Earth's Surface Processes

This subject explores the dynamic processes which shape Earth’s current and ancient landscapes through an 8-day fieldtrip in south-eastern Australia. It will form a practical introduction into mapping the Earth using a range of techniques relevant to geoscience, geography and environmental science. The fieldtrip will focus on integrating remote sensing data, satellite imagery and detailed field observations to understand and map the evolution of the natural landscape. Earth surface processes and environments will be considered from geological timescales of millions of years to those operating in today’s landscape. Field exercises will explore the links between Earth history, landform evolution, soil development and the natural environment in foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Students will learn the basic methods used to gather large scale surficial and geological data including rock, fossil and mineral identification. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of a range of disciplines including remote sensing, sedimentary processes, stratigraphy, physical volcanology, palaeontology, weathering/soil formation, geomorphology and hydrogeology. There will be a pre-trip introduction to the subject, as well as a post-trip workshop on the field report, including a remote sensing exercise.

本课程通过在澳大利亚东南部进行的为期8天的实地考察，探索塑造地球当前和古代地貌的动态过程。它将作为使用与地球科学、地理学和环境科学相关的一系列技术进行地球测绘的实践介绍。实地考察将侧重于整合遥感数据、卫星图像和详细的实地观测，以理解和测绘自然景观的演变。将从数百万年的地质时间尺度到当今地貌中运行的时间尺度来考虑地球表层过程和环境。实地练习将探索地球历史、地貌演化之间的联系。

• 1Demonstrate a range of environmental field mapping skills
• 2Identify a range of landforms, soils, rocks, minerals and fossils that are found at Earth's surface
• 3Explain how the underlying geology relates to landform evolution and environmental conditions on Earth's surface
• 4Determine how various rock units relate to one another in the field and be able to interpret the geological history of an area
• 5Document in writing the processes which have shaped the current landscape and the geological history of an area
• 6Interpret Earth's geology and landscape using satellite data in a field and lab context