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Geological Sciences and
Environmental Studies

Faculty

*Year of initial appointment at Binghamton

Andrus, Richard E., Associate Professor, PhD, 1974, SUNY College of Forestry at Syracuse: Bryology, problems of wetlands. (1973)*

Barker, Jeffrey B., Associate Professor, PhD, 1984, Pennsylvania State University: Seismology, geophysics. (1987)

Beerbower, James R., Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1954, University of Chicago: Paleoecology and evolutionary biology, sedimentology. (1969)

Bridge, John S., Professor, PhD, 1973, St. Andrews University: Physical processes of sedimentation, fluvial sedimentology, computer simulation in sedimentology, continental Devonian. (1979)

Coates, Donald R., Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1956, Columbia University: Environmental geology, geomorphology, glacial geology, hydrogeology. (1954)

Demicco, Robert V., Associate Professor and Chair, PhD, 1981, Johns Hopkins University: Sedimentology, carbonate rocks. (1983)

Dickman, Steven R., Professor, PhD, 1977, University of California at Berkeley: Rotation of the earth, ocean tides, geophysical plate tectonics, time series analysis. (1977)

Donnelly, Thomas W., Professor, PhD, 1959, Princeton University: Central American geology, marine geology, chemistry of sediments. (1966)

Hunter, Hugh E., Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1954, University of California at Los Angeles: Petrology. (1961)

Jenkins, David M., Associate Professor, PhD, 1980, University of Chicago: Experimental petrology of igneous and metamorphic rocks. (1984)

Knuepfer, Peter L. K., Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, PhD, 1984, University of Arizona: Neotectonics, geomorphology. (1986)

Lowenstein, Tim K., Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, PhD, 1983, Johns Hopkins University: Aqueous geochemistry, evaporites, paleoclimatology, carbonate diagenesis. (1985)

MacDonald, William D., Professor, PhD, 1965, Princeton University: Structural geology, tectonics, paleomagnetism, Caribbean and Latin America regional geology. (1965)

Montz, Burrell E., Professor, PhD, 1980, University of Colorado: Natural Hazards, Environmental Impact Assessment. (1979)

Naslund, H. Richard, Professor, PhD, 1980, University of Oregon: Igneous petrology, experimental petrology, volcanology,
geochemistry. (1987)

Roberson, Herman E., Professor, PhD, 1959, University of Illinois: Clay mineralogy, environmental law. (1959)

Sorauf, James E., Professor, PhD, 1962, University of Kansas: Paleontology, stratigraphy, sedimentology. (1962)

Wu, Francis T., Professor, PhD, 1966, California Institute of Technology: Seismology, tectonophysics. (1970)

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Undergraduate Programs

Because of the variety of options, the intended major should consult with the department as early as possible. This suggestion applies particularly to students intending to major in environmental studies. See the section on interdisciplinary majors in this Bulletin for details concerning a major in geophysics or environmental studies.

BA Degree in Geological Sciences

The BA degree in geology serves as a liberal arts degree with emphasis on the natural sciences and, with appropriate planning, as a preparatory degree for graduate study and professional employment. The BA degree requires 15 courses, of which at least eight must be in geology; at least three courses must be from the cognate sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and four courses must be used to fulfill an area of specialization. An important aspect of the program is the flexibility of the four course specialization, which should be carefully planned with the assistance of the faculty advisor. Final approval of the courses selected for the four course specialization requirement must be secured from the undergraduate committee no later than the student's sixth semester. These four courses must establish a program with a sound rationale, either in the geological sciences or in related fields.

The BA degree requires 15 courses that include the following:
1. GEOL 111 or 113
2. GEOL 222
3. GEOL 244
4. one course from GEOL 266, 324, or 336
5. one course from GEOL 270, 314, or 416
6. one course from GEOL 223, 449, or 470
7. two courses from GEOL 223 or above, with laboratory
8. CHEM 107 or 111
9. Two courses from BIOL 113, 114, 240, 250 and 360; CHEM 108, 221, 231, 332, 341, and 351; MATH 221, 222, 147, 304, and 323; PHYS 121, 122, 131, 132, and 227.
10. four courses in an area of specialization, which must be approved by the Undergraduate Committee no later than the student's sixth semester.

