Chabot College/Las Positas College
January 1994
Course Outline for Geology 12
INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY
Catalog Description:
12 - Introduction to Oceanography
3 units
Introduction to the oceans, their history and topography; physical and chemical properties of sea
water; causes and effects of currents, tides, and waves; distribution of marine resources; sea floor
sediments; tectonics and paleomagnetism. 3 hours.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
identify the oceans and major seas of the world and their relative areas;
2.
describe the formation and effects of waves, tides, and currents;
3.
know the approximate distribution of trenches and ridges and the theories of their formation;
4.
discuss the formation and life cycle of beaches, reefs, bays, and estuaries;
5.
quote the variations in temperature, density, and salinity of selected regions of the oceans
and discuss the effects these factors have on the distribution of commercial fishes and life
forms in general;
6.
discuss sea floor sediments, their origins and distribution;
7.
quote the latest discoveries and theories of sea floor spreading, tectonics, and
paleomagnetism.
Course Content:
1.
History of ships and instruments. Operation and use of oceanographic equipment.
2.
Geography of the oceans and seas.
3.
Waves and currents. Internal waves and currents. Temperature and salinity variations.
Tides, seismic sea waves.
4.
Pelagic and terrigenous sediments on shelves, slopes. Canyons, floors, and trenches.
Turbidity currents.
5.
Geographic distribution and dispersal of life forms. Photic and aphotic zones.
6.
Plate tectonics: sea floor spreading and palemagnetism.
Methods of Presentation:
1.
Lectures
2.
Discussions
3.
Films and/or slides
4.
Activities such as map study, observation of minerals, rocks, and sediment some
5.
Individual student experimentation
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Midterm exams
2.
Final exam
3.
Discussions
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Essentials of Oceanography, Thurman, McMillan Publishing
Special Student Materials:
hp revised 1/94
a:Geology:Geo12CO.CON
None