Syllabus (GEOLOGY)

Course Type: ME-2

Semester: 2

Course Code: BGELMEB12T

Course Title: Introduction to Earth science

(L-P-Tu): 3-0-1

Credit: 4

Practical/Theory: Theory

Course Objective: Overall understanding of the subject as a branch of Earth science, Interpreting signature of geological incidents as may be preserved in rock records. Earth system science introduces the subject as a whole as it is not taught holistically in school level.

Learning Outcome: Overall students will learn the basics of geology, terminologies used in different branches of geology, origin and evolution of the earth itself as well as life and atmosphere on earth, cause of different geological phenomenon etc.

Theory:

Unit I: Introduction to various branches of Earth Science; General characteristics and origin of the Universe, Solar System and its planets; Meteorites and Asteroids; Origin of Earth atmosphere, ocean, and life. Origin of Earth-atmosphere, ocean, and life.

Unit II: Seismic waves and internal constitution of the Earth; Concept of isostasy; Earth’s magnetic field;

Unit III: Plate Tectonics: Concept of plate tectonics, sea-floor spreading and continental drifts. Earthquake and earthquake belts; Volcanoes- types, products and distribution of volcanic belts.

Unit IV: Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: Layers of the Atmosphere. Various cells of the atmospheric circulation.

Unit V: Nature of stratigraphic records. Fundamental laws of stratigraphy: laws of superposition and faunal succession. Absolute and relative time in Geology. Concept of time and geological time scale

Suggested Reference Books:

1. Bangar, K.M., 2001. Principles of Engineering Geology.

2. Dasgupta A. (2013). World Press: Introduction to Earth Science

3. Mahapatra G. B. (2019): A Textbook of Geology