Faculty Profile
Marcus Key
Joseph Priestley Professor of Natural Philosophy (1989)
Contact Information
Kaufman Hall Room 143
717-245-1448
http://www.dickinson.edu/info/20107/earth_sciences/1835/marcus_key
Bio
His teaching interests are sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology, evolution, extinction, energy resources, and sustainability. His research interests involve inferring evolutionary and sedimentary patterns and processes using fossil and living bryozoans. His current research involves evolution of biomineralization, marine biofouling, functional morphology of bryozoans, and geoarcheology. Interested in collecting fossils and going on field expeditions? Interested in research in paleontology? Contact me to become involved with field trip excursions, fossil collecting, or with laboratory work and research.
Education
- B.S., University of Texas at Austin, 1983
- M.Phil., Yale University, 1986
- Ph.D., 1988
Awards
- Ganoe Award for Inspirational Teaching, 2004-2005
2024-2025 Academic Year
Fall 2024
GEOS 202 Energy Resources
The study of the origin, geologic occurrence, and distribution of petroleum, natural gas, coal, and uranium. Discussions include the evaluation and exploitation, economics, law, and the environmental impact of these resources and their alternatives, including geothermal, wind, solar, tidal, and ocean thermal power.
Prerequisites: One introductory lab science or permission of instructor. Offered every other year.
GEOS 309 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Completion of both GEOS 305 and GEOS 309 fulfills the WID Requirement.
Spring 2025
GEOS 142 Earth's Changing Climate
An overview of our understanding of climate processes and their interaction with the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere based on studies of ancient climates, which inform our understanding of climate change now and into the future. Topics include drivers of climate change at different time scales, evidence for climate change, and major climate events such as ice ages. Emphasis will be placed on the last 1 million years of earth history as a prelude to discussing potential anthropogenic impacts on the climate. Case studies of major climate “players” such as the US and China will be contrasted with those most vulnerable, Africa and SE Asia to determine mitigation and adaptation strategies. The lab component will use historic climate data, field experiences, and climate modeling to interpret climate change processes. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.