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Unit of study_
GEOS2114: Volcanoes, Resources and Sustainability
2025 unit information
Through the millennia, volcanoes have provided key material for hominids extending from fertile soils and obsidian spear points, to copper for wind turbines. On occasion, their explosive behaviour has also ended civilisations. In this unit of study, you will develop an understanding of the formation and dynamics of volcanoes, their role as a carbon-source during their build-up, carbon-sink through their weathering and the production of fertile soils. You will explore how volcanoes sustain biodiversity hubs from the deep ocean-floor (black and white smokers) to the green slopes of volcanoes such as Kilimanjaro. You will develop a deep understanding of key magmatic processes that underpin the formation of Earth resources critical for a transition to a clean economy and a sustainable future. You will observe, document and analyse magmatic rocks in the field (during a 2-day field trip to study an extinct volcano in New South Wales or an optional 10-day trip to New Zealand's North Island).
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Geosciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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6 credit points from (GEOS1XXX or GEOL1XXX) |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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GEOL2111 or GEOL2911 or GEOS2914 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. understand key petrological and structural concepts relevant to deep crustal and mantle processes
- LO2. apply these concepts to analyse igneous rocks, and unravel their mineralogy, structure and geochemical evolution
- LO3. identify the main types and settings of Earth’s volcanism
- LO4. understand the main variables that contribute to the evolution and diversity of magmas
- LO5. understand the selective processes associated with the formation of ore deposits and factors that contribute to economically and socially responsible resource extraction
- LO6. Employ geochemical data to assess the origin and evolution of various magma types.
- LO7. Employ isotopic data to assess the origin and evolution of various magma types.
- LO8. source and analyse information, assess its reliability and significance
- LO9. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
- LO10. engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
- LO11. develop a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Additional advice
An optional volcano field study trip to New Zealand's North Island in February is available for up to 20 students. Extra costs apply. Contact with the School in the preceding November or December is advisable to secure a place on the trip.
