This intensive field course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of modern and fossil carbonate environments, and the role of biological processes in reef building and erosion. It complements EMSC3023 Global Cycles II: the Modern Oceans and BIOL3116 Marine Ecology, and is for students seeking a profession in the petroleum industry, marine biology, environmental science or geochemistry. Several days will be spent at a coral reef location studying a modern reefal setting, fossil reef depositional environments and relevant biological processes. Activities will include both advanced lectures and field surveys.

The tentative field trip date for 2011 is December 13 to December 20. Location is Heron Island. 

On satisfying the requirements of this course students will have gained the knowledge and skills to :

1.  Recognise and map different environments and bio-zones on a carbonate reef platform.

2.  Apply field techniques used to describe and assess carbonate reef ecosystems

3.  Produce maps of the reef flat.

4.  Desecribe the history of deposition of carbonate reef platforms over Holocene time.

5.  Gain a working knowledge of how to do measure carbonate chemistry in the field

6.  Demonstrate understanding of basic biological processes of coral reefs.

7. Identify the major issues facing the future of carbonate reef ecosystems and the strategies that may be used to address these threats.

Indicative Assessment

• Presentation of field map and/or report (60% LO 1-3)
• Theory examination, 2 hours, (40% LO 1 and 4-7)

Spring intensive field course to be held after the semester 2 examination period

Quota of 20 and permission required to enrol in this course

GEOL3019