Program Overview

Introduction to GEO164 Earth System Processes

GEO164 Earth System Processes is a subject that explores the processes operating in Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Students will learn about geological processes that have shaped the Earth's landforms and how to interpret geological features to develop a historical perspective on landform development. Additionally, they will study the relationships between the Earth's hydrological cycle and the atmosphere to understand the processes affecting weather on a global and local scale, including weather forecasting.

Subject Outlines

The subject outlines for GEO164 are updated each session, and current CSU students can view them for recent sessions.

Availability

GEO164 is available in Session 2, with 60 students enrolled. The subject is offered on campus at Albury-Wodonga and Port Macquarie, as well as online through Albury-Wodonga Campus.

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for GEO164 is HD/FL.

Duration

The subject is one session in duration.

School

GEO164 is part of the School of Environmental Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Describe the key principles and concepts associated with geological processes
• Interpret geological features to develop a historical perspective on landform development
• Describe the key principles of atmospheric processes and climate
• Interpret weather maps and forecast the weather
• Describe the key principles and concepts associated with hydrological processes
• Read, interpret, and use topographic maps

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Formation of the Solar System
• Internal structure of the earth, continental drift, and plate tectonics
• Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock types
• Topographic maps and geological history interpretation
• The hydrologic cycle, weathering, and erosion
• Physical properties of water, air, radiation, and heat energy flux
• Earth's heat budget, greenhouse effect, seasonality, and albedo
• Atmospheric circulation models, pressure zones, wind belts, and global climates
• Adiabatic processes, atmospheric stability, and aerological diagrams
• Air masses, fronts, and synoptic meteorology
• El-Nino Southern Oscillation, ozone depletion, enhanced greenhouse effect, and environmental consequences of climate change