 Price$100 |  Duration1 hour |  DeliveryOnline |  StartsAnytime |
About this course
Explore the geological forces that have shaped Antarctica, from the movement of ancient continents to the volcanoes hidden beneath its ice. The course shows how geologists use rocks, volcanic deposits and other evidence to understand the continent's past, and why that research matters for its future.
This comprehensive short course is part of the Antarctic Insights Course Series, an educational partnership between HX and the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). The series brings peer-reviewed polar science to anyone with an interest in the far south, whether you are preparing for a voyage, remembering one, or simply curious. This course stands alone, so no prior HX | UTAS study is required.
The course is organised into two parts. The first traces Antarctica's geological history through the breakup of Gondwana, and the second focuses on its volcanoes, from how scientists investigate them to what volcanic rocks reveal about past ice sheets and sea levels. Where a topic is covered in more depth elsewhere, you will be directed to the relevant companion course.
The course takes around one hour to complete. By taking this course, you are helping to fund the next generation of Antarctic researchers. A portion of your enrolment supports travel grants that enable researchers to reach departure ports, join HX expedition vessels and conduct new research, contributing to Antarctica's future as a continent for peace and science.
Course Structure
Trace how Antarctica formed and changed as the supercontinent Gondwana broke apart.
This part explores how plate tectonics, shifting climates and volcanic activity have shaped the continent and its surrounding ocean. It shows how geological evidence helps scientists reconstruct these changes.
Discover Antarctica's volcanic landscape, including the nearly 200 volcanoes identified across the continent, many hidden beneath thick ice.
This part explores the West Antarctic Rift and active volcanoes such as Mount Erebus and Deception Island. It examines how scientists investigate and monitor volcanic activity, how volcanic rocks and ash reveal past ice thickness and sea levels, and how volcanoes influence geothermal heat, ecosystems and hazards
What you will learn
Learn how geological processes have shaped Antarctica, how scientists investigate and monitor its volcanoes, and what rocks, ash and other evidence reveal about ice sheet history, geothermal heat, ecosystems and potential volcanic hazards.
You can work through the two parts at your own pace, in one sitting or one part at a time. . The course includes interviews with researchers, a glossary to help you understand specialist terminology, and a quiz that allows you to test your understanding. Completing the quiz with a score of 50% or higher makes you eligible for a Certificate of Completion, and you can attempt the quiz as many times as you like.
You can also combine this course with others in the Antarctic short course series to build your own bespoke Antarctic learning journey.
Interested in further study?
Expand your Antarctic knowledge with our Antarctic Insights Course Series.