Geology Department

Note: Courses numbered 100 to 109 can be taken in any order. None have prerequisites.

100 (10). Physical Geology: Examination of how our dynamic planet works: plate tectonics, how geologic age is determined, the processes that form the stunning variety of rocks we see at the Earth’s surface, the development of the even more stunning variety of landscapes we see, and many topics of contemporary interest including floods, the nature of underground water resources, coastal erosion, earthquakes, interpreting topographic maps for land use purposes, and climate change. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks.

101 (11). The Earth and Life Through Time: The Earth’s dynamic history and evolutionary changes over the last 4.5 billion years. Includes the geologic evidence for the evolution of life, for major changes in the nature of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, and for major mountain building events that have affected the continents as well as the evolutionary development of plant and animal life as recorded in the geologic record. Specific topics include the geologic record of important events such as development of the atmosphere, emergence of life, extinction of the dinosaurs, and the ice ages. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks.

102 (12). Environmental Geology: Basic geologic concepts are used for understanding a variety of natural and human-induced geologic hazards that directly affect people. This course examines the nature of various natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, and coastal erosion. Also examines the interplay between human activities and the environment, such as soil and groundwater contamination, solid-waste disposal, resource development; the geologic record of global change, and the debate over global warming. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks.

104. Global Perspectives on Energy: This course addresses the geologic factors important in energy supply and the impacts associated with energy use. In addition to discussing the various non-renewable and renewable energy resources, constraints on energy production (including physical laws, environmental effects, political and economic factors) will be examined for each. Students will do research into selected aspects of energy supply and/or use. They will learn how to access data and incorporate it into an analysis of a particular problem associated with energy use. No prerequisites, GenEd science credit SCIE.

106 (16). Restless Oceans: A survey of the physical, chemical, and biological. Involves an examination of the present ocean basins including important sea floor features, plate tectonic concepts, ocean currents and the forces driving them, oceanic sedimentation and the climate records they hold, the role of the oceans in climate change including the Ice Ages, coastal processes and sea level change, biological productivity, and the ocean fishing and minerals industries. No prerequisites, GenEd science credit SCIE.

107 (17). Natural Disasters: Geology as it specifically relates to geologic hazards affecting people and society. An introduction to the geologic processes causing floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and other natural hazards. The course will include discussion of major events in the geologic and historical record as well as future hazard potential. We will assess the risks humans face in different regions, including local hazards, our contribution to geologic hazards, and how we can minimize and cope with future events. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks.

108 (18). Earth Resources: The goal of this course is to provide non-geology majors with an appreciation of the importance of mineral and fuel resources for modern society, and insight into the geology of economically valuable deposits. Issues concerning the discovery, development, environmental impacts, and estimates of amounts of resources available will be discussed in a geological, economic, and technological context. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks.

109. Global Climate Dynamics: Climate change has become one of the key scientific issues of our time. This course examines climate change on different time scales (years to millions of years), and focuses on the causes of climate change, both natural and anthropogenic. We also explore the role media has played in shaping public opinion on climate change. Lectures explore the principle scientific aspects of climate dynamics, and the laboratories investigate some of the major scientific findings that support the conclusions presented in consensus scientific reports that shape the geopolitical dialogue. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs as scheduled.

200 (20). Mineral Science: Study of the diverse solid materials that make up most of our planet, many of our industrial resources and materials, and most of our precious gems. We will examine the nature of the external and internal symmetry of crystals, chemical bonding and substitution in crystal lattices, mineral properties, crystal optics, and the identification of minerals by physical, chemical, optical, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Prerequisite: Chemistry-101; weekly lab.

201 (21). Stratigraphy and Depositional Environments: of New York Tectonic events revealed through the stratigraphy and inferred depositional environments of the lower Paleozoic sedimentary rock sequences in eastern New York. Stratigraphic and sedimentologic concepts are explored through weekly field studies and comparison with modern depositional systems. Prerequisites: Any introductory geology course; weekly lab; WAC.

