Geological Oceanography (OCN 622) Fall, 2010
T Th 1:30 – 2:45 PM, MSB 315

Instructors:  G. McMurtry, M. Mottl
Readings:  P&S = Press & Siever, The Earth; K = Kennett, Marine Geology

Part I:  Geology & Geophysics of the Ocean Basins (#1-2 =MM, #3-6=GM)

1.  T  8/24                     Ocean floor physiography (P&S chapter 1,20; K chapters 1,2)
2.  Th  8/26                   Dynamics of mid-ocean ridges and transform faults (P&S 4; K 4)
3.  T  8/31                     Marine seismology, seismic reflection & refraction (P&S 18)
4.  Th  9/2                     Earth's gravitational field (P&S 19)
5.  T  9/7                       Global hydrocarbon resources I (P&S 23)
6.  Th  9/9                     Global hydrocarbon resources II
  
Part II:  Sedimentary Processes in the Oceans (#7-16=GM)

7.  T  9/14                     Nearshore sediments and processes I (P&S 11; K 10)
8.  Th  9/16                   Nearshore sediments and processes II (P&S 11; K 10)
9.    T  9/21                   Pelagic sediments: types, origin, distribution (K 13,14)
10.  Th  9/23                 Sediment dynamics: erosion, transport processes (K 15)
11.  T  9/28                   Oceanic deposits I: Ferromanganese nodules, crusts
12.  Th 9/30                  Oceanic deposits II: Chemical weathering and clays
13.  T  10/5                   Stratigraphy I: litho-, bio-, and chronostratigraphy (K 3)
14.  Th  10/7                 Stratigraphy II: sampling; radio- and stable isotopes
15.  T  10/12                 Paleoceanography I: time series and time slices (K 17,18)
16.  Th  10/14               Paleoceanography II: paleogeography; extinctions (K 19)
                                   
 T   10/19                     MID-TERM EXAMINATION

Part III:  Dynamics, Igneous & Metamorphic Processes in the Oceans (#17-26=MM)

17.  Th   10/21               Dynamics of ocean basins and subduction zones (P&S 21; K 5,12)
18.  T  10/26                 Hot spots and mantle plumes (P&S 5)
19.  Th   10/28               Introduction to oceanic minerals and rocks (P&S 3)
       T  11/2                   Holiday: Election Day
20.  Th   11/4                Igneous rocks, minerals, and processes in the oceans I (P&S 15,16)
21.  T  11/9                   Igneous rocks, minerals, and processes in the oceans II (P&S 15,16)
       Th 11/11                Holiday: Veterans Day 
22.  T  11/16                 Metamorphic processes in the oceans (P&S 17) 
23.  Th   11/18               Nature and origin of the oceanic crust I (K 7)
24.  T  11/23                 Nature and origin of the oceanic crust II (K 7)
       Th   11/25              Holiday: Thanksgiving Day
25.  T  11/30                 Hot springs and polymetallic sulfide deposits
26.  Th   12/2                Heat flow (P&S 1,14)

Part IV:  Global Perspectives on Earth History (#27-28=MM)

27.  T  12/7                   Paleoclimate
28.  Th  12/9                 Paleotectonics and megacycles (skim K 6)

T  12/14                       FINAL EXAMINATION

Course grade:  35% Final + 35% Mid-term + 20% Homework + 10% Class participation