LARRY K. BENNINGER, Chair
John M. Bane Jr., Larry K. Benninger, Joseph G. Carter, Paul D. Fullagar, Allen F. Glazner, Christopher S. Martens, José A. Rial.
Louis R. Bartek, Drew S. Coleman, Jonathan M. Lees, Kevin G. Stewart.
Stephen R. Meyers, Michael E. Oskin, Donna M. Surge.
Dennis LaPoint.
The study of Earth's dynamic systems is a field that has seen major advances over the last few decades. Geologists investigate diverse systems that play a large role in controlling the environment at the Earth's surface. Examples include earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciers, landslides, rivers, and shorelines. Earth processes play a critical role in making our planet habitable, and geologists are constantly in demand to guide communities and nations in their search for clean drinking water and extractable energy and minerals, for example, or in decisions regarding development in fragile coastal regions or in seismically active areas. The Department of Geological Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill provides students with a solid training in earth science so that they can advance in highly satisfying careers as professional geologists.
The Department of Geological Sciences offers two undergraduate degree programs: a B.A. in earth systems and a B.S. in geology with a concentration in traditional geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, geophysics, or paleobiology. Most students planning to do graduate work or to become professional geologists should follow the B.S. program. However, the flexibility of the B.A. program may be advantageous to students with interests in, for example, environmental studies, education, or law.
The degrees offered are bachelor of arts in earth systems and a bachelor of science in geology with a concentration in traditional geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, geophysics, or paleobiology. A minor is offered in geological sciences.
For the B.A. degree in earth systems, the student must satisfy all General Education requirements and the following departmental requirements:
One of the following: GEOL 101 and 101L, 103, 105 and 101L, 109 and 109L, 111, or 159 and 159L (only one of GEOL 101, 105, 109, and 111 may be taken for course credit)
All of the following: MATH 130; CHEM 101; GEOL 202, 301
A minimum of 11 credits of the following: 204, 211, 213, 401, 402, and 404
One of the following field-oriented courses: GEOL 390, 413, or 601-602, or (six credits over two semesters with a pre-approved field component); ANTH 451; BIOL 459; MASC 472
At least three geology and/or allied science electives not otherwise required for the major, including any GEOL except 101, 103, 105, 109, and 111; ANTH 143, 220, 315, 317, 412, and 414; any ASTR; any BIOC except 107 and 108; any BIOL above 113; any CHEM above 101; any COMP except 050, 070 and 380; ECON 101 and 454; ENST 489 and 490; any ENVR except 600; GEOG 370, 410, 412, 414, 416, 440, 441, 444 and any GEOG above 477; any MASC above 101; any MATH above 130; any PHYS except 101, 132, and 313; any STOR 155 or above.
For the B.S. degree in geological sciences, students must satisfy the General Education requirements. B.S. students will elect to concentrate in traditional geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, geophysics, or paleobiology. Specific departmental requirements for each concentration are listed below.
One of the following: GEOL 101 and 101L, 103, 105 and 101L, 109 and 109L, or 111 (only one of GEOL 101, 105, 109, and 111 may be taken for course credit)
All of the following: GEOL 301, 401, 402, 404, 601, 602
CHEM 101 and 101L, plus CHEM 102 and 102L
MATH 231 and 232, plus one of the following: GEOL 520 (note that this may also be used to satisfy one of the required GEOL courses numbered above 400), any COMP except 050, 070, and 380 , any MATH above 232, any STOR 155 or above
One of the following: PHYS 104 and 104L, or PHYS 116
One of the following: BIOL 101 and 101L, or any CHEM above 102, or PHYS 105 and 105L, or PHYS 117
Four geology courses numbered above 400, not otherwise required for the major (GEOL 390 counts if taken for two or three credit hours).
At least five science electives not otherwise required for the major, including any GEOL except 101, 103, 105, 109, 111; ANTH 143, 220, 315, 317, 412, 414, and 451; any ASTRO; any BIOC except 107 and 108; any BIOL above 113; any CHEM above 102; any COMP except 050, 070 and 380; any ENVR except 600; GEOG 370, 410, 412, 414, 416 and any GEOG above 477; any MASC above 101; any MATH above 232; any PHYS except 101, 132, and 313; any STOR 155 or above.
