GEOS2124/2924: Fossils and Tectonics

GEOS 2124 Fossils and Tectonics
GEOS 2924 Fossils and Tectonics (Advanced)
A/Prof Patrice Rey and Dr Adriana Dutkiewicz

Session: July
Classes: 2 lec, 1 repeat prac/wk
Prerequisites: 24 credit points of Junior Units of Study, including GEOL 1001 or GEOL 1002 or GEOS 1003
Prohibitions: GEOL 2123, GEOL 2124
Assessment: 2hr exam, prac reports, field report

The Unit aims to convey how fossils, stratigraphic and structural data are used together to determine ages and environments and the deformation history of rock layers. It covers an introduction to historical geology and the evolution of the major fossils groups. Methods of stratigraphic age determination include litho-, bio-, chemo-, magneto- stratigraphy, as well as radiometric geochronology and the stratigraphic characteristics of the main geological time intervals. Structural methods are focused on brittle deformation in the upper crust and sediments. Students will gain familiarity with the most important fossil groups and how to identify them, and with the most important types of faults and folds. The formation of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas will also be covered in an earth history and resource exploration context. The simultaneous use of fossils, stratigraphy and structure to unravel the geological history of a set of exposed rock layers is demonstrated during a field excursion to Yass.