Mesozoic Geology: Objectives

MESOZOIC GEOLOGY

Upon completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. discuss the evidences used to characterize the paleogeography and climate distribution during the Triassic;
2. characterize the Tethyan realm and the Boreal realm;
3. point out the differences between the Triassic/Jurassic geologic record and the Cretaceous one indicating the reasons for this difference ;
4. identify the succession of events that led to the fragmentation of Pangea an explain their relative timing;
5. name the modern day geographic elements that appeared as distinctive units as a result of Pangea's break up;
6. briefly discuss the evolution of Cretaceous climate and its relationships with ocean circulation and the characteristics of marine deposition;
7. outline the Mesozoic evolution along the eastern coast of the United States and describe the type of geologic sequences that evidence of such events;
8. characterize the Early and Late Mesozoic paleogeography of Western North America;
9. describe the accretionary process along Western North America in relation to the Antler, Sonoma, Nevadan, Sevier and Laramide orogenies;
10. identify the type of environment in which the Morrison Formation was formed and indicate what features make it famous;
11. explain the development of the Cretaceous Interior Seaway and the effect that the Laramide Orogeny had on it.
12. discuss the reasons of abundant chalk deposition during the Cretaceous.