One of the following: GEOL 101 and 101L, 103, 105 and 101L, 109 and 109L, or 111 (only one of GEOL 101, 105, 109, and 111 may be taken for course credit)
All of the following: GEOL 301, 401, 402, 404
CHEM 101 and 101L, plus CHEM 102 and 102L
MATH 231 and 232
One of the following: GEOL 520 (note that this may also be used to satisfy one of the required GEOL courses numbered 400 and higher); any COMP except 050, 070 and 380; any MATH above 232; any STOR 155 or above
One of the following sets of courses: PHYS 104 with104L and 105 with 105L, or PHYS 116 and 117
GEOL 601 and 602; or GEOL 430 and 434; or GEOL 691H and 692H (with a field component previously approved by the department); or ANTH 451; or BIOL 459; or CHEM 481 and 481L and 482 and 482L; or MASC 472; or PHYS 201 and 211
One of the following combinations: BIOL 201 and ENST 489, or GEOG 253 and ENST 490, or MASC 470 and GEOL 411
At least five science electives not otherwise required for the major, including any GEOL except 101, 103, 105, 109, 111; ANTH 139, 143, 220, 315, 317, 412, 414, 438, and 451; any ASTRO; any BIOL above 113; any CHEM above 102; any COMP except 050, 070 and 380; ECON 101, 340, 410, 440, 454, 460, 465, 511, 540; GEOG 370, 410, 412, 414, 416, 478, 440, 441, 444 and any GEOG above 477; any MASC 101 and higher; any MATH above 232; any PHYS except 101, 132, and 313; PLAN 246; any STOR 155 or above
The departmental requirements for the concentration in geochemistry are identical to those for traditional geology except that CHEM 481 and 482 substitute for GEOL 601 and 602.
One of the following: GEOL 101 and 101L, 103, 105 and 101L, 109 and 109L, 111, 159 and 159L (only one of GEOL 101, 105, 109, and 111 may be taken for course credit)
All of the following: GEOL 301, 401, 404, 515
CHEM 101 and 101L, plus CHEM 102 and 102L
MATH 231 and 232, 233, 383
PHYS 116, 117, 201, 211 and 331
Four GEOL courses numbered above 400, not otherwise required for the major.
At least three geology and/or science electives not otherwise required for the major, including any GEOL except 101, 103, 105, 109, 111; ANTH 143, 220, 315, 317, 412, 414, and 451; any ASTR; any BIOC except 107 and 108; any BIOL above 113; any CHEM above 102; any COMP except 050, 070 and 380; any ENVR except 600; GEOG 370, 410, 412, 414, 416 and any GEOG above 477; any MASC 101 and higher; any MATH above 232; any PHYS except 101, 132, and 313; any STOR 155 or above.
One of the following: GEOL 101 and 101L, 103, 105 and 101L, 109 and 109L, or 111 (only one of GEOL 101, 105, 109, and 111 may be taken for course credit)
All of the following: GEOL 159 and 159L, GEOL 301, 401, 402, 413, and 478; BIOL 101 and 101L; CHEM 101 and 101L, plus CHEM 102 and 102L; MATH 231 and 232
One of the following: GEOL 520 (note that this may also be used to satisfy one of the required GEOL courses numbered above 400); any COMP except 050, 070 and 380; any MATH above 232, any STOR 155 or above
Either PHYS 104 and 104L, or PHYS 116
One of the following: GEOL 434 or 390 (for four credits) or GEOL 691H and 692H with approved field component, or another approved field-oriented experience in biology or paleobiology
Three geology courses numbered above 400, not otherwise required for the major (GEOL 390 for two or three hours credit, 431, 501, 555, and GEOL 691H-692H are specifically recommended).
At least three geology and or science electives not otherwise required for the major, including any GEOL except 101, 103, 105, 109, 111; ANTH 143, 315, 317, 412, and 414; any ASTR; any BIOC except 107 and 108; any BIOL above 113; any CHEM above 102; any COMP except 050, 070 and 380; any ENVR except 600; any MASC 101 and higher; any MATH above 232; any PHYS except 101, 132, and 313; any STOR 155 or above; any course in vertebrate paleontology from North Carolina State University; any systematics course from the Biology Department at Duke University. Paleobiology students are encouraged but not required to take as electives a course in systematics in the Biology Department at Duke University and a course in vertebrate paleontology at North Carolina State University. Interuniversity enrollment is possible through a UNC-Chapel Hill/Duke/N.C. State agreement.
