GEOS 492 - Soils and Soil Geochemistry

Class Hours: 2
Lab/Discussion: 3
Credits: 3

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in GEOS 200
Introduces the ways in which archaeologists and geoscientists define, recognize, examine, and interpret soils in both the field and the laboratory. Examines (1) how the interactions of landform, topography, climate, and biota result in patterns of soil development and the distribution of soils that we observe within the landscape; (2) the significance of soils to other disciplines, including archaeology, Quaternary geology, and geoenvironmental science; and (3) how the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils are influenced by human activities both past and present. Includes field trips that may occur on weekends. (Offered as GEOS 313 before 2016-17.) (Also offered as ANTH 492; may not be taken for duplicate credit.)