Module GEOL2171: Water and Climate

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2171: Water and Climate

Prerequisites

• Pass at Level 1 Mathematical Methods in Geosciences (GEOL1061), pass at AS Level in Mathematics, grade B or above or the equivalent at Scottish Highers.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To use geochemical methods to reconstruct palaeoclimatic variations and to quantify modern controls on the climate change.
• To introduce students to quantitative methods for the chemical tracing of environmental processes.
• To understand the behaviour and nature of water resources.

Content

• Climate evolution through Phanerozoic
• Evolution of climate theory
• Geochemical controls on the modern climate system
• Geochronology: applications in palaeoclimatology (U-Th, radiocarbon)
• Geochemistry of climate proxies
• Anthropogenic global warming: real or imagined?
• Hydrological Inputs
• Surface Hydrology and Floods
• Groundwater and Groundwater Flow
• Unsaturated flow
• Groundwater Chemistry
• Water Quality.

Learning Outcomes

• To describe major events in the Earth's climate evolution and relate them to variations in the climatic feedbacks.
• To describe how chronologies for geochemical proxy records of climate are developed.
• To critically evaluate the precision and accuracy of a chronology around which a proxy record is developed.
• To evaluate how variations in modern geochemical systems could result in climate change.
• To critically evaluate modern, anthropogenic global warming.
• Will have acquired the ability to judge the validity of various climate proxy records.
• To describe the applications of various climate proxies.
• To be able to apply the principles of geochemistry to quantitative problem solving.
• To understand the uses of elemental and isotopic chemistry in Earth Sciences.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in ecological, biological and geochemical processes and their role in shaping the Earth.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in the role of the geologist in society with regard to economic development and environmental sustainability .

• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.

• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
• Solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer techniques.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is delivered through a mix of one-hour lectures and two-hour practical slots, supported by handouts, directed reading and web and computer-based assignments.
• The practicals form an important component of the module allowing "hands on" learning and experience.
• Summative assessment is made up of 3 practical tests.
• An unseen written exam will provide a test of the students understanding of supporting theory.
• Formative assessment is provided by web-based tests.
• Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Calculations.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University