Students majoring in another department may elect to pursue completion of a minor in geology. The undergraduate minor in geology consists of the following four courses (minimum of 12 semester hours).
One of the following introductory courses: GEOL 101, 103, 105, 109, 111, or 159 (only one of GEOL 101, 105, 109, and 111 may be taken for course credit)
At least three geology courses numbered higher than GEOL 111, for a minimum of 12 semester hours.
The Honors Program in the Department of Geological Sciences is open to undergraduates with an overall grade point average of 3.2 or better as of the beginning of the fall semester of the senior year. To participate in this program, the student chooses a research topic in consultation with his or her chosen faculty sponsor and conducts the research during the last two semesters in residence. The research project should represent the equivalent time expenditure of six hours of course credit and is taken as GEOL 691H (fall semester) and GEOL 692H (spring semester).
Departmental Involvement
The Geological Sciences Department encourages active participation of the undergraduates in department research, teaching, and social life. In addition to opportunities for experiential education and teaching internships described below, the department regularly sponsors field excursions, career information sessions, and social events. Dates, times, and locations for all events are posted outside the main lobby on the first floor. Students who are interested in leading their own trips should contact the graduate students or the director of undergraduate studies.
Experiential Education
Many geology courses emphasize experiential learning through field and laboratory work. Most degree tracks include a field geology course (GEOL 601 and 602 or a similar course in another department) that fulfills the experiential education requirement for the college. Additionally, all students are encouraged to contact faculty members about conducting independent research, either as an honors thesis or a senior thesis project.
Laboratory Teaching Internships
Seniors with outstanding academic credentials and excellent communication skills may be considered for positions as Introductory Geology (GEOL 101L) laboratory instructors. These positions are not available every semester. Students interested in teaching undergraduate laboratory sections should contact the student services manager or the director of undergraduate studies.
Study Abroad
Although the department has no formalized study abroad program, many students participate in a study abroad program and some receive credit for geology course work completed abroad. Students interested in a study abroad program should contact the director of undergraduate studies. Students must receive approval from the director of undergraduate studies prior to taking courses abroad for geology credit.
Undergraduate Awards
The Op White Prize in Geology, established in 1966, consists of a cash prize and an engraved bronze plaque displayed in the geology library. The award is given annually to the outstanding senior in geology.
Undergraduate Research
The Department of Geological Sciences encourages qualified undergraduate students to conduct independent research under the direction of a geological sciences faculty member on an interesting geologic topic. This research can be conducted as a one to four credit hour project (GEOL 390, Special Problems in Geology), or in conjunction with the geology Honors Program.
Facilities
The Department of Geological Sciences houses several modern laboratory facilities that are available for undergraduate students to use for research. Many students will be introduced to the laboratory facilities through coursework. Laboratories include 1) a geochemistry lab with a thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) for isotope and geochronology research; 2) a scanning electron microscope (SEM) laboratory for image analysis, cathodoluminescence, and semi-quantitative chemical analysis; 3) a direct current plasma spectrometer (DCP) for efficient determination of major and minor elements in sample solutions; 4) equipment for geophysical research an imaging, including portable broadband seismic stations, infrasonic microphones, portable weather stations, a portable gravimeter, a chirp sonic system with sub-bottom and side-scan image, a digital seismic acquisition system, streamers, an air gun, water gun, and boomer sources; 5) a laboratory for sediment analysis including a coulometer, a rapid sediment analyzing settling tube, a laser particle size counter, and a dual x ray cabinet for sediment cores; 6) chemical and counting laboratories for quantifying natural and artificial radioactivity at environmental levels; 7) a paloeclimate/paleoecology laboratory equipped for high-resolution microsampling of carbonate samples for geochemical analysis; 8) a high-resolution sediment geochemistry laboratory, including a scanning x ray fluorescence spectrometer for semi-quantitative analysis of stratified sediments and rocks.
Geologists commonly are employed by private industry, public and private schools, colleges and universities and consulting firms; e.g., hydrology, environmental geology, engineering geology, petroleum geology, and mineral exploration. Geology graduates also can find jobs with federal or state geological surveys or with other federal/state environmental or energy firms. Some federal/state agencies prefer geologists with at least a master's degree. A doctoral degree usually is required for employment at colleges and universities.
Yvette Thompson, CB# 3315, Mitchell Hall, (919) 962-0679.
