation of core rocks
5.
Conduct grain size analysis via the sieving method
6.
Understand and explain the birth and evolution of modern Australia

Assessments

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Current students should refer to FLO for detailed assessment information, including due dates. Assessment information is accurate at the time of publishing.

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Requisites information

Anti-requisites:

Assumed knowledge

EASC1101 Earth and Environmental Sciences.