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, geomor phology. (1986)
Lowenstein, Tim K., Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies , PhD, 1983, Johns Hopkins University: Aqueous geochemis try, 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)
The BA degree requires 15 courses that include the following:
1. GEOL 111, 112, 113, or 114
2. GEOL 211, 212, 213, and 214
3. Three courses from GEOL 323 or above, with laboratory
4. CHEM 107 and 111
5. 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.
6. Four courses in an area of specialization, which must be approved by the Undergraduate Committee no later than the student's sixth semester.
1. GEOL 111, 112, 113, or 114
2. GEOL 211
3. GEOL 212
4. GEOL 213
4. GEOL 214
6. Six credits of Field Geology (six-week
summer course; check with adviser)
7. MATH 221
8. MATH 222
8. CHEM 111 or equivalent (CHEM 107/108)
9. PHYS 121/122 or 131/132
Students may choose one of the following six-course geoscience specialization tracks:
GEOLOGY: GEOL 323, 336, 344, 366, 411, 449, or 470.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY: GEOL 336, 370, 411, 413, 416, 453, 470, or a 400-level environmental geochemistry course.
GEOPHYSICS: GEOL 344, 449, 453, and two GEOL courses numbered 323 or above.
1. GEOL 111 or 113 is required.
2. GEOL 112, 114, or 115, or any GEOL course numbered 211 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.
The 24 required credits are:
1. GEOL 111 or 113; GEOL 212 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.
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.
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.
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.
1. Substantially complete an approved program of course work including language or research requirements;
2. Pass the departmental qualifying examina tion, 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.
GEOL 102. GEOLOGY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Overview of the formation of the Sun, planets and their satellites (moons) within the context of stellar evolution. Examination of the geological processes that have shaped the surfaces and interiors of planets and their satellites. Three hours of lecture and one laboratory each week.
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: astro nomic 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 one-hour lectures,
one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: high school chemistry.
GEOL 112. OCEANOGRAPHY
Fundamental concepts and principles of geological, physi cal, and biological
systems of oceans and human impact on these systems. Marine exploration,
ocean floor struc ture, 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 land scape. 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; four 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 volca noes. Three lectures
and one discussion/lab per week. No prerequisites beyond high school science.
GEOL 115. GLOBAL CHANGE: A GEOLOGIC PERSPECTIVE spring Examines important, global-scale changes in the atmosphere and hydrosphere from geological and astronomical perspectives. Formation and early state of the solar system; the early greenhouse atmosphere and its tectonic origin; geologic controls on Earth's hothouse and ice house climates; solar and orbital influences on climate; ice ages; the role of the oceans. Study of recent phonomena including ozone depletion, El Nino, acid rain, and possible global warming reinforces the modern theme of global human interdependency. The use of unresolved scientific issues in setting public policy is also discussed. Prerequisite: high school chemistry.
GEOL 205. EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES
Earthquakes and volcanic explosions: their effects on hu man 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 211. PROCESSES AT THE EARTH'S SURFACE
Overview of processes acting on the surface of the Earth and how they control the landscape and deposition of sediments. Processes on hill slopes. Surface and sub
face hydrology, aeolian and glacial processes, and sedimentary processes on coasts, continental shelves, slopes and the deep ocean. Three hours of lecture and one laboratory or field trip per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, or GEOG 121, or consent of instructor.
GEOL 212. EARTH MATERIALS
Overview of the principles of crystallography, atomic arrangement, chemistry, and physical properties of minerals that make up common Earth materials. Introduction to techniques of optical mineralogy. Classification and genesis of the principal igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 107 (or equivalent) and GEOL 111, 112, 113 or 114, or consent of instructor.
GEOL 213. THE ROCK RECORD AND EARTH HISTORY
Overview of the major processes and events that shaped the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere of Earth. Origin of the Earth, its oceans and atmosphere. Emphasis on origin of life, expansion of the biosphere, and the results of biosphere expansion on the oceans and atmosphere. Periodic collapse of the biosphere during mass extinctions considered in light of geologic and extraterrestrial processes. Types of evidence used by earth scientists to understand these events. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Laboratory study and field trips will complement the lectures. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, or consent of instructor.
GEOL 214. INTERIOR OF THE EARTH
Overview of the geological processes in the interior of the Earth. Mapping and measuring the deformation in the shallow parts of the Earth, plate tectonics, the imaging of the crust, the mantle, and the core, and interpretations of these observations in terms of physical and chemical processes in the Earth that produce these structures. Three hours of lecture and one laboratory per week. Laboratory study and field trips will complement the lectures. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, or consent of instructor.
GEOL 226. NONRENEWABLE MINERAL RESOURCES
Natural deposits of both metallic and nonmetallic industrial materials, including energy sources. Varieties of deposits, exploration strategies, and mining and other recovery methods. Evaluation of mineral resources. U.S. national needs and uses of raw materials. U.S. dependence on foreign sources of diverse mineral commodities. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: an introductory course in geology would be helpful, but is not required.
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 three-hour
laboratory per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 111 or 113 and consent of instructor.
GEOL 323. 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 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
environ ments and their deposits. Three hours of lectures and one three-hour
laboratory or field trip per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 222.
GEOL 344. 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 three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 111 or 113, or, with consent of instructor, another introductory geology course.
GEOL 366 (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 one-hour lectures, laboratory, and field studies. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 112, and 113 or BIOL 114.
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 370 (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 401. FIELD GEOLOGY
6 credits
Field training in stratigraphy, structural geology, and geo morphology;
geologic mapping with plane table, aerial photographs, and topographic
base maps. Summer course, six-nine 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,
perigla cial 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
stud ies. 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, experi mental studies of nucleation and crystallization
in mag mas, 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. Appli cation to actual
geological problems of magma generation, magma crystallization, rock metamorphism,
etc. Prerequi sites: 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. Prereq uisites: 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 equa tion; body
and surface waves. Inferences concerning earth's interior. Seismographs;
field seismology; data processing. Earthquake occurrence. Three one-hour
lectures, one -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 one-hour lectures, one-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 gov erning distribution and transport
of elements in earth system. Three one-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 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.
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. Prerequi
site: geomorphology, sedimentology, or consent of instruc tor.
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
stud ies. 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, distribu tion 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 three-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
physi cal 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 under standing 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 three-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 or projects.
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, geomag netic 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, in
strumentation. Prerequisites: GEOL 550, complex vari ables, 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 gov erning distribution and transport
of elements in earth system. Three one-hour lectures, one 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 correla tion, 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. Prerequi sites: 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 diagen etic 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.