BS Degree in Geological Sciences

The BS degree is intended primarily for pre-professional training, and requires 16 courses in geology and the cognate sciences of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. These include a core sequence (nine courses) and one specialization track (geology, or environmental geology). No courses for the major may be taken pass/fail. The BS core requirements include the following:
1. GEOL 111 or GEOL 113
2. GEOL 222
3. GEOL 244
4. GEOL 266 or 324
5. GEOL 401
6. MATH 221
7. MATH 222
8. CHEM 111 or equivalent (CHEM 107/108)
9. PHYS 121 or 131
10. PHYS 122 or 132

Students may choose one of the following six-course geoscience specialization tracks:

GEOLOGY: GEOL 223, GEOL 336, GEOL 314 or 416 or 270, GEOL 449 or 453 or 470, one GEOL elective numbered greater than 222 with laboratory, and one GEOL elective numbered greater than 222 or a cognate science course which has at least one prerequisite.

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY: GEOL 270, GEOL 314, GEOL 336, GEOL 416, GEOL 449 or 453 or 470, one GEOL elective numbered greater than 222 with laboratory or a cognate science course which has at least one prerequisite.

Students are encouraged to take GEOL 111 or 113 and GEOL 222 in their first year of study; GEOL 401 is recommended following the Junior year. An appropriate schedule of courses in the cognate sciences must be devised to fulfill prerequisites for geology courses (e.g. CHEM 107 or 111 prior to or concurrent with GEOL 222).
Advanced students who wish to consider 500-level courses in geological sciences for electives should consult the graduate section for course descriptions.
In addition, students are encouraged to learn a computer language, such as FORTRAN or APL, through Computer Center or Mathematical Sciences Department courses.

Distinguished Independent Work in the Geological Sciences

The award of "Distinguished Independent Work in the Geological Sciences" is granted by the department to those majors who have distinguished themselves in academic endeavor beyond the normal requirements for the bachelor's degree. The requirements for this award include above-average performance in course work as well as successful completion of an independent research paper under the supervision of a faculty member. Majors are invited to consult with their department advisors about this award before the beginning of the senior year.

Geology Minor

The minor in geology is for students who have an interest in the earth sciences. Twenty-four credits are required. At least two four-credit courses must be 300- or 400-level courses.
1. GEOL 111 or 113 is required.
2. GEOL 112, 114, or 115, or any GEOL course numbered 220 or higher may count toward the geology minor.
3. A student may count up to eight credits in the following courses:
ANTH 271, 272, 338, 474, 475.
BIOL 318, 335, 351, 354, 360, 363, 406, 461, 466.
CHEM 301, 341, 452, 482 when topic is appropriate, 484 when topic is appropriate.
ENVI 212, 317, 339, 413, 414, 415.
GEOG 323, 325, 337, 339, 341, 361, 363, 421, 465.
ECON 433.
MATH 358, 371, 375, 404, 447, 448, 459, 461, 471
PHYS 323, 331, 332, 341, 411, 421, 470, 472.
A student may also petition to substitute courses other than those listed for these eight credit hours.

Geophysics Minor

This program is primarily for students with some technical background who wish to gain a fundamental understanding of "pure" geophysics. The 24 credits required are: GEOL 111 or 113, or 114; PHYS 331, 341; GEOL 449, 450 and 451.

Applied Geophysics Minor

This program is for geology majors and other science students who want a technical exposure to the concepts and techniques of exploration geophysics. This minor may particularly aid geology students looking for careers in industry because it will strengthen their technical skills. The 32 credits required are: GEOL 111 or 113 or 114; PHYS 122; GEOL 449; MATH 304, 323; GEOL 407 and 453 or 450 or 451; and GEOL 408 or 480.