202 (22). Origin and Evolution of Landscapes: The processes operating on and near the Earth’s surface are responsible for the development of landforms, and the evolution of these landforms through time. This course covers erosional and depositional processes of river, lake, wind, and limestone cave systems, the processes of chemical and physical weathering, and the relationships between landforms and tectonic and climatic controls. Prerequisites: Any introductory Geology course; weekly lab, WAC.

203 (23). Introduction to Remote Sensing: An introduction to the techniques of observing the Earth’s land, ocean, and atmosphere from air- and space-born sensors. The course focuses on the application of remote sensing to geology, biology, land use, and the environment, and also covers technical issues affecting the acquisition, processing, and analysis of images, the properties of Earth’s surface materials affecting remote sensing, and the range of instruments used to observe the Earth and other planets. Prerequisites: Any introductory geology course or permission of the instructor; weekly lab.

204 (24). Geographic Information Systems: An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and its practical uses. Topics include history of GIS, geographic data types, primary data structures, system design, map coordinate systems, data sources, metadata, census data, geographic coding and address matching, digitizing, remote sensing imagery, measures of data quality, and needs assessment. An emphasis will be on hands-on instruction using GIS software (ArcView). Students will work with ArcView throughout the term to complete assignments and a class project. Focus areas include archaeology, electric and gas utilities, surveying, health and human services, insurance, law enforcement and criminal justice, media and telecommunications, transportation, water and wastewater, and natural resources. The ultimate goal is to use the spatial component of data in conducting analysis and making decisions. Two class hours and two lab hours weekly. Prerequisites: A good background in the use of modern computer software.

207 (27). Ground and Surface Water Geology: Hydrologic and engineering aspects of ground and surface water, including an introduction to the analysis of water quality. Course will address characteristics of water movement, engineering applications of the basic equations of the mechanics of water flow, and the transport of contaminants in water. The course emphasizes quantitative approaches to groundwater production and management and practical applications in water supply and remediation of contaminated aquifers. Not an introductory level course. Prerequisite: A good background in math, science, or engineering, or any introductory geology course; weekly lab.

208 (28). Paleontology: Nearly all species that have existed on Earth are now extinct and are only known through the fossil record. This course examines the evolution and history of life on Earth as interpreted from the fossil record. Topics include fossil preservation, taphonomy, ontogeny, diversity trajectories through geologic time, evolutionary mechanisms, extinction, paleobiology, paleoecology and paleoclimate. Special emphasis will be placed on using fossils to interpret ancient environments as well as deciphering past climates. The course focuses on the fossil record of marine invertebrates, but major groups of vertebrates and plants are also covered. Prerequisite: Any geology or biology course at the 100 level; weekly lab.

209 (150). Field Geology: Study of the geology of a selected area will be followed by an extended field trip to the area to examine the important geologic features. Areas will vary from year to year and may include the Grand Canyon, Colorado Plateau, southern Appalachians, Canadian mineral districts, Cascade volcanoes, glaciated Rocky Mountains, and others. There may be additional costs associated with field trip expenses. Prerequisite: Any introductory geology course and permission of the instructor. Also see field camp.

250 (30). Origin of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: How the processes of melting, crystallization, heat, pressure, and strain create some of the most abundant minerals and rocks in the Earth’s crust and upper mantle. Emphasis will be on the examination of rock thin sections using polarizing microscopes, interpretation of rock mineralogy and textures, and use of rock and mineral chemistry to understand igneous and metamorphic processes. Prerequisite: Geology 200; weekly lab and three all-day trips.

252 Environmental Geotechniques: This course explores the natural characteristics, techniques of coring, methods of classification, and testing of soils as a material impacted by the surrounding environment. The utilized methods of testing are those standardized by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Basic topics covered are soil exploration, composition, flow and permeability, compaction, compressibility, strength, slope stability, and environmental geotechnology with focus on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) testing and design specifications. Three class hours and a weekly lab. Prerequisite ENS100 (Introduction to Environmental Studies) or GEO102 (Environmental Geology).

