Professor: Dr. Seth Stein
Teaching Assistants: Kimberly
Schramm, Laura Swafford

In addition to getting your distribution requirement out of the way, this course should give you some ideas about:
• How our planet works.
• Why mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes are where they are.
• How geology impacts our civilization

“We believe” is used often - New discoveries/ advances are being made today that further our understanding

Planet Earth is a dynamic system that evolved for 4.6 billion years and continues to.
Grand Canyon, AZ, USA, formed by erosion during a period of uplift beginning 60 mya (million years ago)
“Sue” - Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton - 67 million yrs old (late Cretaceous) -
Chicago Field Museum

The evolution depends on the way heat “The geological lifeblood of planets” is transferred out of the cooling earth by thermal convection
(Hot stuff rises)

Thermal convection causes plate tectonics: plates of the earth's surface move relative to each other at a few mm/yr
(about the speed fingernails grow)
San Andreas Fault,
Carizo Plain, CA

 Plate motions cause earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building at plate boundaries

 Plate tectonics makes earth what it is different from neighbor planets(Mars,
Venus: 3 bears principle)
Too Cold Just Right Too Hot

 Plate motions are crucial for the origin of life, its survival, and our climate

 Plate motions provide resources as well as hazards to society

Damage in Indonesia from the tsunami in December

 2 tests: 25% each
 Weekly quizzes: 15% of final grade
 Presentation: 10% of final grade
 Presentation evaluation: 10% of final grade
 Discussion : 15% of final grade
STAY WITH THE MATERIAL! DON’T PUT
OFF STUDYING

 Most of the figures used in class are available on the website: http://www.earth.northwestern.edu/individ/seth/107/
 Text: Exploring Earth, by Davidson, Reed,
Davis, 2nd ed, 2002.
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Reading is not required. Test will cover only lecture and discussion & pres. material.
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First edition of text is OK, but chapters may be different.

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Description of topics on handout and class website
 http://www.earth.northwestern.edu/individ/seth/107/iss ues.htm
Topic will be assigned
Presentation will consist of 5 minute argument for/against - this will be assigned as well.
First one will be on Friday , October 7.
Earth science plays a role in many important societal issues. This course focuses on the underlying science relevant to some of these.
Via class presentations we will explore several issues, some of which go beyond what we do in class.

 Each Presentation will be evaluated by the class
 10% of your grade so don’t miss days that you aren’t presenting! NO MAKE-
UPS will be possible!

 Each Wednesday except for test days
 Quizzes are short - about 5 minutes
 Any make-ups require advance permission from the office of studies.

 Extra credit opportunity worth one quiz
 http://www.earth.northwestern.edu/individ/seth
/107
 Due Monday, November 28, by 5:00pm.
Electronic submission is acceptable.

 Meets weekly, attendance required!
 Can switch sessions with advance notice to
TA.
 Covers material that complements lecture, and is eligible for quiz/test questions!
 Each week an exercise/handout to be completed in class period
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Also a good time to ask TA’s questions!

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2 hour tests: Wednesday, October 26 and
Wednesday, November 23.
Each test covers material in previous lectures, discussions and presentations.
 The second test is not cumulative, but the material does build on itself. So no direct questions on the material from first half, but make sure you understand everything
Any make-ups require advance permission from the office of studies

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2 TA’s:
 Kimberly Schramm, Office: Locy Rm 309 C-D, schramm@earth.northwestern.edu
, office hours: Wed 1-2pm, or by appointment
 Laura Swafford, Office: Locy Rm 3, swafford@earth.northwestern.edu, office hours: Thurs 11amnoon, or by appointment
Please see the TA’s first for help! - we are paid to help you.
BONUS: you get a different explanation from the prof.
 Professor:
 Dr. Seth Stein, Office: Locy Rm 311, seth@earth.northwestern.edu, office hours: 10-11am, weekdays
DON’T WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE TEST TO SEE
US!