| Geophysical Sciences @ TCC
General Oceanography I
Geology
111
Geology 111 is the first course in a two part General Oceanography
sequence (Geology
112 being the second). This is a great multi-discipline
science experience which covers all major branches of science.
The course begins the study of oceans and ocean basins, covering
such topics as the scientific method, history of oceanography,
origin of the earth and its oceans, plate tectonics, paleomagnetism,
ocean floor topography, marine geology, water chemistry, and climates.
If you would like to know more about Oceanography I, keep reading.
Otherwise, you can return to Geophysical Science's Homepage.
Course Goals
Geology 111 and 112 are college-level, introductory courses
designed to give you a broad survey of the physical, chemical,
geological, and biological processes of the oceans. The courses,
however, do not presume that you have any prior knowledge of any
science, however. In fact, if your general science background
is weak, this should prove to be a great opportunity for you to
learn more about science.
Lectures and laboratories are set up to compliment each other.
The lectures provide opportunity for presentation of theory, while
the labs give them some "hands on" experience with the concepts
they learn in lecture.
Prerequisites
None
Instructional Material
- Textbook : Introductory Oceanography, by Harold V. Thurman,
8th edition, Merrill Publishing Co.
- Oceanography Lab Manual, Departmental
Basic Concepts
- Overview of oceanography
- The scientific method and oceanography
- History of oceanography from antiquity to the present
- Formation and structure of the earth
- Plate tectonics, sea floor spreading, paleomagnetism
- Volcanism and seismicity
- Morphology of the sea floor
- Ocean sediments, weathering, and sedimentary rocks
- Sea water chemistry
- Oceans and the climate
Course Matrix
| Week |
Lecture |
Lab |
|
1 |
Introduction; History of oceanography, |
Data, measurements, units, and conversions; Lab Apparatus;
Graphing; Scientific Method in lab applications |
|
2 |
Atoms, elements, chemical bonds |
Bathymetry - contours, terrain features |
|
3 |
Atoms, elements, chemical bonds |
Bathymetry - profiles |
|
4 |
Minerals, rocks, energy |
Navigation - charts, planets/stars in navigation |
|
5 |
Formation of the earth, Earth's composition, Geologic Time
|
Morphology and geography of the marine environment |
|
6 |
Plate tectonics seismicity |
Lab test |
|
7 |
Plate tectonics,
Volcanism |
Materials of the sea floor - Igneous and sedimentary rocks
|
|
8 |
Oceans of the world |
Intro to ocean sampling methods; familiarization cruise prep
and briefing |
|
9 |
Marine sediments |
Familiarization Cruise |
|
10 |
Marine sediments |
Materials of the sea floor – sediments |
|
11 |
Marine sediments |
Settling velocity |
|
12 |
Properties of water |
Grain size analysis (Sand) |
|
13 |
Properties of water |
Sea Water Chemistry |
|
14 |
Oceans, weather, climate |
Air - Sea Interaction |
|
15 |
Oceans, weather, climate |
Test 2 |
|
16 |
Exam (during exam week) |
|
Laboratory
The three hour laboratory periods emphasize empirical methods
in oceanography. Numerous experiments and field trips will be
conducted to give the student an idea on practical application
of principles learned in the lecture.
Cruise
The ocean cruise is conducted aboard TCC’s research vessel,
the R/V
Matthew F. Maury, to give you insight as to how an oceanographer
obtains data in the shipboard environment. The cruise is required
and will be held on a weekend. It will take the place of the regularly
scheduled laboratory period. Students should make arrangements to
be available.
A typed (GSA format) paper based on the student's observations
and participation in shipboard sampling procedures is required.
The paper will focus on each sampling method and navigational aid.
Go To Gol112
Back to Geophysical Science's Homepage
|