253 (33). Structure and Tectonics: The geometry and dynamics of deformed rocks involving detailed description and kinematic analysis of field sites. Topics include stress and strain, folding, faulting, cleavage formation, map interpretation, and the relationships between plate tectonic settings and crustal structure. Course focuses on the structural evolution of eastern New York as seen in field projects. Prerequisite: Any geology course numbered 200 or higher, or permission of the instructor; weekly lab; WAC.

254 (34). Global Climate Change: Climate is fundamentally relevant to modern and ancient societies. Global warming is occurring today, and whether it is driven by human activities (e.g., CO2, CH4 emissions) or by natural climate cycles can only be determined by understanding natural climatic variability. Fortunately, there are many tools, natural climatic records, that can provide us with information on past climate (e.g. tree rings, ice cores from glaciers, and sediment cores from lakes and oceans). Obtaining, documenting and interpreting these records is the field of paleoclimatology, and it is the focus of this course. Lectures will be punctuated by numerous class meetings with discussion of current climate literature, and specific issues relevant to global climate change. Prerequisite: Any introductory level geology course.

300 (40). Glacial and Quaternary Geology: The transformation of snow to ice, the mass balance of glaciers, types of glaciers, and the processes that control glacier sliding, erosion, and deposition. Includes techniques commonly employed to date Quaternary deposits and an examination of the geologic record of the Ice Ages as recorded in glaciers, glacial deposits, and marine and lake sediments of the Quaternary Period. Weekly labs document the geologic record of the last glaciation in exposures in the southern Adirondacks, central Hudson Valley, eastern Mohawk Valley, and northern Schoharie Valley. Prerequisite: Geology 202. WAC.

301 (41). Lakes and Environmental Change: Modern limnology and the record of environmental change as recorded in lake sediments. Includes records from proglacial lakes in North America, and interpretation of proxy paleoenvironmental indicators preserved in lake sediments from North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Prerequisites: any introductory geology course and Biology 110, 112 or 320; or permission of the instructor; weekly lab; WAC.

302 (42). Geochemical Systems and Modeling: This course investigates the Earth as a chemical system and the use of chemical tools to understand geologic processes. Topics include origin of the elements, formation and differentiation of the earth, igneous processes, stable and radioactive isotopes, and geochemistry of near-surface waters and the oceans. Work includes theory, sample collection, sample preparation, chemical analysis using in-house equipment, and computer modeling of the analyzed geochemical system using the acquired data. Clear scientific writing is an important component of this course. Prerequisites: Chemistry 101 and 102 or equivalent; weekly lab; WAC.

303 (26). Introduction to Geophysics: Gravity and magnetic fields of the earth, gravity and magnetic anomalies, magnetic properties of rocks and paleomagnetism, earthquakes and seismology, precession of the Earth’s spin axis, density distribution and models for the Earth’s interior; wave propagation in rocks, seismic reflection and refraction, geophysical field methods, data processing and interpretation, electrical methods, radioactivity, heat flow, thermal history of the Earth, global dynamics and plate tectonics, comparative planetology. Labs emphasize handson use of modern geophysical equipment. Prerequisite: Physics 100 or 120; weekly lab and field exercises.

304 (31). Carbonate Sedimentology: Examination of carbonate rocks, carbonate environments, animal-sediment interactions, and the oceanographic and climatic factors that affect deposition including sea level change, catastrophic storms, and groundwater. Field studies include examples of modern and ancient coral reefs, lagoons, tidal inlets, beaches, hypersaline lakes, and tidal flats. Course includes a required week field trip to the Bahamian Field station on San Salvador Island. Prerequisites: Option 1: i) Any Geology course at 100 level; and ii) Geology 201 or 202 (may be concurrent) or permission of instructor. Option 2: i) Any Geology course at 100 level; and ii) declared major in biology (esp. helpful are Bio 256, 257, 320, 322, 328), and permission of the instructor. For either option, students must meet basic term abroad requirements and must submit an application. WAC.

