Graduate Courses
201. Evolution of the Earth
Dynamic history of the earth, its age and evolution, and the origin and evolution of life as revealed by the geologic and fossil record. (Spring)
203. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Sediments and sedimentary rocks cover or underlie much of the earth's surface. In them are recorded both evidence of the processes responsible for shaping the planetary surface and the record of life. Sedimentary rocks contain enormous volumes of water and solid and fluid hydrocarbons, as well as other natural resources. Sediments and sedimentary rocks are very important to our way of life and they are fascinating in themselves. In this course we describe and classify sedimentary rocks towards understanding the processes which shape them and the environments in which they form.
204. Mineralogy
Introduction to crystallography, crystal structure, crystal chemistry and classification, and origin of important rock-forming minerals. (Spring)
205/405. Geophysics
Introduction to geophysical methods and their application to Earth structure from surface to core. Topics will include seismology and Earth structure, gravitational field, geochronology and age of Earth; heat generation and heat flow; heat production, radioactivity and mantle convection; magnetic field; paleomagnetism; bending and deformation of continental and oceanic plates; geophysical methods applied to archeology and environmental studies.
206/406. Petrology-Geochemistry
Distribution, description, classification, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the light of theoretical-experimental multicomponent phase equilibria studies; use of trace elements and isotopes as tracers in rock genesis; hand specimen and microscopic examination of the major rock types.
207. Principles of Paleontology
Introduction to the subject by examination of the principles of paleontology and by a review of the invertebrate organisms of the past. (Fall)
208. Structural Geology
Geometric analysis of deformed rock, mechanical properties of rock, theories of rock deformation. (Fall)
209/409. Geochemistry
Solar system chemistry, mineralogic, chemical, and isotopic compositions of meteorites; earth's structure and mineral composition, partial melting, and fractional crystallization models; isotopic heterogeneity of the mantle, and composition of oceanic and continental crust; relative abundances of major sedimentary rocks and mass balance, trace elements in sandstones and limestones, iron formations, element partioning between river-suspended particles and river water and the adsorption model; distribution, concentration, and speciation of elements in the ocean, marine sediments, manganese nodules, and seamount crusts; and hydrothermal vents of the mid-ocean ridges.
211. Earthquake and Volcanic Hazards: Living on an Active Planet
Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are violent manifestations of plate tectonics, the movement of the relatively rigid plates forming Earth's outer shell. This course focuses on the causative mechanisms of earthquakes and volcanoes, hazards and forecasting, and insights into planetary processes gained from their study. The final third of the course examines particular events on Earth, with implications for planetary evolution in general. Students electing EES 211 will extend the case study to a report and oral presentation.
215. Environmental and Applied Geophysics
Physical processes at the surface of the earth. Sources of energy: solar energy; radioactive heat generation; heat conduction and convection. Dynamics of the crust; earthquakes and propagation of seismic waves; plate tectonics. Movement of fluids in the oceans, rivers, and crust; physics of atmospheric movements. Influence of human activities on physical processes at the surface of the earth. (Fall)
217/417. Physical and Chemical Hydrology
This course provides a foundation in both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the dynamic interaction between water and geologic media. The first part of the course outlines the formation of water, atmospheric processes, and the hydrologic cycle. The second part focuses on the theory and geologic controls on groundwater flow. The third and final part of the course deals with natural groundwater geochemistry and environmental contamination.
218/418. The Chemistry of Global Change
A quantitative survey of the processes controlling environmental conditions at the earth's surface today, how they have changed with time, and how they are expected to change in the future. The course emphasizes the chemical composition of the atmosphere and oceans, and the chemical, biological, and geological processes which affect this composition. Specific topics include greenhouse gases and global warming; photochemistry and stratospheric ozone; geochemical cycles and feedbacks; the effects of human activities; and the methods used to study the chemical evolution of the atmosphere and oceans through time.
219. Energy and Mineral Resources
Energy sources presently in use, their availability, and their environmental and economic consequences. Alternative energy sources, their potentials and problems. The distribution and formation of mineral resources. Reserves, rates of production, and consumption of important minerals. (Spring)
241/441. Igneous-Metamorphic Petrology
Prerequisite: EES 204.
Lectures cover an overview of igneous and metamorphic petrology. Origin and distribution of the major igneous-metamorphic rocks in the light of experimental and theoretical multicomponent phase-equilibria studies are the major topics of the lectures. Trace element distribution and isotopes as petrogenetic tracers in the evaluation of the crust-mantle system are also covered in the lectures. Laboratories are devoted to description, identification, and significance of mineral assemblages in these rocks as observed in hand specimens and under the petrographic microscope. (Spring)
248/448. High Temperature Geochemistry
Prerequisites: CHM 103 or 105 and MTH 161.
An introduction to the principles of geochemistry. The first portion of the course is devoted to basics, especially thermodynamics, and isotope (both stable and radio-) geochemistry. The middle portion of the course deals with high-temperature processes and crystallization. The last part of the course covers low-temperature processes including weathering, sediment diagenesis, and element cycling through the lithosphere. (Spring)
251/451. Introduction to Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
Prerequisites: MTH 141-143 or MTH 161-163.
Students will learn the basic principles of satellite, airborne, and other remote sensing data acquisition systems, and the processing and interpretation of acquired data sets. Case studies and computer-based practicals will focus on visible to near-infrared, thermal and radar imaging of continents and seafloor. Course material will include a review of geographic coordinate systems and projections for georeferencing remotely sensed data as a basis for Geographic Information Systems analysis. Assessment is through computer-based practicals and short-answer mid-term exam (Spring)
252/452. Marine Geology
Prerequisite: EES 101.
This course provides a comprehensive review of modern marine geology with an emphasis on the deep sea. Areas identified by the Joint Oceanographics Institution as high research priorities are discussed, including new techniques used to study such problems. Four subject areas will be addressed: the lithosphere, tectonics, ocean history, and sedimentary geochemistry and physical processes. (Spring)
253/453. Geodynamics
Processes that create and modify Earth and the terrestrial planets will be examined using an "earth engineering" approach. Emphasis will be placed on plate tectonics, with discussion of current research in mantle convection. The final third of the course will focus on active plate tectonic boundaries, and evidence for plate tectonics on Mars and Venus.
255. Planetary Science: Geologic Evolution and Planetary Habitability
EES 255 will focus on geologic and geophysical studies of planets (interiors and surfaces) and the conditions that led to the origin of life. We will start with initial conditions, defined here as the formation of Earth and the Moon-forming event, and trace development of the planet from cooling of the magma ocean onwards. We next consider how our planetary neighbors (Venus and Mars) evolved, as well as key satellites in the solar system that may harbor life, or provide insight into early conditions on Earth.
256/456. Paleomagnetism and Global Plate Tectonics
The basic paleomagnetic methods used to determine absolute plate motions are reviewed. Applications include the potential cause and effect relationship between changes in absolute plate motions, mantle plume volcanism, orogeny, and climate change. (Spring)
257/457. Topics in Advanced Seismology.
Prerequisites: PHY 122 or equivalent, EES 215.
This course examines wave propagation in the Earth, and introduces helioseismology. Classes focus on theory of waveform modeling, moment tensor inversions, low frequency earthquakes and related topics. Laboratory work focuses on Matlab-based programming. (Spring)
258/458. Hotspots and Plate Motions
This course provides a basic understanding of hotspot models, hotspot fixity, and the relationships between hotspots, mantle plumes, true polar wander, and plate motions. Hypothesis development and testing are discussed, as well as the basic elements of grantsmanship. (Spring)
259/459. Seminar in Paleomagnetism
Current topics in paleomagnetism and rock magnetism are explored through literature reviews and modeling studies. Topics range from the history of plate tectonics to biogenic magnetism. An introduction to basic concepts in paleomagnetism and rock magnetism is included.
264/464. Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions Using Light-Stable Isotopes
This class focuses on techniques used in environmental reconstructions to address questions related to paleoclimate, paleotemperature, paleovegetation, and paleoelevation. Use of stable isotopes in paleoenvironmental reconstructions with particular emphasis on O, C, and to a lesser extent, H and N isotopes is examined. The class starts with a thorough introduction of the geological framework of the environments of interest and the processes of light isotope fractionation. This is followed by "emphasis areas" that highlight the basics and latest developments in a variety of environmental systems, including the oceans, rivers, ice, lakes, soils, and fossils.
269/469. Stable Isotopes in Geochemistry
Application of stable isotope techniques to problems in metamorphic and igneous petrology, hydrothermal alteration, paleoceanography, paleoclimatology. (Spring)
283/483. Sedimentary Basin Analysis
By determining how sedimentary basins develop and fill, we better understand the tectonic and eustatic controls on subsidence and surficial processes. Basin classification schemes, flexural and thermal subsidence, isostasy, sequence stratigraphy, and techniques used to characterize sedimentary basin evolution are discussed.
285. Structure and Tectonics of Mountain Belts
Prerequisite: EES 208 or equivalent.
Orogeny and its relationship to plate tectonics. Structural style and tectonic history of mountain belts with special reference to the Appalachians and Cordilleras. Lectures twice a week. Homework assignments involve drawings and interpreting cross sections through mountain belts. Field trip to the Appalachians to look at typical structures of mountain belts. (Alternate springs)
286/486. Seminar in Sedimentology and Tectonics
Interpreting the lithofacies and chemistry of sedimentary rocks to understand paleo-environment; impact of tectonics on climate. Topics vary. Readings, presentations, and discussions of classic and current literature.
288W/488. Geometry and Mechanics of Thrust Faults
Geometry of thrust faults and thrust belts. Mechanics of thrust motion and thrust emplacement. Homework assignments and readings on current literature. (Spring)
299. Field Geology
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
This course covers the essential geologic and geophysical approaches to field stratigraphy, mapping, and structural interpretation. The coursework is based on observations made during a substantial field excursion (usually six weeks long). Additional credit may be earned by laboratory analyses of samples collected during the field excursion.
318W. Environmental Decisions
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Lecture and seminar analyzing decisions about some major classes of environmental changes as seen from the viewpoint of scientists and risk analysts. For seniors and graduate students. (Spring)
319W. Energy Decisions
Investigation of the decision-making processes leading to the use of specific energy sources in developed countries, with special attention given to USA and Germany. Review of energy sources in use today (hydrocarbons; nuclear) and potential alternatives (wind; solar); comparison of electoral systems, history of environmental movements, and decision processes in the USA and Germany. Seminar course; evaluation based on oral presentations and papers. Fulfills Department of Earth and Enviromental Sciences writing requirement.
352. Issues in Environmental Science Group Leadership
This course offers training in group dynamics, learning theory, and science pedagogy. The larger goals for this course are to develop leadership skills, to foster ongoing communication among faculty members and Workshop leaders, and to provide an environment for focused review of Workshop modules. This section of CAS/EES 352 will train undergraduate Workshop leaders for Introduction to Geological Science (EES 101)
360/460. Environmental Geology in the Field and Laboratory
Emphasizes commonly employed methods of obtaining critical geochemical and hydro-geologic data for environmental studies. Field trips involve visits to drilling sites, geotechnical and analytical labs, and an experimental field station where tests on monitoring wells can be performed. (Fall)
445. Solid Earth Geochemistry
Composition, structure, and evolution of the earth over the past 4.56 billion years; isotopic geochemistry of crust-mantle processes; phase transitions within the earth and their tectonic significance.
446. Neodymium Isotope Geochemistry
This course applies Sm-Nd isotopic methods along with Lu-Hf, Rb-Sr, U-Th-Pb, Re-Os, and the rare earth elements as geochemical tracers to the study of planetary crust-mantle evolutionary processes.
462. Seminar in Noble Gas Geochemistry
This course examines topics in noble gas geochemistry through a series of recent articles on various topics.
466. Seminar in Geochemistry
A research seminar covering a current topic or topics in geochemistry, at the graduate level. (Spring)
467. Isotope Geology
Causes for differences in the isotopic composition of elements. Nucleosynthesis, fractionation, radioactive decay, and cosmogenic production. Evolution of crust and mantle, formation of ore deposits, tracing and fluid movements, history of cosmic ray flux, and other applications of isotopic systems to geologic problems.
478. Seminar in Depositional Environments
Prerequisite: EES 207 or 203.
Credit: two hours
A survey of major paralic and marine sedimentary environments, their processes, and characteristic facies sequences. Case studies of ancient facies are discussed, together with modern analogs. Sequence stratigraphy devoted to study of the concepts and applications of sequence stratigraphy in outcrops, wells, and seismic sections. (Fall)
480. Material Properties of Deformed Rocks
Elastic, linear, and nonlinear viscous and perfectly plastic behavior of rocks. Effect of dislocation and diffusional creep, grain boundary sliding, microfracturing, and recrystallization on rocks.
481. Microtectonics
Study of microstructures, fabric, and textures in rocks to define deformation patterns, deformation mechanisms, and flow laws.
482. Metamorphic Processes
Prerequisites: EES 206 and 208.
Metamorphism and its effect on rocks. Pressure-temperature regimes of metamorphism. Tectonic processes related to metamorphism. Case studies from mountain belts.
484. Stress and Strain in Rocks
Stress states in two and three dimensions. Stress Mohr circles. Equilibrium equations. Analysis of finite strains and deformation histories in mountain chains. Strain Mohr circles. Compatability equations.
489. Topics in Advanced Structural Geology
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Advanced structural geology course covering topics of current research interest. Topics vary.