Geochemistry Minor

The minor in geochemistry is for geology majors with a strong interest in geochemistry and for chemistry majors with an interest in earth science. Emphasis is on the application of chemical principles to geologic processes.
The 24 required credits are:
1. GEOL 111 or 113; GEOL 222 and 470.
2. Eight credits from among the following: CHEM 221, 351 (one of these is strongly recommended), CHEM 231, 332, 341, 422, 452, 482B (Environmental Analysis and Aquatic Systems), 482F (Separation Methods), 482C (Inorganic Phase Equilibria), 484H (Inorganic Solids).
3. Either GEOL 223, 428 or 479.

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Course Offerings/
Undergraduate

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all undergraduate courses carry 4 credits and are offered every year.

GEOL 103. ORIGIN OF THE EARTH AND MOON 2 credits
Current theories concerning the origin of the Earth and Moon in the context of fundamental processes controlling the formation of elements, evolution of stars, and solar system condensation.

GEOL 107. MAJOR METEORITE IMPACTS 2 credits
Comet and meteorite impacts on earth; how geoscientists analyze rocks to interpret impacts. Topics include: astronomic aspects of impact; distribution of major impacts on Earth; associated effects on "target" rocks, atmosphere, oceans, and life. Prerequisites: high school physics and chemistry. Intended for first- and second-year non-majors.

GEOL 111. PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
Application of physical and chemical principles to interpretation of earth processes; nature and origin of earth materials; surface features and internal structure of the earth. Prepares for further work in geology, or supplements a major program in another science. Three 1-hour lectures, one 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: high school chemistry.

GEOL 112. OCEANOGRAPHY
Fundamental concepts and principles of geological, physical, and biological systems of oceans and human impact on these systems. Marine exploration, ocean floor structure, ocean sediments and volcanism, ocean circulation, wave and tide dynamics, geochemical evolution, coastal and open ocean ecosystems, marine resource and pollution problems.

GEOL 113. GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES: AN INTRODUCTION Introductory examination of materials that make up the Earth, the rocks, and how they form, as well as the processes that build up or wear down the Earth's landscape. Topics include fossils, geological time and history of life; plate tectonics; internal structure of the Earth; minerals and rocks; volcanoes and igneous rocks; rock weathering, sediments and sedimentary rocks; landform development streams, glaciers; ocean basins and continents. Three lectures per week; 4 half-to-full-day Saturday field trips (of students' choice) and preparatory discussion before trips.

GEOL 114. THE EARTH'S DYNAMIC INTERIOR
Introductory examination of the physical processes of the Earth, its origin, composition, structure, and properties. Emphasis on dynamic aspects of the Earth's interior, such as its shape and rotation, the geomagnetic field and its origin, radioactive decay and Earth's thermal budget, mantle convection and plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes. Three lectures and one discussion/lab per week. No prerequisites beyond high school science.

GEOL 205. EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES
Earthquakes and volcanic explosions: their effects on human lives; historical descriptions and consequences of major volcanic eruptions; and earthquakes and methods for predictions and hazard reduction. The physical and/or chemical mechanisms of earthquake generation and transport, and volcanic eruption, and their relationship to plate tectonics and the heat engine inside the Earth. Quantitative skills and current research methods applicable to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Prerequisites: one of the following: GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 222. MINERALOGY
Classification, properties, occurrence, and genesis of common rock-forming minerals; principles of crystallography, and crystal chemistry. Mineral identification through physical properties. Introduction to the techniques of optical mineralogy. Three 1-hour lectures, one 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 107.

GEOL 223. IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
Introduction to the classification, global distribution, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the context of plate tectonics. Identification of pressure, temperature, and compositional variables involved in petrogenesis. Examination of mineral textures and rock fabric in hand samples and thin sections. Three one-hour lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 222.

GEOL 244. STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
Basic structural types, regional structure of North America, and major tectonic theories, continental drift, mountain building, ocean-floor spreading, plate tectonics. Structural analysis. Field trips. Three class periods, one 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 111 or 113, or with consent of instructor, another introductory geology course.

GEOL 266 (also BIOL 266). PALEOBIOLOGY
Concepts and methods in paleobiological interpretation of evolution, adaptation, and ancient environments. Characteristics of plant and animal groups; fossil representatives. Three 1-hour lectures, laboratory, and field studies. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 112 and 113 or BIOL 114.

