MACS 418 - Paleoceanography

Oceans covers about 70% of Earth’s surface, harboring valuable natural resources and rich biodiversity as well as playing a fundamental role in the hydrologic cycle and the climate system. Human observation of the oceans represents a tiny fraction their existence on Earth and there is much to learn by looking deeper in time. Paleoceanography is the study of the oceans as they were in the past and this course considers the major methods in the field and applies them to regional examples in the north Pacific Ocean and Salish Sea. Specific topics covered will include the geologic settings where paleoceanographic information is archived, common marine dating methods, techniques for estimating important ocean variables ranging from productivity to circulation to temperature, the Cenozoic evolution of the oceans, Milankovitch cycles, and abrupt ocean change. Concepts from geology, chemistry, physics and marine science will be used to explore this interdisciplinary topic through discussion, case studies, data analysis and collaborative research.

Prerequisites & Notes: GEOL 211 or GEOL 101 and GEOL 211A or HNRS 212; One course from: MACS 210, MACS 211, GEOL 340, ESCI 321 or ESCI 393; or instructor permission. CHEM 162 and CHEM 163 are recommended.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter