GEOLOGY 205/205G New Zealand: Half a Billion Years on the Edge

New Zealand has a fascinating geological history from small beginnings as the off-scrapings of proto-Australia, to an island beset by volcanic eruptions, violent earthquakes, and enormous erosion as a consequence of being located on the edge of the biggest tectonic plate in the world. Earth processes happen fast in NZ, with incredible implications for our landscape and the organisms living here - from dinosaurs, ancient whales, moa and kauri, to strange bugs with a penchant for living in extreme environments. And humans are no exception: we have to find ways to live safely in a land that is constantly on the move. If you have ever wondered about the grandeur of New Zealand's scenery, pondered over the prospect of a large earthquake occurring when you visit Wellington, or simply would like to know more about what you walk on, this is the course for you. The Geology Department's most engaging lecturers will take you on a virtual tour to some of the best field sites where you can explore half a billion years of New Zealand's classic landscapes and classic critters.

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

• Construct a time line for the geological development of New Zealand
• Appreciate why NZ is unique globally with respect to its geology and biota
• Participate in informed discussion on how NZ's distinctive landscape has developed

Dr Barry O'Connor - ext. 88638; b.oconnor@auckland.ac.nz; room 301-1009
Dr Julie Rowland
Assoc. Prof. Kathy Campbell
Assoc. Prof. Stuart Simmons
Dr Warwick Prebble
Dr Dan Hikuroa
Dr Jan Lyndsay
Dr Paul Augustinus

New Zealand has a fascinating geological history from small beginnings as the off-scrapings of proto-Australia to an island beset by volcanic eruptions, violent earthquakes, and enormous erosion as a consequence of being located on the edge of the biggest tectonic plate in the world. Earth processes happen fast in New Zealand, with incredible implications for our landscape and the organisms living here - from dinosaurs, ancient whales, moa and kauri, to high alpine specialists. Humans are no exception: we have to find ways to live safely in a land that is constantly on the move. If you have ever wondered about the grandeur of New Zealand's scenery, pondered over the prospect of a large earthquake occurring when you visit Wellington, or simply would like to know more about what you walk on and see around you, this is the course for you. Some of the Geology programme's most engaging lecturers will take you on a virtual tour to some of the best field sites where you can explore half a billion years of New Zealand's classic landscapes and classic critters.

Please consult TBA for GEOLOGY 205/205G resources (the website is currently under construction and will be added to during the semester). You will find links to readings and other resources on this page.