GEOL 270 (also ENVI 270). ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY: THE CHANGING EARTH
Examination of important environmental issues through geochemical investigation of the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Discussion of past and present controls on the chemical composition of the atmosphere, freshwater, oceans, and groundwaters. Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or consent of instructor and one of GEOL 111, 113, 114 or ENVI 201.

GEOL 314 (also GEOG 321). GEOMORPHOLOGY
Sculpturing of Earth's crust by exogenic forces. Integration of classical and modern views in analysis of erosional and depositional landforms. Laboratory and field exercises; independent study. Three lectures, one 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 111 or 113 and consent of instructor.

GEO L 319. MINERAL RESOURCES
Mineral deposits of both metallic and non-metallic industrial materials. Emphasis on varieties of deposits, exploration strategies, and mining and other recovery methods. Survey of "world-class" deposits. Discussion of national needs of raw materials, and national and international sources. Examples of special problems such as of access, climate, processing, reclamation, and valuation. Three lectures and one discussion per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 111, 113, ENVI 201, or other relevant preparation with consent of instructor.

GEOL 324. GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE EARTH
Introduction to the study of Earth's history utilizing geological principles to interpret evolution of the Earth's lithosphere that produced the land and ocean regions as they are now. Review of 4.5 billion years of evolution of Earth, its oceans, biota, and atmosphere. Course develops physical principles of geology and provides introduction into uses of fossils, sediments, plate motions, and mountain building to interpret earth history. Three lectures and one discussion per week, field trips. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 113, or 114.

GEOL 336. STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTATION
Characteristics and origin of sediment grains; physical, chemical, and biological processes of sedimentation; diagenesis and rock classification; definition and spatial correlation of stratigraphic units; sedimentary environments and their deposits. Three hours of lectures and one 3-hour laboratory or field trip per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 222.

GEOL 369 (also BIOL 369). HISTORY OF TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES
Interpretation of organism environment relationships. Reconstruction of terrestrial fossil assemblages in light of modern analogues. History of terrestrial communities and dynamics of community evolution. Three lectures, one 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: one of: BIOL 114, 240, 266, or GEOL 266.

GEOL 401. FIELD GEOLOGY 6 credits
Field training in stratigraphy, structural geology, and geomorphology; geologic mapping with plane table, aerial photographs, and topographic base maps. Summer course, 6-9 weeks long; check with advisor. Prerequisite: GEOL 244.

GEOL 413. QUATERNARY GEOLOGY
Overview of geologic processes in the Quaternary. Emphasis on causes of climatic changes in the last two million years and the triggering of the Ice Ages; glacial and cold-climate processes, including glacial mechanics, periglacial processes, and glaciofluvial environments; weathering processes and soils and their importance in Quaternary studies; age-dating of Quaternary deposits. Prerequisite: GEOL 314 or 336 or equivalent.

GEOL 416. HYDROGEOLOGY
A survey of hydrogeology: hydrologic cycle; properties of rocks and soils; fluid flow in porous media (Darcy's Law, diffusion equation); hydrological boundary conditions; numerical techniques; groundwater chemistry; case studies. Prerequisites: calculus and introductory geology, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 424. ADVANCED METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
In-depth treatment of metamorphic rocks and factors which lead to their formation. Major metamorphic processes, graphical treatment of mineral assemblages, pressure-temperature-composition conditions of metamorphism, and the tectonic setting of metamorphism discussed. Three hours of lecture plus three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 223.

GEOL 425. ADVANCED IGNEOUS PETROLOGY
Examination of igneous rocks. Emphasis on classification of igneous rock suites, theories for the origin of magmas, major and trace element trends in igneous suites, experimental studies of nucleation and crystallization in magmas, rheological properties of magmas, computer modeling of igneous differentiation, diffusion, and mass transport of magmas. Prerequisite. GEOL 223.

