The Physics program at Armstrong Atlantic State University offers courses in Geology.
About Geology
Core Geology Courses
Advanced Geology Courses
About Geology
Earth is a dynamic planet and the processes that lead to its changing appearances include
mountain building, volcanism, seismicity, mineral development, erosion
by rivers, ocean waves, glaciers, and wind as well as the formation of
deltas, flood plains, beaches, and dunes. A systematic study of
earthquakes provides a relatively clear picture into Earth's deepest and
remotest interior. Understanding Earth's interior helps us understand
how continents and ocean basins change their relative positions and
shapes over time. The development of economic minerals, such as gold,
silver, copper, and hundreds of other minerals of industrial importance,
as well as the formation of fossil fuels such as coal and oil, all help
us to maintain a high standard of living. Climate change over time
results in ice ages as well as global climates much more temperate than
that of today when glacial ice sheets and intermontane glaciers were
nowhere to be seen. These topics and more are discussed in GEOL 2010:
Introduction to Physical Geology. This physical geology course is cross listed with
physical geography.
Earth surface features, as well as its life forms, have changed and continue to change over time. Once where Savannah and Chatham County are today, towering mountain ranges rivaling the Alps and Himalayas of today dominated the landscape. Animal and plant populations changed so that once land- and marsh-dwelling dinosaurs dominated the landscapes, as well as gliding reptiles in the air, and enormous marine reptiles in the oceans. Today, these animals are all gone, and only the large sea turtles connect us with this remote geologic past. Sedimentary strata, the dominate rock type seen at Earth's surface, provide a superb record of past life and provide us a glimpse into past scenes when humans were absent from the landscape. The physical evolution of the North American continent, and the evolution of life forms over the millennia, dominate the discussions in GEOL 3100 Introduction to Historical Geology.
GEOL 3100 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL GEOLOGY (3-0-3)