Earth & Space Sciences

This course introduces students to the quantitative treatment of chemical processes in aquatic systems. It includes a brief review of chemical thermodynamics and photochemistry as it applies to natural waters. Specific topics covered include acid-base chemistry, precipitation-dissolution, coordination, and redox reactions. Emphasis is on equilibrium calculations as a tool for understanding the variables that govern the chemical composition of aquatic systems and the fate of pollutants.

This course starts with a short introduction to the ice age theory, followed by a review of the formation of continental ice sheets, isostatic movements and eustatic sea-level fluctuations. Thereafter follows an introduction to the study methods of the properties of Quaternary and glacial deposits, and their dating. Subsequently, glacial erosion, transport and deposition are introduced, followed by a review of the origin and properties of tills, meltwater deposits, and glaciolacustrine and glaciomarine deposits. Finally, an overview is given of the periglacial environment (processes and landforms). A two-day field excursion in Jutland demonstrates some glacial landforms and deposits.

This course introduces the formation and geological evolution of sedimentary basins in order to understand the spatial distribution of different units and the exploitation of the subsurface. The course includes lectures and practicals in basin forming processes with focus on the relation between subsidence (including faults and saltstructures) and deposition of different reservoirs in time and space; the use of reservoirs with respect to drinking water production, CCS, geothermal energy, heat storage and the formation/production of fossil fuel; introducing geotechnical methods and the link to geological problems; and carbon cycles. Different methods for analyzing basins and reservoirs are also introduced, including reflection seismics, well logging, organic geochemistry, geotechnical measurements, and thermal evolution (modelling).

This course provide students with the skills required to examine, describe and interpret sediments and sedimentary rocks for a variety of different purposes. This course examines the recent or ancient environment in which sedimentary materials were deposited, and the processes that control the production, movement and storage of sediment bodies. The various controls on the sedimentary record such as climate and sea-level change, as well as diagenesis and geochemical cycles, will be discussed. 

This course explores the relationship between the natural sciences, specifically their abiotic aspects, and geography. It discusses the fundamental concepts of astronomy, geology, geophysics, and hydrology, and their application to spatial studies. Topics include: the Earth's position and movements and their impact on the distribution of solar energy; characteristics and composition of solid materials exposed on Earth's surface-- minerals and rocks; dynamics and evolution of the lithosphere and its influence on the earth-- global tectonics and geological history; basic characteristics, composition, and general dynamics of the hydrosphere.