Web site: www.geosci.unc.edu.
GEOL
070 [006D] First-Year Seminar: One Billion Years of Change: The Geologic Story of North Carolina (3). A field-based course focused on the geologic story of North Carolina. Includes local field trips and weekend trips to the coast and mountains.
072 [006C] First-Year Seminar: Field Geology of Eastern California (3). This seminar provides a hands-on introduction to active geologic and environmental processes in eastern California, including active volcanoes, earthquake-producing faults, and extreme climate change.
073 [006D] First-Year Seminar: Global Warming and the Future of the Planet (3). Global warming is the most important environmental problem of the 21st century. This seminar explores geologic history of global warming, its physical principles and prospects for future societies.
074 [006D] First-Year Seminar: Geology of Climate Change (3). Examination of the problem of natural versus human-induced climate change from the perspective of the geologic record of Earth history. Field trips to coast, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge.
075 [006D] First-Year Seminar: Waste in the Environment (3). Origins and effects of waste in the environment. Introduces natural wastes and ecosystem recycling, but focuses on case studies of generation, environmental impacts, and remediation of anthropogenic wastes.
076 [006D] First-Year Seminar: Energy Resources for a Hungry Planet (3). Discussions are centered on the most pressing issues of our time: environmental deterioration and construction of a sustainable (livable) world during and after the depletion of traditional energy resources.
077 [006C] First-Year Seminar: Volcanoes and Civilization: An Uneasy Coexistence (3). Volcanoes provide a breathable atmosphere, a habitable climate, and precious ores, but they have the potential to destroy civilization. This seminar will explore the uneasy coexistence of volcanoes and civilization.
078 [006D] First-Year Seminar: Time: Meanings, Uses, and Experiences (3). Time: how it is viewed by different cultures; different ways of measuring, describing, and using time; how we sense time biologically and psychologically.
101 [011] Introductory Geology (3). Geologic materials: minerals and rocks. Major geologic events: earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain formation, plate tectonics, and continental drifts. Landscape development by glaciers, streams and groundwater, ocean currents and waves, wind. Not open to students with credit in or currently enrolled in GEOL 105, 109, or 111. (Optional lab)
101L [011L] Introductory Geology Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite, GEOL 101. Study of common minerals and rocks. Use of topographic and geologic maps to illustrate geologic processes. Two laboratory hours a week.
103 [012] The Marine Environment (MASC 101) (3). Introduction to physical, chemical, biological, and geological phenomena in oceanic and coastal environments. Human use of, and impact on, marine resources. Science majors see GEOL 403.
105 [013] Violent Earth (3). Earth as a dynamic planet, changing catastrophically through volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and meteoric impacts. Causes and effects of these phenomena will be addressed as well as their impact on human development. Not open to students with credit in or currently enrolled in GEOL 101, 109, or 111. (Optional lab)
109 [018] Earth, Climate, and Life through Time (3). Origin of the solid earth. Plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanic hazards/prediction. Evolution of the atmosphere and oceans. Climate change. Origin of life, evolution and mass extinctions, dinosaurs and hominids. Not open to students with credit in or currently enrolled in GEOL 101, 105, or 111. (Optional lab)
109L [018L] Earth, Climate, and Life through Time Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite, GEOL 109. Rocks and crustal evolution; plate tectonics, seismology and seismic hazards; atmospheric change; fossil invertebrates, the record of mass extinctions; dinosaurs and hominids. Many of the labs will use interactive software.
111 [41] Physical Geology for Science Majors (ENST 111) (4). Introduction to geology for geology majors and other science majors. Origin of minerals and rocks. Structure of the Earth. Erosion, volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics. Not open to students with credit in or currently enrolled in GEOL 101, 105, or 109. Three lecture and two laboratory hours a week.
159 [016] Prehistoric Life (BIOL 159) (3). Fossils and the origin and evolution of life, including micro- and macroevolution, mass extinctions, the evolution of dinosaurs and humans, and scientific perspectives on multicultural creationism. (Optional lab)
159L Prehistoric Life Laboratory (BIOL 159L) (1). Normal laboratory is one credit hour; two-credit-hour laboratory includes internship (3-5 hours, once a week) at the North Carolina Museum of Natural History as part of the APPLES program.
202 Earth Systems History (3). Prerequisite, one introductory geology course numbered below GEOL 202, except first-year seminar. History of the Earth (including its oceans, atmosphere, and life forms) as deciphered from the geologic record. Birth of continents/oceans; evolution and extinction of life forms; the changing global environment.
204 [049] Planetary Geology: Meteorites and Asteroids (3). Prerequisite, one introductory geology course numbered below GEOL 202, except first-Year seminar: Effects and probable effects of meteorite and asteroid impacts on Earth and other planets: craters, new meteorites and tektites; giant sea waves; reduction of species and extinction of organisms.
211 [048] Environmental Geology (ENST 211) (3). Prerequisite, one introductory geology course numbered below GEOL 202, except first-year seminar. Environmental and human problems connected with uses of earth materials and with geological processes. Mineral resources, land-use planning, and engineering geology.
213 [045] Earth's Dynamic Systems (ENST 213) (3). Prerequisite, one introductory geology course numbered below GEOL 202, except first-year seminar. Earth system science approach to the study of planet Earth. Influence of earth processes on the environment. Earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, global climate change. (No lab)
215 [043] Mineral Resources (3). Prerequisite, one introductory geology course numbered below GEOL 202, except first-year seminar. A consideration of the distribution, extraction, economics, and demand for mineral resources. Specific topics will include: the impact of the mineral industry on industrial and pre-industrial economies, the unique economic factors associated with the mineral industry, the realities associated with the global maldistribution of energy and metallic resources as well as the problems associated with the depletion of resources, and the environmental impact of the mineral extraction industry.
221 [046] Geology of North America (3). Prerequisite, one introductory geology course numbered below GEOL 202, except first-year seminar. A general introduction to the geologic evolution of North America, designed to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the diverse natural regions of the United States and Canada. The geology of selected national parks will be used as case studies and examples of regional geologic history.
223 [047] Geology of Beaches and Coasts (MASC 223) (3). Prerequisite, one introductory geology course numbered below GEOL 202, except first-year seminar. Introduction to coastal processes, including waves, tidal currents, tectonics, climate, and human activity, and their influence on barrier islands, beaches, dunes, marshes, and estuaries. Involves a field trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
301 [052] Earth Materials: Minerals (4). Prerequisites, GEOL 101 or 111, or permission of instructor; pre- or corequisite, CHEM 101. Minerals in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic environments: their properties, occurrence, and uses. Methods of identifying minerals, including use of optical properties. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week.
390 [199] Special Problems in Geology (1-4). Prerequisite, approval of the departmental chair. For details, see geology degree requirements.
401 [058] Structural Geology (4). Prerequisite, ONE of the following introductory courses: GEOL 101, 103, 105, or 111. Introduction to the mechanical behavior and dynamic evolution of the Earth's crust through the study of deformed rocks. Includes weekend field trip to western North Carolina.
402 [057] Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4). Prerequisites, GEOL 101 or 111, or equivalent; and GEOL 301. Introduction of principles involved in description and classification of sedimentary rocks and stratigraphic units as well as stratigraphic correlation. Students will be introduced to relationships of processes, depositional environments, and sedimentary facies.
403 [101] Oceanography (BIOL 350, ENVR 417, MASC 401) (3). Prerequisites, major in a natural science or at least two college-level courses in natural sciences. The origin of ocean basins, chemistry and dynamics of seawater, biological communities and processes, the sedimentary record, and the history of oceanography. Term paper. Intended for students with college science background; other students should consider GEOL 103.
404 [053] Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4). Prerequisite, GEOL 301 or permission of instructor. Studies of the origin and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including microscopic, x ray, and field methods; volcanology; plate-tectonic interpretation of rock sequences. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week.
410 [111] Earth Processes in Environmental Systems (ENST 410, MASC 410) (4). See ENST 410 for description.
411 [112] Oceanic Processes in Environmental Systems (ENST 411, MASC 411) (4). See ENST 411 for description.
413 Paleontology (4). Prerequisites, GEOL 101, 109, 111 or 159; GEOL 402 or 478; or permission of instructor. A field-oriented course on larger Ordovician through Pliocene fossil invertebrates in the central and eastern United States. Students develop a personal reference collection of over 250 genera and species, along with data of stratigraphy and biostratigraphy. Three lecture and two laboratory hours a week.
415 [116] Environmental Systems Modeling (ENST 415, ENVR 461, MASC 415) (3). See ENST 415 for description.
