Summary
Glacial geology is the study of landforms and sediments created by glaciers. This course examines glacial deposits, as well the climate and ice conditions that produced them. During the recent ice ages, glaciers covered about 30% of the earth's surface. As a consequence, much of this area now is covered with their deposits. Knowledge of these deposits is important not only for understanding how glaciers work, but also for reconstructing past climate, determining sand, gravel, and water resources, and evaluating sites for engineering projects. Glacial sediments also can play a role in determining vegetation, ecology, and human land use. More detailed information on the course content can be obtained from the course outline.
The course is designed for upper-level undergraduates or graduate students. Typically, the students are from diverse backgrounds, which reflects the importance of glacial deposits, landforms, and the ice ages to fields other than geology. Students needing to take the course at a higher level for graduate credit should see the instructor. Experience in identifying glacial landforms and sediments comes from three one-day field trips to Acadia National Park, Down East, and the Upper Kennebec River Valley.
Who should take this course?
- Geologists
- Civil Engineers
- Foresters
- Ecologists
- Anthropologists
- Human Geographers
- Science Education Teachers
- Environmental Scientists
- Natural Resource Engineers
- Anyone interested in understanding the landscape of Maine
Course Outline
Syllabus Fall 2005Syllabus Fall 2005 - Click to Download
Instructors
Dr. Brenda Hall311 Bryand Global Sciences Center
Phone: (207) 581-2191
brendah (at) maine.edu
Office hours: M 10-11, T 9-10 or by appointment
Previous Field Trips
Acadia, Kennebec Valley, Down East