Module outline
The distribution and arrangement of earth materials, through the geological past and as they are
now, form the core of this module. The development of ideas concerning the evolution of geology
as a science are outlined with references to key personalities of the 17th-19th centuries. The
concept and measurement of geological time and time-scales are next introduced. We trace the
progressive evolution of the surface of our planet, focusing on Britain. We also look at:
(i) earth structures - how deformation in the earth has modified the arrangement of materials; (ii)
the present-day distribution of earth resources, including energy sources and mineral deposits in
Britain; (iii) the links between geology and landscape, and (iv), the nature and uses of geological
maps. Maps form the most convenient way of summarising, recording and communicating geological
information, and help bring together the different themes of the course.

The lecture themes are:

These are grouped under "geological maps" and "evolution of Britain from a global perspective"; the lectures on these topics will be interspersed with each other.

1. Geological maps

Geological maps: an introduction

(Practical 1. Introduction to Geological maps)

(Practical 2. Visual assessment of maps and cross-sections)

Geological maps: visual assessment

(Practical 3. Measurements on maps)

Earth structure: the fracturing of rocks

Geological maps: structures on maps

(Practical 4. Earth structures and superficial deposits on maps)

Earth structure: other deformation structures

(Practical 5. Geological maps for environmental planning)

2. Evolution of Britain

Evolution of geological concepts (including key personalities in the 17th to 19th centuries)

Geological time (development of ideas, the geological time-scale, methods of dating and
correlating rocks)

Tectonic framework of the British Isles

Early crustal evolution (Archaean - middle Proterozoic)

Early sedimentary basins (late Proterozoic cover rocks)

Late Proterozoic basin development, orogeny and magmatism

Cambrian - Silurian sedimentary basin development and volcanism

Geological maps: measurements on maps

Earth structure: rock deformation; folding

The Caledonian orogeny - compressional tectonics

The Old Sandstone continent and Devonian seas; Carboniferous coal-forming swamps and warm
tropical seas

Late Palaeozoic - Cenozoic extensional tectonics

Permian - Triassic tropical deserts

Jurassic - Cretaceous warm shallow seas and early Cenozoic rift-basin deposits

The Palaeogene (Early Tertiary) igneous record

The Quaternary Period: glacial/interglacial cycles

Aims of the module
The module provides a basic introduction to the distribution and arrangement of earth materials, through the geological past
and as they are now.

Objectives
The student will gain an awareness of the magnitude of geological time and the problems of dealing with it. The student will
acquire a basic understanding of the way the present day distribution of geological materials came about, including resources
which underpin much of today's political and social patterns, and in particular the physical and cultural landscape of the British
Isles. The student will obtain a basic working knowledge of geological maps and an appreciation for their breadth of
application.