355T (151). Living on the Edge: The field study of earthquakes, volcanoes, and other hazards where tectonic plates collide. Field studies focus on understanding the science behind geologic hazards that lead to catastrophic events and subsequent loss of life. Fieldwork is aimed at recognizing hazards, understanding the processes behind the hazards, and to see the role that society plays in mitigating these hazards. The study area alternates between the Andes in Peru (June) and New Zealand (December). Fieldwork at either location will be preceded by organizational sessions on campus to prepare for field projects. Prerequisites: Any introductory geology course and a geology course numbered 20 or higher. Mini-term abroad.

356T (152). Volcanoes and Society: Geology and archeology in the field. A close look at powerful volcanic eruptions and how those eruptions affect society and culture. This course focuses on sites that have an excellent archeological record of volcanism or where modern society faces a serious volcanic threat. Course will include study of dating methods and the effects of major volcanic eruptions on global climate. This research-oriented course is conducted largely in the field and projects include mapping and interpreting volcanic deposits. Prerequisites: Any introductory level geology course and permission of the instructor. Mini-term abroad.

405 (180). Geology Senior Seminar: Senior writing course required of all majors, for which a senior thesis the final product. The senior thesis associated with this course may be a research thesis (required for honors) if combined with senior level research (495-498). Prerequisites: Geology major and senior standing. WAC: WS.

490-494 (190-194). Independent Study in Geology A program of independent study in a particular area of geology, not available through regular courses, under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

