Description
Over 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered in oceans, yet we know more about Mars’ surface than we know of our deep oceans. This class explores how and when the oceans first formed, how the oceans changed through geologic time, the anatomy of modern oceans from shorelines to the deep abyss, and the history of how the oceans became oxygenated to support the marine life we see today.
Maya Elrick is a Professor Emerita at the UNM Earth and Planetary Sciences Department. She received her MS and PhD at Oregon State University and Virginia Tech, respectively. Her research expertise is in sedimentary rocks with an emphasis on marine limestones and how they inform us of ancient oceans, climates, and biologic changes.