Spring 2019 - EASC 617 G100
Quaternary Geology (3)
Class Number: 8465
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 23, 2019
Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Corinne Griffing
cgriffin@sfu.ca
778-782-5444
Office: TASC 1 Room 7211
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Environments of glacial and proglacial deposits. Quaternary stratigraphy and dating methods with emphasis on the Cordillera. The course includes several 1-day trips and at least one 3-day trip.
COURSE DETAILS:
General: This course is intended for senior undergraduate students and graduate students who possess a general background in geology and also have some training in related science disciplines such as geography and biology. The course provides an in-depth examination of Quaternary geology (i.e. the geology of the past 2.6 million years). Topics include Quaternary processes and sediments, stratigraphy, geomorphology, surficial geology, and Quaternary geochronology. The emphasis is on developing an understanding of (1) the recent geologic record in space and time, (2) important natural process that have shaped the landscape during the Quaternary, and (3) Quaternary sediments and landforms. Principles and concepts are illustrated with examples from Western Canada and the adjacent northwestern U.S. The course has a strong field emphasis within the constraints imposed by winter weather.
Course Organization: There will be a 2-hour lecture each Friday. I may also lecture in at least a portion of the lab period. On many Fridays, however, field trips will replace the lecture. DO NOT schedule any other courses on Friday. In addition to Friday field trips, we will have a 3-day excursion to the Channeled Scablands in central Washington in March or the beginning of April.
Grading
- Term Paper 20%
- Midterm Exam #1 15%
- Midterm Exam #2 25%
- Final Exam 35%
- Class Participation (overall class mark of "no-shows" reduced 5%) 5%
NOTES:
**You should budget $80.00 for all field trip expenses, As we will be in the field a minimum of 8 days in late winter/early spring, be prepared for cool wet weather. You will need a backpack, field boots, a camera, and standard items including a field notebook, pen, and pencils.
Be aware that during the field trip there will be periods of strenuous hiking, hiking close to cliffs and crossing roads with busy traffic. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn. Further details regarding safety, food, housing and field supplies will be discussed prior to the field trip
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Assigned readings: A collection of research papers will be distributed during the class. The articles provide information on the Quaternary geology of British Columbia; some articles are pertinent to the field trips.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Glacial Geology; Ice Sheets and Landforms. 2nd edition Bennett, M.R. & Glasser, N.F. 2010. John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 978-0-470-51691-1
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS