Historical geology

obligatory courses

The student is familiar with the stratigraphical table and with basic attributes of marine and terrestrial sedimentary rocks. The student understands the geotectonic models explaining the composition of the Earths' crust and of the processes taking place in it.

A one semester lecture combined with classes is aimed to present the geological history of the Earth, including the history of the planet and of the life on it. A systematic description of the Earth's history is preceded by an introduction focused on the methods of dating the rocks and processes and on stratigraphical classifications. Phanerozoic history of the Earth is interpreted in terms of processes governed by plate tectonics and presents changes of worlds palaeogeography, facies provinces, major tectonic events and evolution of sedimentary basins. Development of continents is illustrated mainly on examples from Europe and North America. Presentation of the history of life embraces main stages of evolution, biological expansion, radiations and crisis, and their relation to palaeogeographical changes and the physical evolution of the planet is discussed.

The aim of the classes is to introduce the students to selected aspects (mainly from the methodological point of view) of the Earth's history. The first set of classes deals with various methods of stratigraphical classifications (litho-, bio-, chronostratigraphy and geochronology) and to the methods of determining the relative and absolute age of rocks and processes. A number of graphical exercises are made during the classes, devoted to interpretation of selected environmental factors. (bathymetry, salinity, temperature, energy, oxidation), as well as to palaeogeographical interpretations based on biogeographical, climatic, palaeomagnetic and geotectonic data. Last part of the classes is devoted to a systematic presentation of fossils characteristic to particular stages of life history.

After completing the subject, the student is able to list in stratigraphical order the main stages of the Earth's history, taking into account palaeogeographical, biotic and facies changes. Basing on real data he analyses the evolution of facies environments of selected areas in Europe taking into account geotectonic changes and biotic evolution during selected time intervals. He is able to recognise main fossils that are characteristic for all systems of the Palaeozoic and to determine their age.

He is able to interpret orogenic phenomena basing on analytical data.

The student is able to compile data derived from various fields of geology into one integrity and reconstructs the history of selected regions of Europe in particular stratigraphic intervals.

Written tests after each set of classes. A positive mark needs to be obtained from both tests. Written resit tests at the end of the semester.Two absences allowed.