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2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE5656M Past Global Environmental Systems
15 creditsClass Size: 20
Module manager: Robert Newton
Email: r.j.newton@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
Successful completion of level 2 or equivalent study (e.g. SOEE2145)Pre-requisites
| SOEE2145 | Palaeoeco, Palaeobio & Evo |
This module is mutually exclusive with
| SOEE3480 | Past Global Environmental Syst |
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
Earth’s surface environments have changed drastically with time and have both directly influenced, and been influenced by, biological evolution. This module will explore a range of approaches to generate information about past environments, before examining a series of case studies across the broad span of Earth history. This will enable you to understand the interacting factors that have controlled the Earth's climate and other environmental variables, both at times of crisis and during background states that were fundamentally different to today. The course will also include some direct experience of running an Earth system model and interpreting the results in the light of other evidence.Objectives
To understand the interacting factors that controlled the Earth's climate and other environmental variables through time. To integrate multidisciplinary data sources (geochemical, geological, palaeontological) with the results from models (e.g. palaeoclimate) to evaluate the causes of environmental phenomena such as glaciation, mass extinction and intense greenhouse climates. To use an Earth system model to address a palaeo-environmental question.Learning outcomes
An understanding of the range of approaches and proxies used to evaluate the palaeo-environmental conditions at the Earth’s surface. The ability to critically evaluate data from these approaches to derive an understanding of Earth’s past environments. Specific knowledge of the evolution of Earth surface environments at a number of key points in Earth’s history. Experience of applying an Earth system model to a case study and interpreting the resulting data in the light of geological evidence..
Syllabus
1. The climate system
2. Proxies for palaeoenvironment
3. Modelling approaches to palaeoenvironments
4. The Precambrian oxidation of Earth’s surface environments and Snowball Earth
5. The end-Permian mass extinction
6. The early Triassic recovery
7. CO2 control of climate in the Cenozoic
8. Gateway control of climate in the Cenozoic
9. Orbital control on climate
10. Rapid climate change in the Quaternary and course wrap-up
These lectures will be partnered with 5 hours of computer practical’s to learn setting up and running an Earth system model.
Note that the module description is flexible enough that the exact mix of case studies can change easily to allow for contributions by other staff in future years.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.50 | 15.00 |
| Practical | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Practical | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| Private study hours | 130.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
30 hours preparatory reading (3 per lecture)35 hours revision
25 hours computer model development
40 hours writing report on computer modelling
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Interaction in modelling classWritten exam practice exercise
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Report | Project Report 2,200 Words | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Resit will be 100% open book exam.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 48 hr 00 mins | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Resits will be in the form of an online time-limited assessment.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 06/12/2023 14:38:03
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