GEOL 428. PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE-COMPOSITION PHASE EQUILIBRIA
Principles underlying construction of phase equilibrium diagrams in pressure-temperature-composition (P-T-X) space as applicable to the geological sciences. Emphasis on developing skills both for interpreting phase diagrams and for constructing diagrams in a qualitative sense. Application to actual geological problems of magma generation, magma crystallization, rock metamorphism, etc. Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and GEOL 122, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 433 (also ENVI 433). CLAYS, SOILS, AND SEDIMENTS
Introduction to the role clay minerals play in a wide range of natural settings. Emphasis on how knowledge of clays can be applied to solving environmental problems. Prerequisites: CHEM 107, GEOL 270, or ENVI 270; and GEOL 111, 113, or 114, or ENVI 201.

GEOL 449 (also PHYS 449). INTRODUCTION TO SOLID EARTH PHYSICS
Application of physical concepts to understanding the solid earth; origin of the earth; gravitational and geomagnetic fields and effects; earthquakes and seismic waves; composition and structure of earth's interior; radioactivity and Its geothermal consequences; principles of geophysical exploration for natural resources. Applications to moon, sun, and planets as appropriate. Three lectures, one 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 121, MATH 221, and GEOL 111 or 113.

GEOL 450 (also PHYS 450). GEOPHYSICS I
Foundations of seismology. Elasticity theory; wave equation; body and surface waves. Inferences concerning earth's interior. Seismographs; field seismology; data processing. Earthquake occurrence. Three 1-hour lectures, 1-hour laboratory per week (concurrently with GEOL 550). Prerequisites: MATH 371, PHYS 331, and 341.

GEOL 451 (also PHYS 451). GEOPHYSICS II
Fundamental non-seismic aspects of solid earth geophysics: gravity, rotational dynamics, tides; equations of state of the interior, geothermal heat flow, earth's thermal history; geomagnetic field. Observations and theory emphasized. Three 1-hour lectures, 1-hour laboratory per week (concurrently with GEOL 551). Prerequisites: MATH 371, PHYS 331, and 341.

GEOL 453. APPLIED GEOPHYSICS
Application of geophysical principles and techniques to exploration of interior of the earth, its crust and upper mantle. Seismological, gravity, magnetic and electrical methods introduced; main results discussed. Interactive microcomputer-based teaching programs in laboratory sessions illustrate theory and provide hands-on experience in data interpretation. Prerequisites: introductory courses in geological sciences and physics, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 470. GEOCHEMISTRY
Chemical thermodynamics, mineral equilibria, reaction kinetics as applied to geological systems; principles governing distribution and transport of elements in earth system. Three 1-hour classes per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 220, 222, CHEM 111, and MATH 221 or consent of instructor.

GEOL 478. CHEMICAL SEDIMENTS every other year
Examines major types of chemically-precipitated sediments. Modern environments in which chemical sediments form and phase equilibria in aqueous solutions guide interpretation of chemical and dispositional settings of ancient deposits. Labs and field trips. Prerequisites: CHEM 107, GEOL 336 or equivalent, and consent of instructor.

GEOL 479. DIAGENESIS every other year
Study of diagenesis of sediments, including shales, sandstones, carbonates, and evaporites, emphasizing mineralogical-textural changes, chemistry of sediments and sedimentary rock-water interaction, and possible driving forces for diagenetic processes. Includes case studies of modern and ancient sediments. Prerequisite: GEOL 336.

GEOL 480. GEOTECHNIQUES
Specialized techniques useful in study of certain geological and geophysical problems, including X-ray diffraction power methods, microprobe analysis, resistivity.

GEOL 497. INDEPENDENT WORK
Independent research under supervision of faculty member. Prior to registration, student must consult instructor and receive approval of problem to be investigated and amount of credit to be received. Prerequisite: consent of department.

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Graduate Programs

The program enables students to pursue advanced studies in the geological sciences, leading to the degrees of master of arts and doctor of philosophy in the areas of environmental geology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, paleontology, sedimentation, petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, seismology, structural geology, and tectonics.