417 [138] Geomorphology (ENST 417) (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 101 or 111, and MATH 231, or permission of instructor. Introduction to process geomorphology with emphasis on quantitative interpretation of weathering, hill slope, fluvial, glacial, and eolian processes from topography and landscapes.
417L [138L] Geomorphology Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite, GEOL 417. Two laboratory hours per week.
421 [102] Archaeological Geology (ANTH 421) (3). Prerequisite, permission of instructor. The application of geological principles and techniques to the solution of archaeological problems. Geological processes and deposits pertinent to archaeological sites, geologic framework of archaeology in the southeastern United States, and techniques of archaeological geology and site analysis are studied. Field trips to three or more sites are conducted; written reports on geological aspects of the sites required.
422 [122] Physics of the Earth's Interior (PHYS 422) (3). Prerequisites, MATH 383, PHYS 201 or 301, and PHYS 311. Origin of the solar system: the nebular hypothesis. Evolution of the Earth and its acretionary history. Earthquakes, plate tectonics, and the interior of the Earth. The Earth's magnetic field. Mantle convection.
430 [125] Coastal Sedimentary Environments (MASC 430) (3). Prerequisite, GEOL 402. Introduction to modern shallow-water clastic environments and their sediments, emphasizing barrier islands, deltas, estuaries, wetlands, and tidal flats. Includes local field trips and discussion/application of data-collecting techniques.
431 [133] Micropaleontology (MASC 431) (4). Prerequisite, GEOL 478, MASC 440, or permission of instructor. An in-depth study of the biostratigraphy, paleoecology, and taxonomy of various microfossil groups (i.e., Foraminifera, ostracodes, conodonts, coccoliths, Radiolaria, diatoms, acritarchs, dinoflagellates, etc.) dependent upon individual student objectives. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week.
432 [134] Paleoclimatology (3). Prerequisite, GEOL 402 or permission of instructor. Introduction to mechanisms that drive climate. Examination of past climate reconstructions using ecological and geochemical proxies. Utility of computer models to reconstruct past climates and predict future climate change. Emphasis placed on late Quaternary.
433 [117] Paleoceanography (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 402 or GEOL 503 or permission of instructor. Origin and distribution of pelagic sediments. Review of the major Mesozoic and Cenozoic events in the world oceans. Glacial/interglacial changes in the ocean/atmosphere system.
434 [123] Marine Carbonate Environments (4). Prerequisite, permission of instructor. Chemical and biological origins of calcium carbonate, skeletal structure, and chemo-mineralogy, preservation, sedimentation, and early diagenesis are studied in a variety of deep and shallow environmental settings to understand skeletal genesis, limestone origin, and carbonate facies variability. Field trip to Florida, Bahamas, or Bermuda. Lab exercises; research report.
436 [130] Topics in Earth and Environmental Sciences (3). Key topics and resources for high school teachers preparing to teach earth and environmental sciences. Includes lithosphere, tectonic processes, hydrosphere, atmosphere, origin of solar system and life, and environmental stewardship.
440 [113] Principles of Seismology (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 101, 213, 401; MATH 231; or permission of instructor. Descriptive account of global seismology, earthquake distribution, and focal mechanics. Principles of geometrical optics and applications to imaging the Earth's interior. Principles of seismic prospecting of hydrocarbon and geothermal reservoirs.
450 [115] Biogeochemical Processes (ENST 450, ENVR 415, MASC 450) (4). See ENST 450 for description.
456 [157] Problems in Vertebrate Evolution (BIOL 456) (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 276 or permission of instructor. A study of the major transitions in vertebrate evolution and associated problems in evolutionary biology, structural change, paleoecology, biogeography and earth history, physiology and behavior.
478 [419] Invertebrate Paleontology (BIOL 478) (4). Prerequisite, GEOL 159 or BIOL 101, or permission of instructor. Introduction to the principles, methods of analysis, and major controversies within paleontology. Examination of the fossil record and its application to problems in evolutionary biology, paleoecology, paleoclimatology, and general Earth history.
480 [141] Modeling of Marine and Earth Systems (ENVR 460, MASC 480) (1-3). Prerequisite, MATH 232 or permission of instructor. Mathematical modeling of the dynamic system, linear and nonlinear. The fundamental budget equation. Case studies in modeling convective transport, biogeochemical process, population dynamics. Analytical and numerical techniques, chaos theory, fractal geometry.
