GEOGG136 – Non-biological Indicators for Environmental Reconstruction

OPTION COURSE GEOGG136 – Non-biological Indicators for Environmental Reconstruction

(15 credits; Term 2)

Staff:
Jonathan Holmes (convenor) and others

Aims:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of physical and geochemical techniques used for environmental reconstruction. The module will:

• Provide an overview of the application of non-biological proxies in sediments to the reconstruction of environmental variables

• Provide specific theoretical and practical training in the use of selected techniques for the analysis of sediments for environmental reconstruction

• Explore the limitations of specific techniques and associated uncertainties in reconstructions

  Content:
  The module will cover theoretical and practical training in the use of non-biological indicators in environmental reconstruction, with particular emphasis on the laboratory analysis of Quaternary sediments. Techniques to be covered will be selected from the following: basic sediment description and characterization; particle-size analysis; mineral magnetics; sediment geochemistry using XRF; analysis of contaminants; carbonate geochemistry using ICP-OES; stable-isotope analysis of carbonates and organic material.

  Assessment:
  Lab-book write-up for practical classes (50%) and a 2000-word essay on application of non-biological indicators to environmental reconstruction (50%)
  
  Format:
  The module is based upon lectures and on supervised practicals.
  
  Learning Outcomes:
  At the end of the module students should have:

• a knowledge of the range of techniques used in environmental reconstruction;

• an understanding of the complexities associated with the interpretation of non-biological data;

• a critical appreciation of the advantages and limitations of the different techniques for reconstruction of past environments

• an understanding of the complexities associated with the interpretation of non-biological data;

• a critical appreciation of the advantages and limitations of the different techniques for reconstruction of past environments.

• Explore the limitations of specific techniques and associated uncertainties in reconstructions