Requirements

For the MA and PhD programs, students with a bachelor's degree in the geological sciences should have completed undergraduate courses in physical geology, mineralogy, structural geology, paleontology, sedimentation or stratigraphy, petrology, and field geology or equivalent field experience. For students entering with a bachelor's degree in one of the cognate sciences, undergraduate courses in the allied sciences may be accepted in lieu of certain geology requirements. In addition, two semesters each of general chemistry, of mathematics (through integral calculus), and of general physics or general biology are recommended. All applicants are required to submit scores for the Graduate Record Examinations.
Graduate students are expected to demonstrate breadth of training by the completion of graduate courses outside their area of specialization. The courses are selected in consultation with the student's advisor and the department's graduate committee.

Master of Arts Program

On matriculation, each student is assigned an advisor. On approval of a thesis topic, the student is assigned a research advisory committee. Programs of study must be approved by the advisor and departmental graduate committee.
Students who satisfy the following departmental requirements are recommended for the degree, master of arts in geological sciences:
1. Complete an approved program of at least six graduate courses (a minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate courses) plus six credit hours of thesis;
2. Submit an approved proposal of the thesis at the commencement of thesis research; and
3. Submit and successfully defend the approved thesis in an oral examination.

Doctor of Philosophy Program

Qualified students with either the bachelor's or master's degree, who have demonstrated an understanding of fundamental problems in a broad range of earth-science disciplines, are eligible for admission into the PhD program. Students in this program take courses to strengthen their understanding of the broad principles and practices of the geological sciences as well as to provide training within their chosen specialization. This program should be supported by course work in appropriate allied sciences, but students are not subject to specific course or credit hour requirements beyond the Graduate School requirements.
Programs of study must be approved by a faculty advisor and the departmental graduate committee. Before undertaking the dissertation, the student is assigned an advisory committee consisting of faculty whose research interests are appropriate to the proposed problem.
Students pursuing the PhD degree must demonstrate an ability to read scientific literature in a language other than English or demonstrate a research skill outside of the geological sciences. The particular language or research skill and the level of proficiency are determined by the student's supervisory committee.

Admission to Candidacy

Students who satisfy the following departmental requirements are recommended for candidacy for the doctor of philosophy in geological sciences:
1. Substantially complete an approved program of course work including language or research requirements;
2. Pass the departmental qualifying examination, comprised of a general oral examination and a separate oral defense of a PhD proposal; and
3. Present a proposal for the dissertation which has been approved by the student's advisory committee.

Granting of the Degree

The degree of doctor of philosophy in geological sciences is recommended for candidates who have completed an approved program, received approval of the dissertation by the departmental graduate committee and by the student's advisory committee, and passed an oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

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Course Offerings/
Graduate


GEOL 511 (also GEOG 511). ADVANCED GEOMORPHOLOGY I
- FLUVIAL fall semester, alternate years
Hydrologic cycle, stream dynamics, and morphology. Independent research projects and seminars. Laboratory, field exercises stressing quantitative methods. Two lectures, one 3-hour laboratory per week.

GEOL 513. QUATERNARY GEOLOGY spring semester, alternate years
Overview of geologic processes in Quaternary, including climate changes, glacial, and periglacial, and non-glacial processes, techniques for Quaternary dating, and pollen studies. Three lectures, one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: geomorphology, sedimentology, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 516 (also GEOG 516). HYDROGEOLOGY fall semester
A survey of hydrogeology: hydrologic cycle; properties of rocks and soils; fluid flow in porous media (Darcy's Law, diffusion equation); hydrological boundary conditions; numerical techniques; groundwater chemistry; case studies. Prerequisites: calculus and introductory geology, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 520. CLAY MINERALOGY/PETROLOGY fall semester, alternate years
Fundamental properties of clay minerals as mineral entities and as rock forming materials. Origin, alteration, distribution of clay minerals. Diverse set of topics offered to students with interests in sedimentology, geomorphology, rock mechanics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

GEOL 524. ADVANCED METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY spring semester, alternate years
Metamorphic rocks, their petrogenesis. Graphical treatment of mineral assemblages and textures. Equilibrium, non-equilibrium in metamorphic systems. Three lectures, one 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: introductory petrology and optical mineralogy or consent of instructor.

