GEO164 Earth System Processes (8)

Abstract

This subject presents an overview of the processes operating in Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Lithosphere topics include the Earth's internal structure, plate tectonics, and structural control of landforms. Hydrosphere topics include the hydrologic cycle, weathering, and fluvial processes. Atmosphere topics include cloud and precipitation formation, synoptic charts, energy balance, global climates, El-Nino Southern Oscillation, and climate change. There is no residential school associated with this subject. Students completing this subject have the ability to interpret and analyse a variety of geological, hydrological and atmospheric maps and charts.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
Internal	Albury-Wodonga Campus
Internal	Port Macquarie
Distance	Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: GEO164
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One session	HD/FL	School of Environmental Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

have an understanding of the key principles and concepts associated with geological processes
have an understanding of the key principles and concepts associated with hydrological processes
have a broad understanding of atmospheric processes and climate
have the ability to interpret and analyse a variety of geological, hydrological and atmospheric data from maps and charts

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

Internal structure of the earth;
Isostasy, continental drift, plate tectonics;
Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock types;
Landform development, geomorphological processes;
Topographic maps and methods of geological mapping;
The hydrologic cycle;
Anthropogenic modification of the water cycle;
Fluvial geomorphology;
Weathering, mass movement and erosion;
Physical properties of water, air, radiation and heat energy flux;
Earth's heat budget, greenhouse effect, seasonality and albedo;
Laws of horizontal airflow, convection cells;
Atmospheric circulation models, pressure zones, wind belts and global climates
Adiabatic processes, atmospheric stability and aerological diagrams
Evaporation, atmospheric moisture, cloud and preciptation
Air masses, fronts and synoptic meterology
Intertropical convergence, monsoons, tropical cyclones
El-Nino Southern Oscillation, ozone depletion, enhanced greenhouse effect and environmental consequences of climate change

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