GEOS 431 Soils

Cynthia Fadem,

https://sites.google.com/site/cfadem/

Earlham College

Summary

This course introduces students to the skin of the Earth, examining soil as both a geological material and a natural resource. We explore the awesome complexity of soils from molecular- to landscape-scale and examine the particular problems soils pose to human-landscape interaction.

Course Size:

less than 15

Course Format:

Integrated lecture and lab

Course Context:

This is an upper-level undergraduate course for Geology and Environmental Science majors, and Geology and Environmental Geology minors. The prerequisites are and introductory course (Physical or Environmental Geology) and my mid-level Geochemistry course.

Course Content:

Lecture and discussion topics include the formation, physics, chemistry, ecology, and sustainable management of the world's soils. Laboratory exercises incorporate field description, laboratory analysis, and large-scale research questions. One weekend field trip is required.

Course Goals:

to provide students with an understanding of soil diversity and complexity
to enable students to interpret soils and their attendant temporal and spatial systems
to emphasize the importance of soils in global sustainability, and encourage the development of effective soil-ecological management practices