GEOL 525. ADVANCED IGNEOUS PETROLOGY spring semester, alternate years
Occurrence, origin, chemical evolution of selected igneous rock groups. Experimental studies of igneous systems and other related topics. Computer modeling of igneous processes. Prerequisites: introductory petrology and physical chemistry, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 528. PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE-COMPOSITION
PHASE EQUILIBRIA fall semester
Principles governing construction and interpretation of phase diagrams pertinent to geology. Emphasis on understanding geometric aspects of phase equilibria in P-T-X space. Prerequisites: introductory chemistry and mineralogy, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 535. SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS
AND FACIES spring semester, alternate years
Introduction to analysis of sedimentary environments and facies. Facies of rivers, deserts, lakes, shorelines, shelf seas, oceans. Three lectures per week, field interpretation of ancient sedimentary environments.

GEOL 537. PHYSICAL PROCESSES OF SEDIMENTATION fall semester, alternate years
Fundamentals of fluid flow, sediment transport, and deposition by unidirectional water and air flows, waves, tides, turbidity currents, and other sediment gravity flows. Three hours of lecture and one 3-hour laboratory or field trip per week.

GEOL 541. ADVANCED PRINCIPLES OF TECTONICS fall semester, alternate years
Plate tectonics, continental drift, ocean-floor spreading, crustal deformation. Three lecture/laboratory hours per week, plus additional discussion or projects.

GEOL 542. ADVANCED REGIONAL
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY fall semester, alternate years
Structural analysis of mountain systems, shields, island arcs, continental margins, oceanic ridges and trenches. Three lecture/laboratory hours per week, plus additional discussion orproje cts.

GEOL 545. NEOTECTONICS spring semester, alternate years
Study of active tectonic structures, including kinematics and tectonic settling, geologic and geomorphic study techniques. Seismotectonics, geodetic studies, and analysis of neotectonic stress patterns. Three lectures, one laboratory per week.

GEOL 549. INTRODUCTION TO SOLID EARTH PHYSICS spring semester
Application of physical concepts to understanding the solid earth. Topics: origin of earth; gravitational, geomagnetic fields; paleomagnetism; earthquakes, seismic waves; structure of earth's interior; radioactivity and geothermal consequences; fluid flow. Applications to solar system. Prerequisites: one semester of physics and calculus.

GEOL 550 (also PHYS 550). GEOPHYSICS I fall semester
Fundamental aspects of solid earth geophysics, emphasis on seismology. Basic differential equations and solutions discussed; features of earth deduced or explained, data acquisition and analysis examined. Prerequisites: mathematical methods, analytical mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.

GEOL 551 (also PHYS 551). GEOPHYSICS II spring semester
Fundamental non-seismic aspects of solid earth geophysics: gravity, rotational dynamics, tides; equations of state of interior, geothermal heat flow, earth's thermal history; geomagnetic field. Observations and theory emphasized. Prerequisites: analytic mechanics, E & M, math methods.

GEOL 552. THEORETICAL SEISMOLOGY fall semester
Theoretical development of computational methods in seismology: representation theorem, body-force equivalents, seismic moment tensor, Cagniard-deHoop method, propagator matrix method, anelastic attenuation, scattering, instrumentation. Prerequisites: GEOL 550, complex variables, partial differential equations, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 553. APPLIED GEOPHYSICS fall semester
Comprehensive introduction to methods and interpretation in applied geophysics. Gravity, magnetics, electrical, electromagnetic, seismic methods. Computer data analysis and interpretation. Use of exploration instruments. Prerequisites: calculus II, physics, and physical geology.