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Geology Home Faculty and Staff Department Field Sciences Courses Course Catalog Intro + GenEd Courses Student Affairs Outreach Resources Alumni Affairs Geoscience Videos Weatherlink Contact Us Mohawk Watershed Symposium 2011 Keck Symposium 2011 Keck Symposium Field Guide 2011 Keck Symposium Photos	Note: Courses numbered 100 to 109 can be taken in any order. None have prerequisites. 100 (10). Physical Geology: Examination of how our dynamic planet works: plate tectonics, how geologic age is determined, the processes that form the stunning variety of rocks we see at the Earth’s surface, the development of the even more stunning variety of landscapes we see, and many topics of contemporary interest including floods, the nature of underground water resources, coastal erosion, earthquakes, interpreting topographic maps for land use purposes, and climate change. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks. 101 (11). The Earth and Life Through Time: The Earth’s dynamic history and evolutionary changes over the last 4.5 billion years. Includes the geologic evidence for the evolution of life, for major changes in the nature of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, and for major mountain building events that have affected the continents as well as the evolutionary development of plant and animal life as recorded in the geologic record. Specific topics include the geologic record of important events such as development of the atmosphere, emergence of life, extinction of the dinosaurs, and the ice ages. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks. 102 (12). Environmental Geology: Basic geologic concepts are used for understanding a variety of natural and human-induced geologic hazards that directly affect people. This course examines the nature of various natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, and coastal erosion. Also examines the interplay between human activities and the environment, such as soil and groundwater contamination, solid-waste disposal, resource development; the geologic record of global change, and the debate over global warming. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks. 104. Global Perspectives on Energy: This course addresses the geologic factors important in energy supply and the impacts associated with energy use. In addition to discussing the various non-renewable and renewable energy resources, constraints on energy production (including physical laws, environmental effects, political and economic factors) will be examined for each. Students will do research into selected aspects of energy supply and/or use. They will learn how to access data and incorporate it into an analysis of a particular problem associated with energy use. No prerequisites, GenEd science credit SCIE. 106 (16). Restless Oceans: A survey of the physical, chemical, and biological. Involves an examination of the present ocean basins including important sea floor features, plate tectonic concepts, ocean currents and the forces driving them, oceanic sedimentation and the climate records they hold, the role of the oceans in climate change including the Ice Ages, coastal processes and sea level change, biological productivity, and the ocean fishing and minerals industries. No prerequisites, GenEd science credit SCIE. 107 (17). Natural Disasters: Geology as it specifically relates to geologic hazards affecting people and society. An introduction to the geologic processes causing floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and other natural hazards. The course will include discussion of major events in the geologic and historical record as well as future hazard potential. We will assess the risks humans face in different regions, including local hazards, our contribution to geologic hazards, and how we can minimize and cope with future events. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks. 108 (18). Earth Resources: The goal of this course is to provide non-geology majors with an appreciation of the importance of mineral and fuel resources for modern society, and insight into the geology of economically valuable deposits. Issues concerning the discovery, development, environmental impacts, and estimates of amounts of resources available will be discussed in a geological, economic, and technological context. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs meeting alternate weeks. 109. Global Climate Dynamics: Climate change has become one of the key scientific issues of our time. This course examines climate change on different time scales (years to millions of years), and focuses on the causes of climate change, both natural and anthropogenic. We also explore the role media has played in shaping public opinion on climate change. Lectures explore the principle scientific aspects of climate dynamics, and the laboratories investigate some of the major scientific findings that support the conclusions presented in consensus scientific reports that shape the geopolitical dialogue. No prerequisites, GenEd lab science credit SCLB, 5 labs as scheduled. 