MACS 301 - Integrated Marine Science Core: Marine Geologic Processes

Marine science questions can only be fully understood through approaches that integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines. This course focuses on the geological aspects of marine science, as well as how geological concepts inform and are informed by chemistry, biology and physics. Geologic processes shape the ocean floor, continental margins, and coastlines, all of which serve as key sources of energy and material flux to the oceans. The coastlines also represent some of the most critical zones where humans are impacted by marine geohazards and the availability natural resources. This course will focus on the primary geologic processes that influence the structure of the earth, on large and small scales, and that contribute to the physical and chemical make-up of the earth’s crust, marine sediment environment, deep oceans and coastal zones. It will include discussions about critical problems that intertwine the human existence with marine geological issues such as climate change and natural hazards. Through case studies, lab exercises, and exposure to contemporary research, students will explore complex geologic environments where hazards, resources, and ecological hotspots are influenced by geodynamic or sediment transport processes such as subduction zones, ridge and hydrothermal systems, continental shelves and estuaries. They will practice observational and data analysis techniques that are used to characterize the evolving features of climate change and increasing human impacts to the global and local Salish Sea environments.

Prerequisites & Notes: MATH 125 or MATH 135 or MATH 138; PHYS 161; GEOL 211
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter