Courses

    Reviews the physical and chemical characteristics of the solid earth, from the core to the crust, and the processes that govern behavior through the earth. Lectures are supplemented with readings from the recent literature. Topics include convection, phase transitions, melt generation, forces of plate tectonics, origin of continents and lithosphere, continental tectonics, and earthquakes. Recommended prereqs., basic chemistry and physics. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Reading and discussion of current issues and themes in the stratigraphic sciences, including stratigraphic and facies analysis, spatial heterogeneity and self-organization, numerical modeling; origin, evolution, mass extinctions, and megatrajectories of life; and paleooceanographic and paleoclimatic signals in sedimentary rocks. Goal is to diversify students' understanding of the role of physics, chemistry, and biology in attacking research problems in sedimentary systems. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Same as GEOL 4060. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Introduces advanced groundwater flow and modeling concepts, equations for steady state and transient flow, saturated and unsaturated flow, finite difference method, application of modeling in geologic processes, radial flow and aquifer parameters, infiltration and groundwater recharge, model calibration, verification, and prediction. Prereqs., MATH 2300, Fortran, or instructor consent.

    Same as GEOL 4093 and GEOG 5093. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Introduces fundamental physical processes important to the transport of heat and mass in the Earth and on Earth's surface. Provides practice with quantitative treatment of geological problems. Solutions for each problem are derived from first principles, including conservation and flux laws. Emphasizes heat conduction and viscous fluid flow. Prereq., calculus. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Constraining the timing of events and rates of processes is fundamental to earth science research. The field of geochronology and thermochronology is rapidly evolving. Cutting-edge aspects of geochronologic methods and emerging techniques will be especially emphasized. Lectures will emphasize the principles and assumptions of each technique. Seminar discussions will focus on recent papers that demonstrate state-of-the-art applications to diverse problems. Same as GEOL 4215. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Same as GEOL 4270.

    Explores the fundamentals of low-temperature geochemistry to investigate element speciation and chemical behavior in waters, soils and sediments. Topics include water-rock interaction and weathering, mineral dissolution and precipitation reactions, aqueous complexation, mineral surface chemistry, kinetics, element cycles, and redox biogeochemistry. Includes exposure to spectroscopic tools, computer simulations, and microbial geochemistry. Prereq., GEOL 3320 or 1 year of college chemistry or instructor consent.

    Focuses on the cycling of elements at the global scale with a particular emphasis on human modification of biogeochemical cycles. Major biogeochemical cycles, their past dynamics, present changes, and potential future scenarios will be addressed. Ecosystem to global-scale model of the earth system will be discussed along with global scale measurements of element fluxes from satellites, aircraft, and measurement networks. Prereq., general chemistry, some organic chemistry. Same as ENVS 5840. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Same as GEOL 4330 and ASTR 5330.

    In-depth survey of standard and experimental dating methods that provide absolute ages for events of the last two million years of Earth history. Includes theory and application of radiocarbon, uranium series, amino acid, thermo-luminescence, fission track, potassium/argon, hydration, light stable isotopes, and other radioactive techniques. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Examines scientific tools, data, and theories related to the dramatically varied past climate of Earth. Focus will be on marine records of climate change and ocean circulation, but ice core and continental archives will also be discussed. Course will cover the Cretaceous Period to the present, with particular emphasis on the past 150,000 years (the last ice age cycle). Prereq., intro geology or equivalent. Recommended prereq., intro oceanography or atmospheric science. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Same as GEOL 4474 and MUSM 5474.

    Restricted to graduate students. Same as GEOL 4550.

    Same as GEOL 4670.

    Provides students with the practical tools needed to make tectonic interpretations through study of the geologic history of the western United States and the geodynamic models used in interpreting that history. Paleomagnetism, geobarametry, geothermometry, geodynamic modeling, and elements of structural geology and stratigraphy are topics considered in this class. Prereqs., GEOL 3120 and PHYS 1110.

    Seminar studies in geological subjects of special current interest are offered primarily for graduate students, as departmental staff and facilities permit. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Investigates major problems in the study and understanding of Quaternary climate variation, in seminar format. Each year one major topic will be addressed, such as: the physics and chemistry of the Ice Age ocean circulation; the theory and mechanics of glacial/interglacial atmospheric C02 change; or the origins of the 20, 40, and 100 kyr orbital (Milankovitch) climate cycles. Prereqs., introduction geology, climatology or oceanography. Recommended prereqs., paleoclimatology or paleoceanography.

    Explores the dynamics and forms of the earth's surface through critical reading and discussion of both classical and modern literature.

    Focuses on a wide variety of topics related to crust, mantle, and whole earth tectonics. Published papers from recent peer-reviewed literature are read and discussed. The format and specific topics will vary each semester (e.g., a relatively focused theme or open format) and will in part be determined by the makeup of enrolled students. Prereqs., graduate standing or instructor consent. Offered Pass/Fail only.

    Applies field techniques to interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Field exercises and lectures focus on collecting data required to map igneous and metamorphic rock units. Prereqs., GEOL 2700 or 2011 and GEOL 3020 or equivalent. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Methods of field study of structure of rocks, including observations, data collection, and interpretation to understand geometry of deformation and causative processes and kinematics. Field projects are mapped using different scales, air photos, topographic maps, and compass and tape. Prereqs., GEOL 2700 or 2001 and GEOL 3120, or equivalent. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.

    Applies geophysical field techniques and data interpretation to studying geological and engineering problems. Fieldwork includes seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical measurements. Prereqs., GEOL 2700 or 2001 and MATH 1300 and PHYS 1110 or equivalent, or instructor consent required. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Introduces various field techniques and data analysis methods in hydrogeologic studies for students in geology, environmental studies, geography, and civil engineering. Exercises include mapping ground water levels, conducting slug and pumping tests, measuring steam flows, interpreting aquifer parameters from geophysical measurements, and using field data for water budget analysis. Prereqs., GEOL 2001 or 2700, or equivalent. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.

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