GE476 Geological Aspects of Western Norway

Contents and structure

The course emphasizes the significance of geological long term environmental reconstructions for the interpretation of ecological short term processes. The first part introduces glacial geology, limnology, and fjord science. Modern fjord and/or lake environments are investigated to gain knowledge on the processes involved in the deposition of signals from environmental change. This knowledge is then used to illustrate how environmental change can be interpreted from the deposition record. The overall understanding of these processes requires an additional understanding of the geological evolution of the surroundings. Thus, the course summarizes in its second part the regional and bedrock geology of Western Norway from the Caledonian orogeny until today. The course culminates in a one week mapping exercise of Ordovician sediment rocks on the island of Atløy, introducing three dimensional thinking in the field. Intensive laboratory work accompanies field and lectures, providing the basis for a science project. The students will present their part of this science project during a public seminar at the end of the entire "From Mountain to Fjord" programme.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The students know how to interpret sediments from aquatic environments in terms of recent and ancient environmental change, basing their knowledge on recent scientific research papers and their own practical experience in field and laboratory. In addition, the students are able to recognize the rocks and formations of the regional geology in the area and the processes involved to explain their formation.

Skills

The students are able to critically apply their geological knowledge on the long term interpretation of ecological and environmental change. They know how to retrieve and investigate sediment cores from aquatic environments, and which methods to be applied for a holistic interpretation of the results. The students get a practical introduction to three and four dimensional geological thinking.

General competence

The students are able to constructively contribute to the development and discussion of scientific projects related to environmental change by adding valuable geological insight.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

90 ECTS credits achieved within earth sciences, or environmental sciences, or life sciences, or similar study directions at the time of application (15th April every year, for international students). General background in natural sciences is of advantage.

Teaching methods

Lectures, exercises, laboratory, and nine days of field work and excursions.

Students have to be prepared to pay for their food during fieldwork and excursions according to the HVL rules and regulations on accommodation and travel expenses.

Compulsory learning activities

The following work has to be submitted and approved as a prerequisite for participation in the final multiple choice exam of the course

Compulsory written course work requirements

• Reports
  • Project proposal for the science project part of the single student groups
    • Group work
    • 14 hours preparation time
    • 5 to 10 pages including figures
  • Field report from the two-day "Caledonian orogeny" excursion
    • Group work
    • 7 hours preparation time
    • 12 to 14 pages, i.e. one page per location and two pages for the general summary of each day
  • Field report from the "Atløy geological mapping" field work
    • Group work
    • 14 hours preparation time (7 hours in the field; 7 hours at home)

Oral presentation

• 10 minutes oral presentation of the results from the limnology laboratory
  • Group work
  • After presentation: Answering questions
  • After presentation: Submitting the presentation to the supervisor
  • After presentation: Submitting the raw data to the supervisor

Assessment

Written examination under supervision (multiple choice), 4 hours

Mark scale A-F, with F corresponding to "Not passed"

Examination support material

Dictionaries in the international participant's native language.

More about examination support material