200 (20). Mineral Science: Study of the diverse solid materials that make up most of our planet, many of our industrial resources and materials, and most of our precious gems. We will examine the nature of the external and internal symmetry of crystals, chemical bonding and substitution in crystal lattices, mineral properties, crystal optics, and the identification of minerals by physical, chemical, optical, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Prerequisite: Chemistry-101; weekly lab. 201 (21). Stratigraphy and Depositional Environments: of New York Tectonic events revealed through the stratigraphy and inferred depositional environments of the lower Paleozoic sedimentary rock sequences in eastern New York. Stratigraphic and sedimentologic concepts are explored through weekly field studies and comparison with modern depositional systems. Prerequisites: Any introductory geology course; weekly lab; WAC. 202 (22). Origin and Evolution of Landscapes: The processes operating on and near the Earth’s surface are responsible for the development of landforms, and the evolution of these landforms through time. This course covers erosional and depositional processes of river, lake, wind, and limestone cave systems, the processes of chemical and physical weathering, and the relationships between landforms and tectonic and climatic controls. Prerequisites: Any introductory Geology course; weekly lab, WAC. 203 (23). Introduction to Remote Sensing: An introduction to the techniques of observing the Earth’s land, ocean, and atmosphere from air- and space-born sensors. The course focuses on the application of remote sensing to geology, biology, land use, and the environment, and also covers technical issues affecting the acquisition, processing, and analysis of images, the properties of Earth’s surface materials affecting remote sensing, and the range of instruments used to observe the Earth and other planets. Prerequisites: Any introductory geology course or permission of the instructor; weekly lab. 204 (24). Geographic Information Systems: An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and its practical uses. Topics include history of GIS, geographic data types, primary data structures, system design, map coordinate systems, data sources, metadata, census data, geographic coding and address matching, digitizing, remote sensing imagery, measures of data quality, and needs assessment. An emphasis will be on hands-on instruction using GIS software (ArcView). Students will work with ArcView throughout the term to complete assignments and a class project. Focus areas include archaeology, electric and gas utilities, surveying, health and human services, insurance, law enforcement and criminal justice, media and telecommunications, transportation, water and wastewater, and natural resources. The ultimate goal is to use the spatial component of data in conducting analysis and making decisions. Two class hours and two lab hours weekly. Prerequisites: A good background in the use of modern computer software. 207 (27). Ground and Surface Water Geology: Hydrologic and engineering aspects of ground and surface water, including an introduction to the analysis of water quality. Course will address characteristics of water movement, engineering applications of the basic equations of the mechanics of water flow, and the transport of contaminants in water. The course emphasizes quantitative approaches to groundwater production and management and practical applications in water supply and remediation of contaminated aquifers. Not an introductory level course. Prerequisite: A good background in math, science, or engineering, or any introductory geology course; weekly lab. 208 (28). Paleontology: Nearly all species that have existed on Earth are now extinct and are only known through the fossil record. This course examines the evolution and history of life on Earth as interpreted from the fossil record. Topics include fossil preservation, taphonomy, ontogeny, diversity trajectories through geologic time, evolutionary mechanisms, extinction, paleobiology, paleoecology and paleoclimate. Special emphasis will be placed on using fossils to interpret ancient environments as well as deciphering past climates. The course focuses on the fossil record of marine invertebrates, but major groups of vertebrates and plants are also covered. Prerequisite: Any geology or biology course at the 100 level; weekly lab. 209 (150). Field Geology: Study of the geology of a selected area will be followed by an extended field trip to the area to examine the important geologic features. Areas will vary from year to year and may include the Grand Canyon, Colorado Plateau, southern Appalachians, Canadian mineral districts, Cascade volcanoes, glaciated Rocky Mountains, and others. There may be additional costs associated with field trip expenses. Prerequisite: Any introductory geology course and permission of the instructor. Also see field camp. 250 (30). Origin of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: How the processes of melting, crystallization, heat, pressure, and strain create some of the most abundant minerals and rocks in the Earth’s crust and upper mantle. Emphasis will be on the examination of rock thin sections using polarizing microscopes, interpretation of rock mineralogy and textures, and use of rock and mineral chemistry to understand igneous and metamorphic processes. Prerequisite: Geology 200; weekly lab and three all-day trips. 252 Environmental Geotechniques: This course explores the natural characteristics, techniques of coring, methods of classification, and testing of soils as a material impacted by the surrounding environment. The utilized methods of testing are those standardized by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Basic topics covered are soil exploration, composition, flow and permeability, compaction, compressibility, strength, slope stability, and environmental geotechnology with focus on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) testing and design specifications. Three class hours and a weekly lab. Prerequisite ENS100 (Introduction to Environmental Studies) or GEO102 (Environmental Geology). 