Continental margins are being exploited for their energy and mineral resources (oil, gas, and ore deposits). What are the necessary conditions needed for these resources to be present along continental margins and how safe is their extraction? Besides being a location for these resources, the coastline represents a highly variable and dynamic region between land and water; with periods of dynamic change from days to 100,000s of years (tides and storms to global sea level variations). In many parts of the world, mankind's present and/or desired use of these fragile and transitory boundaries often conflicts with how these regions should be managed. Though the use of various case studies, we will focus on the origins and extraction of energy and mineral resources as well as coastline structure, dynamic interaction between ocean and land, sea level rise, and past use and newer management practices.

Course meets Jan 10 – 14, Jan 17 – 21st from 9am – 4 pm with 1 hour lunch break. A few afternoon field trips are being planned. Course will have daily quizzes and a final presentation.