Course content

From the prerequisite course Introductory geology, students are familiar with the Earth’s internal processes, especially formation and deformation of minerals, rocks, and the lithosphere. This course covers Earth’s outer processes and deposits from rivers, coasts, oceans, deserts and glaciers. There is a review of geological resources: fossil energy, groundwater, minerals, crushed rock, gravel, etc. It shows how geologists interpret and make models, and present them in the form of maps, profiles, and stratigraphic columns. In the geology of Norway the focus is on the Precambrium of Finnmark, Oslo rift, Caledonian orogenesis and collapse, and continental shelf geology. It is emphasized that geologic models are not perfect but can always be improved.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE: The student gains knowledge about the exogenic geological processes and the sedimentary deposits and resources that they form. The student also learns the geological development of Norway, mainland as well as offshore, from Precambrian to present. The course provides the student with a basic overview of geological resources, renewable and non-renewable.
SKILLS: The student should, based on observations, be able to evaluate what geological processes have been active and further be able to use geological maps, profiles, stratigraphic columns, and models, with the understanding that they are interpretations subject to improvements.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. 2 field trips. A re-take exam can be changed from written to oral at the discretion of the instructor.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Required previous knowledge

Course TGB4100 or similar knowledge of introductory geology.

Course materials

Nelson, Stephen A. EES1110 Lecture Notes, Ch 14-23.
Figures and figure captions from Ramberg et al: Landet blir til, Norges geologi
Dons, J.A. Oslo-traktenes geologi med 25 turbeskrivelser.
Geologic maps and internet pages at NGU.no
Internet pages and various notes posted on "Its Learning".

Suggested supplemental reading:
Marshak: Earth - Portrait of a Planet Ch 14-23 (figures and figure captions only)
Ramberg et al: The Making of a Land, Geology of Norway, with geologic map, Norsk Geologisk Forening

Credit reductions