GEOL 570. GEOCHEMISTRY fall semester
Chemical thermodynamics, mineral equilibria, reaction kinetics as applied to geological systems; principles governing distribution and transport of elements in earth system. Three 1-hour lectures, 1 laboratory per week. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

GEOL 583. SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE/
MICROPROBE TECHNIQUES 2 credits
Overview of the theory and operation of the electron microprobe and scanning electron microscope. Intended to develop skills in the usage of these instruments for imaging and chemically analyzing geological materials. One lecture and laboratory session per week. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

GEOL 597. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH 1-4 credits/semester
Research on special problems not related to thesis or dissertation research, subject to approval and supervision by faculty member. Work may be pursued individually or jointly with other students. May be repeated for credit with consent of department.

GEOL 599. RESEARCH (THESIS) 2-8 credits/semester
Number of credit hours determined by consultation with departmental advisor. Graded on S/U basis only.

GEOL 609. SPECIAL TOPICS 1-4 credits/semester
Subject and credit announced in advance. May be repeated for credit with consent of department.

GEOL 614. SEMINAR IN GEOMORPHOLOGY 2 credits/semester
Selected topics in geomorphology, geohydrology, Pleistocene geology. May be repeated for credit with consent of department.

GEOL 629. TOPICS IN PETROLOGY 1-4 credits
Advanced course dealing with current topics and newly emerging areas of igneous and metamorphic petrology not usually covered in other petrology courses. Credit and subject(s) announced in advance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

GEOL 641. SEMINAR IN PHYSICAL GEOLOGY 2 credits/semester
Plate tectonics, geophysics, physical aspects of structural geology and tectono-physics. May be repeated for credit with consent of department.

GEOL 643. SEMINAR IN PALEOMAGNETISM 2-4 credits
Paleomagnetism theory, methods, equipment, and results. Application to structure, tectonics, stratigraphic correlation, and other fields of geoscience. Interactions of the geomagnetic field with iron-bearing minerals. Research projects possible with consent of instructor.

GEOL 658. SEMINAR IN GEOPHYSICS 2 credits, fall semester
Selected topics in geophysics, such as mechanics of failure, earthquake prediction, mantle rheology, tides, satellite geodesy, time series analysis. Participants will discuss their own research, or present a summary and critique of papers. Prerequisites: GEOL 550 and 551, or consent of instructor.

GEOL 659. CURRENT TOPICS IN
SEISMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2-4 credits, fall, spring
Topics in seismology including: seismic source characteristics; propagation of elastic waves; crust, mantle, and core structures; generation and propagation of strong ground motions; synthetic seismograms; and discrimination between human-made and natural seismic signals. Prerequisites: simultaneous or prior course work in seismology.

GEOL 677. FLUID INCLUSION GEOCHEMISTRY spring semester, alternate years
Principles of phase equilibria involved in fluid inclusion research and applications to geological problems. Operation of the fluid inclusion heating-freezing stage. Individual projects. Prerequisites: optical mineralogy, geochemistry, and consent of instructor.

GEOL 678. CHEMICAL SEDIMENTS spring semester, alternate years
Examination of major types of chemically precipitated sediments: alkaline earth carbonates, evaporites, iron deposits, phosphates, cherts, clays, and zeolites. Modern environments in which chemical sediments form, and phase equilibria in aqueous solutions serve as guides for interpreting chemical and depositional settings.

GEOL 679. DIAGENESIS spring semester, alternate years
Diagenesis of sediments, including shales, sandstones, carbonates, and evaporites, emphasizing mineralogical-textural changes, chemistry of sediment-water and rock-water interaction, and possible driving forces for diagenetic processes. Case studies. Prerequisites: chemistry and sedimentology.

GEOL 698. PREDISSERTATION RESEARCH 1-9 credits/semester
Independent reading and/or research in preparation for comprehensive examinations for admission to PhD candidacy, and/or preparation of dissertation prospectus. Graded on S/U basis only.

GEOL 699. DISSERTATION 1-12 credits/semester
Research for and preparation of dissertation. Graded on S/U basis only.

GEOL 700. CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION 1 credit/semester
Required for maintenance of matriculated status in graduate program. No credit toward graduate degree requirements.

GEOL 707. RESEARCH SKILLS 1-4 credits
Development of research skills required within graduate programs. May not be applied toward course credits for any graduate degree. Prerequisite: approval of relevant graduate program directors or department chairs.

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