Middlebury

ECSC 1010

Telling Time w/Geochronology

Telling Time with Geochronology
In this course we will explore the field of geochronology: the methods by which the age of rocks and landforms are determined to illuminate the mysteries of ancient earth. Content will include understanding how rocks and landscapes form, as well as aspects of physical chemistry such as radioactive decay and mass spectrometry. Learning will occur through seminar-style discussions and hands-on lab work centered around a 4-week project using U-Pb dating to test hypotheses about the geologic history of Vermont. Students working in small groups will learn how to use instruments such as the scanning electron microscope and laser-ablation mass spectrometry. This course is nominally restricted to geology majors although other interested students are encouraged to contact the professor.
Subject:
Earth & Climate Sciences
Department:
Earth & Climate Sciences
Division:
Social Sciences
Requirements Fulfilled:
SCI WTR

Sections

Winter 2025

ECSC1010A-W25 Lecture (Amidon)

Winter 2023

ECSC1010A-W23 Lecture (Amidon)