66513 Marine Geosciences
6cpRequisite(s): 91107 The Biosphere OR 66102 Introduction to Earth Systems
This is an elective subject suitable for any student undertaking study in the environmental sciences. It deals with the structure and morphology of ocean basins and their margins, including their origin and evolutionary history. Physical and chemical processes operating in the oceans and their interaction with the atmosphere and climate systems are examined. The nature and origin of seafloor sediments and the history of ocean and climate change are covered in detail, including the relationships between continental drift, ocean currents and climate variation. In particular the role of Tertiary and Quaternary ocean sediments in our understanding of climate and environmental change are assessed as part of an overall examination of the evidence for climate and climate change throughout geological history. The subject then examines in more detail Quaternary allocyclic factors that influence earth systems and their consequences. The subject covers Milankovitch cycles, ice ages, eustatic fluctuations and climate change: recordings of these in earth systems, and the consequences of these and other major influences on the geosphere-biosphere; and 'greenhouse' concepts and their relationship and responses to natural and anthropogenic input. As part of the subject, an examination of relevant methods of determining age, collecting and analysing field data and the application of modelling techniques are dealt with.
Additional subject costs: The subject includes a five-day excursion at approximate cost to students of $100. Updated costs and excursion dates are available from the Department of Environmental Sciences website at:
Typical availability
Autumn semester, City campus
Fee information
2009 contribution for post-2008 Commonwealth-supported students: $520.25
Note: Students who commenced prior to 1 January 2008 should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth Supported places.
2009 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,575.00
Note: Fees for Postgraduate domestic fee-paying students and international students are charged according to the course they are enrolled in. Students should refer to the Annual Fees Schedule.
Subject EFTSL: 0.125Access conditions
Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.
