Topics in Geology: Carbonate Environments GEOL 40976097

1
Topics in Geology Carbonate Environments (GEOL
4097/6097)

• Course Overview
• Learn about modern carbonate systems and
  carbonate classifications schemes in the
  classroom.
• Apply these skills/knowledge on a practical
  field experience in the Bahamas.

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Lectures (Mondays 700 -945)

• Introduction to Carbonate Systems (8/19)
• Swim Test (8/26)
• Modern Carbonate Environments/ Geochemistry
  (9/16)
• Carbonate Rock Classification (10/27)
• Ancient Carbonate Environments (11/17)
• Snorkel Test (12/02)
• Field Trip Meeting/ Paper Due (12/09)
• Bahamian Field Station (12/14-12/21)

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Evaluation

• Paper (modern depositional environments)
• Journal (at field station)
• Exams (in lab and in situ)

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Prerequisites and Requirements

• The ABILITY TO SWIM. You dont have to be an
  expert swimmer but you are responsible for
  yourself while in the water. Thus, all students
  will have to pass a swim test to prove their
  ability to swim for 30 minutes with flippers on
  and to float for 10 minutes.
• Be a Geology Major OR receive permission from the
  instructor. Contact Dr. Beth Christensen
  (1-3635 bchristensen_at_gsu.edu) with questions
  (she will be out of the office from July 13 to
  Aug. 12)

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Bahamian Field Station

• Exotic tropical picture forthcoming

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Costs

• Lab fee 300.00
• Charter Air 350.00
• Transport to Ft. Lauderdale (GSU will run a van)
• Snorkel equipment and personal items

• These costs are as accurate as of June, 2002.
• We do not expect prices to change before
  registration, but be advised that there may be a
  small difference (/-).

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December 14/15

• Get to Fort Lauderdale! (Sat. 12/14)
• Arrive at airport at 630 am on Sunday (12/15) to
  weigh bags (40 lb limit) and check in with the
  charter.
• Depart for the Bahamian Field Station on Twin Air
  Charters.

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Day 1 Sunday 12/15

• Arrive at the field station in the morning
• Snorkel North Point
• patch reefs
• sand
• turtle grass
• Lecture on geology of Bahamas/ Day 2 prep

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Day 2 Monday 12/16

• Gaulin Reef in the morning
• Dump Reef in the afternoon
• Complete coral identification assignment (in
  pairs)
• Comparison between groups
• Reef stratification schematics lecture
• Reflection assignment/ Day 3 prep

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Day 3 Tuesday 12/17

• Hike to inland lakes in morning snorkel the
  lake.
• Lighthouse cave (flank margin cave) and
  lighthouse in the afternoon.

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Day 4 Wednesday 12/18

• Cockburn FOSSIL Reef geology followed by souvenir
  shopping in the morning
• Snorkel at Fernandez Bay and visit Columbus
  landing point in the afternoon
• (SCUBA trip at the Riding Rock for
• certified divers)

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Day 5 Thursday 12/19

• Storrs Lake, Pigeon Creek and Snow Bay ALL DAY
• (snorkel on patch reefs, tidal delta system, and
  visit modern stromatolites)

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Day 6 Friday 12/20

• North point Eolianites and Rice Bay modern dune
  system in the morning.
• Grotto Beach in the afternoon.
• Underwater exam on the reef and the beach.
• Laboratory examination in the evening.

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Day 7 Saturday12/21

• Pack up weigh bags
• Depart for airport at 9 am
• Arrive Ft. Lauderdale 12
• Depart for Atlanta

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Student Shopping List

• Snorkel and mask
• Fins
• Booties
• Shortie wetsuit or body skin and farmer john
• Petersens field guide to Carbonate Geology
• Field book/ journal
• Underwater slate
• These items can be obtained at Divers Supply at
  a group discount.
• This item can be rented from Touch the Earth
  OR purchased at Divers Supply