483 [119] Geologic and Oceanographic Applications of Geographical Information Systems (MASC 483) (4). Prerequisites, four courses [GB2]or permission of instructor. Focus is on applying GIS concepts and techniques to mining and petroleum geology, resource assessment, hydrogeology, coastal and marine geology, physical oceanography, engineering geology, and a geologic perspective on land use. Three lecture and two laboratory hours a week.
501 [118] Geological Research Techniques (2). Prerequisite, permission of instructor. An introduction to methods of obtaining, analyzing, and presenting geologic and paleontologic data.
502 [147] Earth Surface Processes (GEOG 440) (3). Prerequisite, GEOG 110 or GEOL 101. See GEOG 440 for description.
503 [188] Geological Oceanography (MASC 503) (4). Prerequisite, GEOL 101, GEOL 111, or permission of instructor. Ocean basin origin, continental margin development, coastal geology, carbonate platforms, and pelagic sediments are subjects covered; paleo-oceanographic reconstructions are emphasized. Three lecture and two laboratory hours a week.
504 [173] Topics in Petrology (4). Prerequisite, GEOL 404. Origin of magmas and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks, combined with petrographic study of selected sites and individual examples. Two lecture and six laboratory hours a week.
505 [105] Chemical Oceanography (ENVR 418, MASC 505) (4). See MASC 505 for description.
506 [106] Physical Oceanography (MASC 506) (4). Prerequisites, MATH 231, 232; PHYS 104, 105; or permission of instructor. Descriptive regional oceanography, equations of motion, the Ekman layer, wind-driven currents, thermohaline circulation, modern observations, waves, tides. Four lecture hours a week.
507 Rhythms in Global Climate and the Stratigraphic Record (3). Prerequisite, GEOL 402. An overview of the mechanisms of cyclic climate forcing and a review of the geologic evidence for these climate rhythms, with a particular emphasis on the Milankovitch orbital cycles.
508 [163] Applied Hydrology (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 101 or 111, MATH 231, PHYS 105, or permission of instructor. An introduction to methodologies and instrumentation for quantifying the movement of water in the earth system focusing on components of the hydrologic cycle. Emphasis is divided between analytical aspects and field procedures.
509 [165] Groundwater (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 101, 105, 109, or 111; CHEM 102; MATH 231; PHYS 104, 116; or permission of instructor. Introduction to physics, chemistry, and geology of groundwater.
510 [164] Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 101, 105, 109, or 111; CHEM 102; MATH 231; or permission of instructor. Survey of processes affecting the compositions of streams, lakes, the ocean, and shallow ground waters.
511 [166] Stable Isotopes in the Environment (ENST 511) (3). Prerequisite, CHEM 102. Introduction to the theory, methods, and applications of stable isotopes to environmental problems. Primary focus will be on the origin, natural abundance, and fractionation of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen isotopes.
512 [145] Geochemistry (MASC 553) (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 101 or 111, CHEM 102, or permission of instructor. Introduction to the application of chemical principles to geological problems, with emphasis on isotope methods.
514 [139] River Systems of East Coast North America (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 101 or 111; GEOL 211 or 417; at least junior status. Analysis of 23 rivers from St. Lawrence to the Everglades, from headwaters to oceanic terminus of turbidite fan. Focus on stream processes, geologic development, hydrology, utilization history, ecology, and planning.
515 [142] Introduction to Geophysics (3). Prerequisites, PHYS 104 and 105. Introduction to the fundamentals of global geophysics: gravity, seismology, magnetism, heat and plate tectonics. Both shallow and deep processes are considered. Emphasis is aimed at problem solving by applying concepts.
516 [120] Environmental Field Mapping and Information Systems (3). Prerequisite, GEOL 401. Field and laboratory methods for collection, assimilation, and manipulation of map-based earth science data within a geospatial relational database. Introduction to applications of remote sensing and analysis of digital topography.
517 [136] Sequence and Seismic Stratigraphy (3). Prerequisite, GEOL 402. Examination of lithostratigraphic principles and the sequence stratigraphic paradigm. Students will study use of variation of well log signature reflection attributes and reflection termination patterns to identify and correlate sequences and systems and to interpret the lithology and depositional history of subsurface stratigraphic units.
518 [151] Geodynamics (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 101 or 111; MATH 232; PHYS 104, 105; CHEM 102. Interior of the Earth deduced from seismology, gravity, heat flow, magnetism; geophysics of continents and ocean basins; age of Earth.
