Spring 2002 University of North Carolina, Geological Sciences
Instructor:
Class Meeting: TTH 8:00-9:15, Mitchell Hall Room 205
Credits: 3
Text: Volcanoes by R. Decker and B. Decker, plus readings to be assigned.
Text: Surviving Galeras, Stan Williams and Fen Montaigne
Volcanoes have shaped Earth history in profound ways. Lava paves 70% of the planet’s surface and periodically resurfaces parts of it. Volcanoes produced the dry land that makes up the continents. Gases from volcanoes formed Earth’s atmosphere, and volcanoes play a critical role in the carbon dioxide cycle and in global climate. Large eruptions can affect global climate for years and can destroy civilizations. Many large cities lie near active volcanoes and are subject to destruction.
In this seminar we will study the role that volcanoes have played in Earth’s evolution. Topics will include:
· What volcanoes are, why they behave as they do, and why the occur where they do (e.g., why are there no volcanoes near Chapel Hill?)
· Volcanic hazards
· Volcanoes and climate
· Volcanoes and mythology
· Major eruptions
· Volcanoes and extinctions
· Volcanoes and Volcanologists: Glory and Danger
Course work and
evaluation:
Readings will include background readings from the text, readings from the primary geologic literature, video study, and web assignments (for example, there are many links to real-time data from active volcanoes).
Students will complete a number of written and oral assignments during the semester. Much of this work will be in small groups. We will view and critique a number of videos. There will be a few quizzes on reading material. There will be a debate. Students will make presentations to the class.
Link to Homework Assignements