GEOS 104 - Catastrophes and Extinctions

(3 S.H.)

More than 99% of species that have lived on Earth are now extinct. This course examines the history of the Earth and life through the lens of catastrophism - the idea that sudden, worldwide, often violent events have played a major role in the evolution of the Earth and the organisms that inhabit it. It stresses the idea that Earth is an interconnected system and that the parts of the system (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere) interact with and affect each other. The course covers topics such as deep time, the formation of the solar system and Earth, Earth processes such as plate tectonics and climate change, fossils and evolution, mass extinctions and their possible causes, and humanity’s role in extinction events. Includes laboratory simulations and/or field experiences. Meets GOAL 3. Grade only. Offered fall semester alternate years. Note: Students may enroll in either this course or GEOS 114 - Catastrophes and Extinctions with Laboratory, but they cannot earn credit for both courses.

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