Understanding the Earth 1300-WZZW-OG

The lecture discusses the most important processes that have shaped the face of present-day Earth. It presents the methods of age determination of rocks and processes, and fundamental concepts that are used by geologists in recognizing the history of the Earth. The basic rules of reading geological maps and graphic presentation of the geological structure will be shown. Further aspects include description of Earth’s structure, particularly its outermost layer – Earth’s crust. The tectonics of lithospheric plates is presented as a ruling concept explaining the formation of modern oceans and continents and elucidating the basic issues of mountain building. Various types of rocks are presented, along with the basic classifications schemes. Endogenic and exogenic processes leading to rock formation are discussed. Ancient and present-day environments of rock formation are presented with introduction of landscape forms that distinguish these settings. Methods of age determination of rocks and events are presented, with a discussion of their limitations and ranges of application. The major milestones in the evolution of the organic world on Earth are presented, with emphasis on the influence of fossilization processes of fossil record. The most important stages of Earth’s evolution in the last 500 million years are discussed in chronological order. The basic elements of the geology of Poland are presented, with emphasis on the influence of geological structure on the landscape.

Type of course

general courses

Prerequisites (description)

Knowledge in geology after geography lessons on secondary school level.

Course coordinators

Anna Żylińska

Learning outcomes

Upon accomplishing the course, the student:
- Understands the basic processes shaping the Earth;
- Is capable of distinguishing basic rock-forming minerals and basic types of rocks;
- Knows how to explain the distribution of seismic and volcanic phenomena on the surface of modern Earth, and how to refer them to the geological past;
- Can indicate the basic groups of fossils characteristic of particular geological intervals;
- Knows the most important stages of Earth’s development in the last 500 million years;
- Knows rules needed to read geological maps;
- Is capable of naming and distinguishing basic settings of rock formation;
- Knows the basic elements of the geological structure of Poland.

Assessment criteria

Written single choice test

Practical placement

none

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1300-WZZW-OG in USOSweb