519 [150] History of the Earth (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 101, 105, 109, or 111; plus GEOL 301, 401, 402, and 404; or permission of instructor. History of the Earth's surficial and internal systems, including: biologic evolution; development of oceans, atmosphere, and climate; plate tectonic processes; evolution of crust and mantle.
520 [152] Data Analysis in the Earth Sciences (3). Prerequisites, an introductory geology course numbered below 202, except first-year seminar; MATH 231 and 232; or permission of instructor. Introduction to quantitative analysis in earth sciences: solid earth, atmospheres, oceans, geochemistry and paleontology. Topics covered: univariate and multivariate statistics, testing, non-parametric methods, time series, spatial and cluster analysis, shapes.
522 [154] Physical Volcanology (3). Prerequisites, introductory courses in geology and physics. Course is aimed at understanding the physical properties and processes controlling volcanism and magma transport. Topics covered include volcanic processes from the formation of magma in the upper mantle to violent eruption at the surface. Emphasis is placed on dynamic processes and underlying mechanisms.
550 [140] Biogeochemical Cycling (MASC 550) (3). Prerequisites, MASC 440, 505; or GEOL 510, 512, 655; or ENVR 421; or permission of instructor. Biogeochemical cycling explores interfaces of marine, aquatic, atmospheric, and geological sciences emphasizing processes controlling chemical distributions in sediments, fresh and salt water, the atmosphere, and fluxes among these reservoirs.
552 [144] Organic Geochemistry (ENVR 525, MASC 552) (3). Prerequisites, MASC 505 or CHEM 261 or permission of instructor. Sources, transformations, and fate of natural organic matter in marine environments. Emphasis on interplay of chemical, biological, and physical processes that affect organic matter composition, distribution, and turnover.
555 [197] Paleobotany (BIOL 555) (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 101, BIOL/ 101L, or permission of instructor. An introduction to the morphology, stratigraphic occurrence, and evolutionary relationships of fossil plants. Both macrofossils and microfossils are considered. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week.
560 [181] Fluid Dynamics (ENVR 452, MASC 560, PHYS 660) (3). Prerequisite, PHYS 301 or permission of instructor. The physical properties of fluids, kinematics, governing equations, viscous incompressible flow, vorticity dynamics, boundary layers, irrotational incompressible flow.
563 [143] Descriptive Physical Oceanography (MASC 563) (3). Prerequisite, MASC 506 or permission of instructor. Observed structure of the large-scale and mesoscale ocean circulation and its variability, based on modern observations. In situ and remote sensing techniques, hydrographic structure, circulation patterns, ocean-atmosphere interactions.
601 [128] Summer Field Course in Geology (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 301, 401, 402, and 404. Six-week field camp conducted in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. Field interpretation of rocks and their deformation; construction of geologic maps; introduction to hydrology. Includes field trips to classic localities such as the Grand Canyon.
[GB3]602 [129] Summer Field Course in Geology (3). Prerequisites, GEOL 301, 401, 402, and 404. Six-week field camp conducted in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. Field interpretation of rocks and their deformation; construction of geologic maps; introduction to hydrology. Includes field trips to classic localities such as the Grand Canyon.
608 [182] Continuum Mechanics in the Earth Sciences (ENST 608) (3). Prerequisites, introductory geology course numbered below GEOL 202, except first-year seminar; MATH 231; PHYS 104 or 116; or permission of instructor. Applications of continuum mechanics in the earth sciences, including stress, strain, elasticity, and viscous flow. Numerical solutions to problems in heterogeneous finite strain including finite element analysis.
609 [184] Advanced Field Seminar in Geology (1-4). Prerequisites, GEOL 601 and GEOL 602 or equivalent. A field course that emphasizes advanced field methods. Emphasis is placed on large-scale, detailed field work in complex structural terrains and on independent mapping that will lead to thesis/dissertation and/or publication.
655 [146] Physical Geochemistry (4). Prerequisites, CHEM 102, MATH 232, or permission of instructor. An introduction to physical geochemistry and chemical thermodynamics with special emphasis on geological applications. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week.
691H [098] Honors (3). Prerequisite, permission of the department. For details, see geology degree requirements.
692H [099] Honors (3). Prerequisite, GEOL 691H. For details, see geology degree requirements.