GEO 504 - Geology of the Turkana Basin

Students are introduced to the current perspectives on the origins and evolution of the Turkana Basin, Kenya. Students learn how to apply fundamental geological concepts to the sediments and rock units to provide a foundation for the chronology and context for recorded events in human evolution. Emphasis is given to sedimentation, statigraphy, volcanism, and tectonics, as they apply to local geology, including training in field methods. Modern terrestrial processes and landscape evolution are examined using features present in the Turkana Basin. Consideration is also given to broader geologic events spanning the Oligocene to he present. Geologic concepts are linked to modern and ancient environments, archaeology, and paleoanthropology in northern Kenya. It is a field-based course involving visits to important geological and fossil sites. Graded work includes fieldwork and lab assignments, independent research assignments, quizzes and a final exam.

3 credits

Grading Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

Offered Fall and Spring.

Note: Components- laboratory lecture and recitation.