Course Elective 25 - Introduction to Weathering

Staff involved:

Dr Derek Wyman (The University of Sydney).

Module Objectives

The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the Regolith weathering profile in an Australian context. Weathering mechanisms and processes will be related to the tectonic and paleoclimatic history of Australia and its landscapes. Ore deposits in the regolith and the role of the regolith in the development of ore deposits will also be examined.

The course will:
• Provide a basic knowledge of Regolith models, terminology, and classification schemes used in Australia
• Establish the role of protolith, climate, tectonics, (etc) on regolith development
• Characterise the behaviour of major and trace elements during weathering
• Illustrate concepts and techniques applied to ore deposit exploration in weathered terranes

Format, duration and timing

This is a four-day course which includes 16 lecture hours and 9 practical hours.

Assumed Knowledge

An understanding of geological concepts and principles commensurate with a full complement of senior-level geology courses is assumed.

Reference Material

Course notes will be available for purchase along with readings from recent journal papers.

Assessment

Students are evaluated by written examination (60%) and on practicals and a short written assignment.

Module contact persons and coordinators:

• Dr. Derek Wyman
  School of Geosciences
  The University of Sydney,
  NSW 2006, Australia
  Phone: +61 2 9351 2924
  Fax: 61 2 9351 0184
  E-mail: dwyman@geosci.usyd.edu.au