NIGK14029U Past Climate and Sea Level: Processes and Proxies (part 2)
MSc Programme in Geology-Geoscience
The course is composed of theory and case-studies. The theory
part comprises an introduction to selected climate archives and
marine and terrestrial system processes using different proxies and
techniques and adding to the processes introduced in Past Climate
and sea level – Processes and proxies (1). Important sedimentary
and geochemical proxies are covered and students are trained in
critical reading of key literature. Cases may deal with past
climate change, landscape change, and sea-level variation on time
scales ranging from millions to millennial years. Focus will
primarily be on Quaternary systems including Holocene beach-ridge
deposits, in addition to themes of Phaneroizoic and/or
Neo-Proterozoic climate history changing from year to year.
The aim of the course is to provide an overview of past climate and
sea-level changes focused on how these changes are observed in the
sedimentary records; what processes, interactions and feedback
between the components of the climate system may have led to the
signal in the sedimentary archives. The course is composed of
theory and case-studies. The theory part comprises an introduction
to climate archives and marine and terrestrial system processes.
Important sedimentary and geochemical proxies including isotopes
are explained and students are trained in the evaluation of data.
Cases may deal with past climate change, and landscape change on
time scales ranging from millions to millennial years. At the end
of block 2 students read key papers and produce a review report or
write a report about field/laboratory work. The student should have
the necessary background for understanding the importance of
observations and hypothesis testing. The student may have developed
skills in: analysing of multiple dataset and interpretation of
which processes feedback lead to the observations; evaluating the
validity of geological data archives and model results through
comparative studies.
Knowledge:
- Describe the main drivers and patterns of the Climate system of the Earth
- Understand what controls sea-level changes
- Relate sea-level change and climate evolution at different timescales
- Describe some of the most important Marine and terrestrial system processes
- Apply sedimentary, biotic and geochemical proxies to
reconstruct past climates
Skills:
- Critical evaluate scientific literature
- Interpret geological climate signals
- Place interpretations of climate archives or climate systems in
a wider perspective
Competences:
- Read scientific literature on climate systems and geological climate archives
- Use relevant definitions and terms
- Describe data from geological climate archives
- Give professional-style oral presentation
- Write a concise report
Please see Absalon course page.
- Category
- Hours
- Preparation
- 136
- Project work
- 35
- Theory exercises
- 35
- Total
- 206
As
an exchange, guest and credit student - click here!
Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignmentOral examination, 20 minutesThe written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- External censorship
Criteria for exam assesment
Please see description of learning outcome.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NIGK14029U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- A
- Course capacity
- 25 students (1 class of 25).
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Geosciences and Management
Contracting department
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management
Course responsibles
- Lars B Clemmensen (5-6e63747565426b6970306d7730666d)