GV1RES: Restless Planet

Module code: GV1RES

Module provider: Geography and Environmental Science; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: 4

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Hazel McGoff , email: h.j.mcgoff@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 29 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The purpose of this module is to introduce the key processes operating in the Earth System including the lithosphere, and atmosphere and the impacts of these on the hydrosphere and to demonstrate that these continuously change through time resulting in our restless planet. The interactions between these different spheres are a major component of the module aiming to demonstrate the integrated nature of the Earth System and that changes to these main cycles can have impacts across the globe. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Describe the major Earth spheres – primarily the lithosphere and atmosphere and the major process in each of them. 
2. Describe interactions between these major Earth spheres  
3. Outline the integrated nature of the Earth system and how alterations to processes in one sphere impacts on the other parts of the Earth system 
4. Describe the timescales of change 

Module content

• Outline of the Earth System and timescales of change 
• The lithosphere and the rock cycle 
• Plate tectonics heat flow, constructive and destructive margins, evidence for the structure of the Earth 
• Composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, radiative exchanges in the atmosphere and at the Earth’s surface  
• Atmospheric stability, convection and precipitation 
• Heat and moisture exchanges 
• The oceans as heat and carbon sinks and ocean circulation 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

• Short introductory screencasts 
• Weekly lectures/seminars 
• Computer/paper based practicals 
• Laboratory practicals 

Study hours

At least 37 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.