Appalachian Geology

Appalachian Geology Seminar

Geology 350

In this seminar course, we will explore the geologic record of the Appalachian Mountains, which includes:

• Exploring the evolution of the Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic margin of eastern Laurentia prior to initiation of Appalachian orogeny.
• Exploring the temporal and spatial variability of the Appalachian orogeny in North America as well as the other major continental plates involved.
• Delving into the evidence and ramifications for the opening and closing of several major oceans, and the implications of these tectonic events on other Earth surface systems.
• Discussing the effects of continental collision on North America, Europe and Africa during and after the formation of the Pangea supercontinent.
• Exploring the collapse of the Appalachians and the transition to a rift-and-drift margin.
• Exploring the question of what has the Cenozoic/recent past done to the Appalachians?

All of these topics will be approached from a multi-disciplinary perspective – using geobiology, geochemistry, geophysics, marine geology, tectonics, etc.