253 (33). Structure and Tectonics: The geometry and dynamics of deformed rocks involving detailed description and kinematic analysis of field sites. Topics include stress and strain, folding, faulting, cleavage formation, map interpretation, and the relationships between plate tectonic settings and crustal structure. Course focuses on the structural evolution of eastern New York as seen in field projects. Prerequisite: Any geology course numbered 200 or higher, or permission of the instructor; weekly lab; WAC. 254 (34). Global Climate Change: Climate is fundamentally relevant to modern and ancient societies. Global warming is occurring today, and whether it is driven by human activities (e.g., CO2, CH4 emissions) or by natural climate cycles can only be determined by understanding natural climatic variability. Fortunately, there are many tools, natural climatic records, that can provide us with information on past climate (e.g. tree rings, ice cores from glaciers, and sediment cores from lakes and oceans). Obtaining, documenting and interpreting these records is the field of paleoclimatology, and it is the focus of this course. Lectures will be punctuated by numerous class meetings with discussion of current climate literature, and specific issues relevant to global climate change. Prerequisite: Any introductory level geology course. 300 (40). Glacial and Quaternary Geology: The transformation of snow to ice, the mass balance of glaciers, types of glaciers, and the processes that control glacier sliding, erosion, and deposition. Includes techniques commonly employed to date Quaternary deposits and an examination of the geologic record of the Ice Ages as recorded in glaciers, glacial deposits, and marine and lake sediments of the Quaternary Period. Weekly labs document the geologic record of the last glaciation in exposures in the southern Adirondacks, central Hudson Valley, eastern Mohawk Valley, and northern Schoharie Valley. Prerequisite: Geology 202. WAC. 301 (41). Lakes and Environmental Change: Modern limnology and the record of environmental change as recorded in lake sediments. Includes records from proglacial lakes in North America, and interpretation of proxy paleoenvironmental indicators preserved in lake sediments from North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Prerequisites: any introductory geology course and Biology 110, 112 or 320; or permission of the instructor; weekly lab; WAC. 302 (42). Geochemical Systems and Modeling: This course investigates the Earth as a chemical system and the use of chemical tools to understand geologic processes. Topics include origin of the elements, formation and differentiation of the earth, igneous processes, stable and radioactive isotopes, and geochemistry of near-surface waters and the oceans. Work includes theory, sample collection, sample preparation, chemical analysis using in-house equipment, and computer modeling of the analyzed geochemical system using the acquired data. Clear scientific writing is an important component of this course. Prerequisites: Chemistry 101 and 102 or equivalent; weekly lab; WAC. 303 (26). Introduction to Geophysics: Gravity and magnetic fields of the earth, gravity and magnetic anomalies, magnetic properties of rocks and paleomagnetism, earthquakes and seismology, precession of the Earth’s spin axis, density distribution and models for the Earth’s interior; wave propagation in rocks, seismic reflection and refraction, geophysical field methods, data processing and interpretation, electrical methods, radioactivity, heat flow, thermal history of the Earth, global dynamics and plate tectonics, comparative planetology. Labs emphasize handson use of modern geophysical equipment. Prerequisite: Physics 100 or 120; weekly lab and field exercises. 304 (31). Carbonate Sedimentology: Examination of carbonate rocks, carbonate environments, animal-sediment interactions, and the oceanographic and climatic factors that affect deposition including sea level change, catastrophic storms, and groundwater. Field studies include examples of modern and ancient coral reefs, lagoons, tidal inlets, beaches, hypersaline lakes, and tidal flats. Course includes a required week field trip to the Bahamian Field station on San Salvador Island. Prerequisites: Option 1: i) Any Geology course at 100 level; and ii) Geology 201 or 202 (may be concurrent) or permission of instructor. Option 2: i) Any Geology course at 100 level; and ii) declared major in biology (esp. helpful are Bio 256, 257, 320, 322, 328), and permission of the instructor. For either option, students must meet basic term abroad requirements and must submit an application. WAC. 355T (151). Living on the Edge: The field study of earthquakes, volcanoes, and other hazards where tectonic plates collide. Field studies focus on understanding the science behind geologic hazards that lead to catastrophic events and subsequent loss of life. Fieldwork is aimed at recognizing hazards, understanding the processes behind the hazards, and to see the role that society plays in mitigating these hazards. The study area alternates between the Andes in Peru (June) and New Zealand (December). Fieldwork at either location will be preceded by organizational sessions on campus to prepare for field projects. Prerequisites: Any introductory geology course and a geology course numbered 20 or higher. Mini-term abroad. 356T (152). Volcanoes and Society: Geology and archeology in the field. A close look at powerful volcanic eruptions and how those eruptions affect society and culture. This course focuses on sites that have an excellent archeological record of volcanism or where modern society faces a serious volcanic threat. Course will include study of dating methods and the effects of major volcanic eruptions on global climate. This research-oriented course is conducted largely in the field and projects include mapping and interpreting volcanic deposits. Prerequisites: Any introductory level geology course and permission of the instructor. Mini-term abroad. 405 (180). Geology Senior Seminar: Senior writing course required of all majors, for which a senior thesis the final product. The senior thesis associated with this course may be a research thesis (required for honors) if combined with senior level research (495-498). Prerequisites: Geology major and senior standing. WAC: WS. 490-494 (190-194). Independent Study in Geology A program of independent study in a particular area of geology, not available through regular courses, under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
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