EST 1103: Earth Science I

Course Number: EST 1103 Course Title: Earth Science I Credit: 3 [3 hours per week for a period of 13 (3X13 hours) weeks]

1. Introduction: Physical environment; internal and surface process; definition, the significance of physical environment as life support system; the solar system; Origin of the Universe; Earth in comparison to other planets in the Solar system, the uniqueness of Earth. 2. The Earths interior: structure, dimensions of earth, Earths internal structure, Rock deformation (stress and strain); geologic structures (folds, faults and joints); seismic waves; velocity variations within the earth; isostasy; gravity measurement; Earths magnetic field, 3. Minerals: definition, classification, physical and chemical properties, major rock-forming minerals, classification of silicates, minerals of environmental significance (such as clay minerals etc. 4. Rocks: definition, classification, occurrence, formation, mineralogical and chemical composition of major rock types such as Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary rocks, Rock Cycle and its environmental significance. 5. The Theory of Plate Tectonics: Plate Tectonics, Forerunners of modern tectonic thoughts, the Theory of Continental Drift, Sea-floor spreading, Paleo-magnetism, the Plate Tectonics Synthesis Mechanisms of Plate Movement, The Quaternary Plate Movements and its environmental significance 6. Earthquakes: Definition, causes of earth quakes; seismic waves; locating and measuring effects of earth quakes; earth quakes motion; earth quakes prediction 7. Volcanism and volcanoes: Debris and lava flow; living with volcanoes; extrusive rocks and gases; extrusive rocks; types of volcanoes; lava floods; submarine eruptions 8. Geological Time: concept and principles: Concept (of time and space) and evolution, interpreting the sedimentary rock records, The Law of Uniformiterianism, The Law of Fossil Succession, Development of Geological Time Scale, Measuring geological time, description of major time and rock units (with emphasis on the Cenozoic Era). Recommended References:
James S. Monroe & Reed Wicander. 2006, The changing earth exploring geology and evolution 4th edition, Books/Cole Cengage Learning Thomson and Turk , Introduction of Physical Geology ( chapter 1 & 5) Plummer C.C., Carlson D.H. and Mc Geary. 200, Physical Geology, 11th Edition, McGraw Hill ( chapter 2,3,4, 6, 7 &8) Davidson, Reed and Davis, 1997, Exploring Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, Prentice Hall, USA. ( chapter 2 & 5)