Paul Karabinos
Professor
of Geosciences
127 Bronfman Science Center
(413) 597-2079
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GEOL 404T Geology of the Appalachians
The Appalachians are the eroded remnants of a mountain range that once rivaled
the Alps and, perhaps, the Himalayas in elevation. They formed hundreds of millions
of years ago in three distinct collisions with other continents. The Appalachians
record a rich geologic history of continental rifting, formation and closing
of ocean basins, continental collision, and mountain building. We will read
papers that describe the history of the Appalachians beginning with the Late
Precambrian opening of the Iapetus ocean, through the Paleozoic orogenies that
formed the Appalachians, and ending with the formation of the Atlantic. The
history of the Appalachians remains controversial, in part, because of diverse
perspectives that geologists bring to their work and interpretations, such as
different specialties, guiding paradigms, and field areas. The readings are
designed to illuminate the roots of the important controversies as well as the
geologic history of this well studied mountain belt.
Format: This course will follow the tutorial format. After an initial group
meeting, students will meet in pairs for one hour each week with the instructor.
Each student will orally present a written paper every other week for criticism
during the tutorial session. There will be occasional lectures and one all-day
field trip.
Evaluation will be based on five five-page papers and each student's effectiveness
as a critic.
Prerequisites: At least one of the following courses: GEOS 201, 202, 301, 302,
303, 401. or with permission of instructor.
Enrollment limited to 12 (expected 12)
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