Welcome to Global Quaternary Environments. This course investigates, and seeks to explain, the often complex environmental changes that have occurred on the surface of the Earth since the Late Tertiary period.

The module will explore the intricate patterns of environmental change at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. The emphasis of the module is upon the global pattern of change, but the focus of study is upon the effects of environmental change in the Low Latitudes.

The aim of this course is to examine critically the diverse consequences of environmental change. It can be argued that the present state of the natural environment is one that is readjusting to the abnormal events of the past 10,000 years, as many facets of the global landscape can be considered relicts of former times. In order to illustrate thlegacy of past environmental change, specific examples from around the world will be used.

It can also be argued that the present landscape is very new and different from that which has existed before because of human activity. This relationship between the environment and human evolution is also be explored.

The module handbook gives you details on the delivery of the course. The links (left) will provide you with lecture summaries, and links to useful web sites.