66205 Earth Surface Systems

This is a second-level geoscience subject that introduces the fluvial and ocean processes that shape the earth and the products and landscape that they produce. The sediments and soils develop in response to applied conditions contingent upon the underlying geology and the geochemistry of internal soil-forming or diagenetic processes. Topics include: soil formation and classification; features of sediments in different environments; responses to volcanic events and landscape alteration; the geochemistry of primary rocks; plate tectonic settings and influences on volcanism and coasts; regolith geochemistry and mineralogy, particularly of clays; planetary aspects of geochemistry and processes; meteorites and craters; tools of surface analysis, aerial photography, geological measurement, rock orientations and mapping processes, and handling of data. Students undertake some practical experience with soil and sediment characteristics and up to three days of field excursions or a short field camp. Practical experience is modified depending on class numbers.