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Unit of study_

GEOS2114: Volcanoes, Resources and Sustainability

Through the millennia, volcanoes have provided key material for hominids extending from fertile soils and obsidian spear points, to copper for wind turbines. On occasion, their explosive behaviour has also ended civilisations. In this unit of study, you will develop an understanding of the formation and dynamics of volcanoes, their role as a carbon-source during their build-up, carbon-sink through their weathering and the production of fertile soils. You will explore how volcanoes sustain biodiversity hubs from the deep ocean-floor (black and white smokers) to the green slopes of volcanoes such as Kilimanjaro. You will develop a deep understanding of key magmatic processes that underpin the formation of Earth resources critical for a transition to a clean economy and a sustainable future. You will observe, document and analyse magmatic rocks in the field (during a 2-day field trip to study an extinct volcano in New South Wales or an optional 10-day trip to New Zealand's North Island).

Code GEOS2114
Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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6 credit points from (GEOS1XXX or GEOL1XXX)
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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GEOL2111 or GEOL2911 or GEOS2914

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand key petrological and structural concepts relevant to deep crustal and mantle processes
  • LO2. apply these concepts to analyse igneous rocks, and unravel their mineralogy, structure and geochemical evolution
  • LO3. identify the main types and settings of Earth’s volcanism
  • LO4. understand the main variables that contribute to the evolution and diversity of magmas
  • LO5. understand the selective processes associated with the formation of ore deposits and factors that contribute to economically and socially responsible resource extraction
  • LO6. Employ geochemical data to assess the origin and evolution of various magma types.
  • LO7. Employ isotopic data to assess the origin and evolution of various magma types.
  • LO8. source and analyse information, assess its reliability and significance
  • LO9. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
  • LO10. engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
  • LO11. develop a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist