Take me to the Fall Time Schedule
A. Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators
G.S. 100-115 are short (half-term) courses. They consist of detailed examinations of restricted geologic topics. The department lists the specific courses from this series in the Time Schedule for the terms they are offered (fall and winter terms only). Each course, when offered, meets twice weekly for half of the term (first half or second half), and the specific dates for each course are printed in the Time Schedule. These courses are designed primarily for students with no prior geologic training and they are open to all interested persons. G.S. 100-115 are offered on the graded pattern (optional pass/fail).
103. Dinosaurs and Other
Failures. No credit granted to those who have completed
or are enrolled in GS 149 (or 273). (1). (NS). (BS).
This course will provide an introduction to our current understanding
of dinosaurs and certain other reptilian groups of the Mesozoic
Era. It is intended for students with an interest in geology, paleontology, or evolution, but does not require prior training
in these fields. The course will deal with broad features of the
evolutionary history of dinosaurs, methods of reconstructing dinosaur
behavior and ecology, new developments in our interpretation of the biology of dinosaurs, and possible causes for the extinction
of dinosaurs. There will be two lectures each week and a single
exam at the end of the course. Cost:1
WL:3 or 4 (Cox)
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Times, Location, and Availability
105. Continents Adrift.
No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in GS 205 or 146 (or 270). (1). (NS). (BS).
In this one-credit course we will explore the mobility of the
continents and oceans in present and past times. The goals of this course are to present the most exciting recent developments
in the earth sciences, a unifying concept that explains ocean
evolution, mountain building, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Conceptual
and factual material will be used to explain the principles of
plate tectonics and the dynamics of the solid earth. No special
background is needed. Evaluation is based on quizzes and final
exams. Cost:2
WL:1 (Van
der Voo)
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Times, Location, and Availability
107. Volcanoes and Earthquakes.
No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in GS 205, or 146 or 147 (or 270 or 271). (1). (NS).
(BS).
The course is a study of the earth in action and includes the
following topics: geography of earthquakes and volcanoes; catastrophic
events in historic times; size and frequency of occurrence of
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; the products of volcanism;
volcanic rocks; volcanic activity through geologic time; volcanic
exhalations and the evolution of the earth's atmosphere and oceans;
relationship of earthquakes and volcanoes to plate tectonics and the internal dynamics of the earth; volcanism and geothermal energy;
manmade earthquakes; and earthquake prediction and control. Instruction
by lecture, evaluation on basis of quizzes and final exam. (Ruff)
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Times, Location, and Availability
110. The History of the
Oceans. No credit granted to those who have completed
or are enrolled in GS 222. (1). (NS). (BS).
The history of past oceanic inhabitants, events, and environments
is recorded in the sediments which have accumulated on the ocean
bottom throughout geological time. Fossils of marine plants and animals are a major part of the historical record; they give evidence
of past oceanic living conditions and the evolution of life forms
in the sea. Sediment particles eroded from land and carried to the oceans by rivers and winds provide insights into past climates
on continents. Changes in ocean currents and in seawater chemistry
have left their mark on the sediment record; the possible causes
of these changes are explored. Plate tectonics and seafloor spreading
have rearranged the shapes of ocean basins and repositioned continents
over time. These processes are reflected in the record in marine
sediments still present on the ocean floor and also in those now
uplifted to form part of the continents. These topics are presented
in lectures held twice weekly for a half term. A single exam at the end of the course will determine the course grade. Cost:1
WL:4 (Meyers)
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Times, Location, and Availability
111. Climate and Mankind.
No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in GS 201 or 151 (or 275). (1). (NS). (BS).
The intent of GS 111 is to give a heightened awareness to students
of the nature and fragility of the Earth's climate, and how changes
in climate have affected past civilizations and may affect our
future. Course topics will include: a description of the climate
systems of the Earth: the atmosphere, oceans and polar ice caps; the information we gather to understand the history of those systems;
how changes in climate have affected past civilizations, and what
we think will happen to the planet when the long expected "Greenhouse
Effect – Global Warming" finally arrives. Cost:1
WL:3 (Moore)
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Times, Location, and Availability
117. Introduction to
Geology. No credit granted to those who have completed
or are enrolled in GS 116, 119, or 120. Those with credit for
GS 205 may only elect GS 117 for 4 credits. (5). (NS). (BS).
Introduction to Geology is a single term course structured to
provide students from all backgrounds with an understanding of the history of Earth and of the natural processes which have given
rise to its landscapes, oceans, and continents. This includes
examination of: the physical processes which give rise to plate
tectonics and the formation of earthquakes, volcanoes, the uplift
of major mountain ranges; and of the chemical and biological phenomena
which modify the character of the atmosphere-hydrosphere-biosphere
at the Earth's surface. This course includes a laboratory to provide
hands-on experience in identifying common rocks and minerals and in understanding geological and topographical maps. Topics covered
in class lecture are reviewed weekly in a one hour discussion
section. Course includes lectures and weekly laboratory and discussion
sections. Cost:2
WL:4 (Lohmann)
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Times, Location, and Availability
118. Introductory Geology
Laboratory. Prior or concurrent enrollment in GS
119, or 205 and 206, or 135. Credit is not granted for GS 118
to those with credit for an introductory course in geology (GS
116, 117, or 218). (1). (NS). (BS).
This course provides hands-on laboratory experience for all students
interested in learning to identify commonly-occurring rocks, minerals, and fossils and to interpret Earth history from geologic and topographic
features represented in maps. Examples will be taken from regions
complexly deformed by mountain building to areas sculptured by
glaciers, erosion, and volcanism. Cost:2
WL:4 (Lohmann)
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Times, Location, and Availability
119. Introductory Geology
Lectures. No credit granted to those who have completed
or are enrolled in GS 116, 117, 120. No credit granted to those
who have completed both 205 and 206. Those with credit for GS
205 may only elect GS 119 for 3 credits. (4). (NS). (BS).
This course shares lectures and a weekly discussion section with
GS 117, but does not provide a laboratory experience. Students
requiring a ONE-TERM introductory science course with laboratory
should elect GS 117. Cost:2
WL:4 (Lohmann)
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Times, Location, and Availability
124/AOSS 124/Environ.
Stud. 124. Environment, People, Resources. (2). (NS).
(BS).
See Environmental Studies 124.
(Walker)
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Times, Location, and Availability
130/Phys. 119/Chem. 108.
The Physical World. High-school algebra. (4). (NS).
(BS). (QR/2).
The physics, chemistry, and pre-calculus (algebraic) concepts
of comprehensive Earth and planetary science will be covered for those students who feel less than fully prepared for existing
college-level science classes. The course is aimed at students
in need of a science course, particularly those who will not readily
select more than one physical science course as undergraduates
at UM. Weekly discussions by a GSI will complement the lectures
and amplify on them. Extensive weekly homework (quantitative exercises)
will form 40% of the grade, with the remaining 60% based on two
in-class exams and one final exam. Textbook: K.B. Krauskopf and A. Beiser, The Physical Universe, McGraw Hill, 8th ed.
1997. Cost:2
WL:3 (van
Keken)
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Times, Location, and Availability
140. Science and the
Media. (3). (NS).
There has never been a greater chasm between the importance of
science to society and society's understanding of it. Reporting
on scientific discoveries and technological advances are often
biased, inaccurate or wrong. We will examine the relationship
between science and the media and try to answer the following
questions: Is scientific reporting fair, accurate, and informed?
Is it sensationalist? Can the public evaluate the scientific information
presented to them? How do scientists communicate their work? We
will use case histories, primarily from the earth and environmental
sciences to address these questions. We will cover the basic concepts
and facts behind each case, and discuss its presentation to the
public. We will use a variety of resources ranging from newspaper
and TV reports to the Internet. Members of the university and local media will participate. No prerequisites. High school science
highly recommended. Evaluation will be based on midterm and final
projects. (Lithgow-Bertollini)
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Times, Location, and Availability
145. Evolution of the
Earth. Only first-year students (including first-year
students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course.
All other students need permission of instructor. No credit granted
to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 135. Those with
credit for GS 115 may only elect GS 145 for 2 credits. (3). (NS).
(BS).
This seminar course is intended for first and second year students
with no previous knowledge of, or experience in, the earth sciences.
The material will introduce students to the history of the earth
from its formation in the solar nebula, through the development
of the continents, oceans, atmosphere, and life to its present
state as an active planet. The course will explain how various
features of the earth "work," including continental
drift, volcanoes, and the formation of most rocks, how theories
are developed in geology and how the magnitude of time has been
determined. The course will be divided into two halves. In the
first half the basic concepts will be explained. In the second
half students will each make a presentation covering a relevant
subject which will be followed by discussion. Assessment will
be by two one-hour examinations and an oral presentation that
will form the basis for a term paper. Course pack. (Mukasa)
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Times, Location, and Availability
147. Natural Hazards.
Only first-year students (including first-year students
with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All
other students need permission of instructor. Those with credit
for GS 107 or 205 may only elect GS 147 for 2 credits. Those who
have credit for both GS 107 and 205 may only elect 147 for 1 credit.
(3). (NS). (BS).
This first-/second-year seminar examines various types of natural
hazard such as earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
We make case studies, explore geological and geophysical background, and discuss the social aspects of natural hazards. Each student
is given a project, which will be presented in a class and reported
as an essay. Evaluation is based on an exam, the presentation
and essay. No science background is required, but active participation
of students is expected. Cost:1
WL:4 (Lange)
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Times, Location, and Availability
151. The Ice Ages: Past
and Present. Only first-year students (including
first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register
for this course. All other students need permission of instructor.
Those with credit for GS 104 may only elect GS 151 for 2 credits.
(3). (NS). (BS).
Characteristics of the Earth's climate system and how various
components of that system operate to produce times when extensive
ice sheets covered large parts of the Earth's surface. The role
in climate change of the oceans, the atmosphere, the ice sheets themselves, orbital variations, and the movement of the continental
and ocean boundaries are presented and discussed. Cost:1
WL:1 (Moore)
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Times, Location, and Availability
155(283). Evolution of North America. Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All other students need permission of instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 411. (3). (NS). (BS).
This course is intended to develop concepts about Earth history
based on the mid-continental rock record and includes a required
four-day field trip encircling Lake Huron that will allow the
student to examine first hand the geology that has been discussed
in class. By the conclusion of the course, the student will have
mastered the geological framework of North America. (Essene)
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Times, Location, and Availability
201/Geography 201. Introductory
Geography: Water, Climate, and Mankind. No credit
granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 144
(or 268). Those with credit for GS 111 may only elect GS 201 for
3 credits. (4). (NS). (BS).
This basic introduction to physical geography emphasizes the nature
and dynamics of the earth system including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solid earth, and their interactions. Topics include seasons, heat balance, global warming, ozone destruction, and circulation, moisture, precipitation, clouds, groundwater, ocean circulation, waves, and tides, plate tectonics, landform evolution, and soil
development, the biosphere, climate evolution, and global change.
Students in this lecture-lab course are evaluated by hourly and final examinations and with satisfactory completion of the lab
work a prerequisite to the final course evaluation. Cost:2
WL:3 (Stixrude)
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Times, Location, and Availability
204/AOSS 204/Astronomy
204. The Planets: Their Geology and Climates. High
school mathematics through plane geometry and trigonometry. Those
with credit for GS 113 may only elect GS 204 for 2 credits. (3).
(NS). (BS).
This course will present perspectives on the evolution of the
solar system in both an historical context and in light of the
extraordinary scientific advances resulting from recent space
exploration. The principal focus will be on the structure, composition, and evolutionary history of the surfaces, and atmospheres of the
planets and their satellites. Special emphasis will be given to
comparative aspects of geology, meteorology, and climatology as
developed on the various bodies of the solar system. Concepts
of space exploration techniques will also be presented. The course
is intended for non-science concentrators and other students with
typical high school science and math backgrounds. Textbook: The
Planetary System, Morrison and Owen, 2nd ed., 1996. Cost:1
WL:2 (Atreya
and van Keken)
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Times, Location, and Availability
205. How the Earth Works: the Dynamic Planet. No credit granted to those who
have completed or are enrolled in GS 117, 119, or 146 (or 270).
No credit granted to those who have completed both GS 105 and 107. Those with credit for one of GS 105 and 107 may only elect
GS 205 for 1 credit. (2). (NS). (BS).
Our continuously evolving Earth has given rise to the formation
of continents, oceans, and an atmosphere. Her continuing activity
is manifested today by the destructive powers of such natural
phenomena as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.
Beginning with the formation of the Universe and stellar evolution, the goal of this course is to present an integrated approach to
Earth's unique characteristics in our solar system, and explain
her physical principles using conceptual and factual material.
Extensive use is made of animations, analogies, images and classroom
demonstrations, in addition to WWW-based material specifically
designed for this course. Two lectures/week; evaluation based
on two midterms and a final exam. No special background required.
Course reading: Earth Science, by Dutch et al. This
course can be taken singly or concurrently with its companion
courses (GS 206 and GS 207); together they constitute a balanced
introduction to modern Earth sciences. Cost:2
WL:1 (van der
Pluijm)
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Times, Location, and Availability
207. How the Earth Works:
A Hands-On Experience. No credit granted to those
who have completed or are enrolled in GS 116, 117, 118, or 120.
(2). (NS). (BS).
This course involves a one-hour lecture and a two-hour hands-on
`practicum' weekly. It is intended for students interested in
environmental issues, in particular the relationship between earth
sciences and short-term (on the order of years) human concerns.
We will examine the earth science which underlies environmental
issues facing the earth's surface (water and air pollution, biologic
and atmospheric changes, seabed and climate changes). Hands-on
activities include groundwater and surface water systems, soils, glacial geology, lal6 deposits, and more. The class provides an
introductory, hands-on approach to understanding and solving these
problems. Because you will get a solid understanding of major
environmental issues, the class can serve as a pre-concentration
requirement in environmental geology. Reading: Our Changing
Planet by F. MacKenzie (1998). (Walter)
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Times, Location, and Availability
222. Introductory Oceanography.
No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in AOSS 203. (3). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).
This course introduces students to the scientific study of the
oceans. Contents include the shape, structure, and origin of the
ocean basins; the sedimentary record of oceanic life and conditions
in the past; the composition of seawater and its influence on
life and climate; waves and currents; the life of the oceans and how it depends upon the marine environment; the resources of the
ocean and their wise use by society. The course format consists
of lectures and readings from an assigned textbook. The course
grade will be based on three one-hour exams and a two-hour final
exam. Cost:2
WL:4 (Meyers)
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Times, Location, and Availability
223. Introductory Oceanography, Laboratory. Concurrent enrollment in GS 222. (1).
(NS). (BS). (QR/2).
This course is an optional laboratory intended to provide students
with opportunities to explore further various oceanography topics
presented in the GS 222 lectures. Laboratory sessions will include
sampling procedures, use of equipment, discussions, and demonstrations
of how data are generated. The course grade will be based on written
laboratory exercises and a final exam. Cost:1
WL:4
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Times, Location, and Availability
231. Elements of Mineralogy.
Prior or concurrent enrollment in Chem. 125/130 or
210/211. Those with credit for GS 232 may elect GS 231 for only
2 credits. (4). (Excl). (BS).
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the nature, properties, structures, and modes of occurrence of minerals. The first three-fourths
of the course (three lectures per week) considers the general
features of minerals and includes topics such as introductory
crystallography, crystal chemistry, and introductory phase equilibria.
During the last portion of the course, the principal rock-forming
minerals such as feldspars, pyroxenes, and olivines are individually
reviewed with respect to properties, structures, genesis, and other characteristics. The laboratory (one three-hour laboratory
each week) is divided into three sections: (1) three weeks of
morphological crystallography; (2) six weeks of systematic mineralogy
during which students become familiar with the properties and associations of approximately seventy-five significant minerals;
and (3) four weeks of introduction to the use of the polarizing
microscope as applied to both crushed mineral fragments and rock thin sections. There is one required field trip. Introductory
optical mineralogy is covered in five of the recitation classes.
Geology 231 is a prerequisite to the professional concentration
program in the Department of Geological Sciences. Cost:3 WL:3
(Peacor)
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Times, Location, and Availability
280/Environ. Stud. 360.
Mineral Resources, Economics, and the Environment. May
not be included in a concentration plan in geology. (4). (NS).
(BS). (QR/2).
Geology 280 deals with mineral resource-related problems in a
complex society. The course discusses the origin, distribution
and remaining supplies of oil, coal, uranium, iron, copper, gold, diamonds, potash, sulfur, gravel, water, and other important mineral
resources in terms of the economic, engineering, political, and environmental factors that govern their recovery, processing, and use. Among topics considered are the origin of oil, mineral
exploration methods, strip mining, recycling, smelting methods, transport of oil, money and gold, nuclear waste disposal, and taxation vs. corporate profits. Three lectures and one discussion
per week. Evaluation by means of quizzes, exercises, and a final
exam. Required text: Mineral Resources, Economics and the
Environment (S.E. Kesler). A course pack is also required.
No previous background in geology is necessary for this course.
This course cannot be used as part of a concentration plan in
Geological Sciences. Cost:2
WL:4 (Kesler)
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Times, Location, and Availability
284. Environmental Geology.
No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in GS 148 (or 272). Those with credit for GS 147
(or 271) may only elect GS 284 for 3 credits. (4). (NS). (BS).
Environmental Geology deals with interactions between people
and Earth. It begins with an introduction to geologic materials
and processes and goes on to specific topics such as soil, surface
and ground water, natural hazards (volcanism, landslides, earthquakes, floods, coastal processes), geomedicine, and waste disposal. Previous
experience in geology is not required. The course includes three
lectures and one discussion period (in which homework exercises
are explained and discussed) per week. Evaluation is by means
of quizzes, exercises, and a final exam. A book and exercise pack
are required. Cost:2
WL:4 (Kesler)
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Times, Location, and Availability
B. Primarily for Concentrators
305. Sedimentary Geology.
An introductory geological sciences laboratory course.
(4). (Excl). (BS).
Sedimentary Geology is one of several geology core courses required
of all concentrators. The course format consists of two lectures, one evening discussion session, and one scheduled two-hour laboratory
each week. In addition, three one-day field trips, scheduled from
September to November, are required. The lectures will examine the principles and processes of sedimentation, and survey modern
surficial environments, aspects of sediment diagenesis, and the
tectono-sedimentological evolution of the Phanerozoic North American
continent. The laboratory will provide an in-depth familiarization
with terrigenous clastic and non-clastic rocks, in hand sample
and thin section, and focus on identification of constituent grains, their fabric and classification. Evaluation is based on two lecture
examinations, laboratory quizzes and assignments, and field trip
projects. Cost:3
WL:3 (Wilkinson)
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Times, Location, and Availability
418. Paleontology. GS
117, or Biol. 154 or 195. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course is an introduction to the principles, methods of analysis, and major controversies within paleontology. It will familiarize the student with the fossil record (primarily, but not exclusively, of multicellular organisms) and its use in dealing with problems
in evolutionary biology, paleoecology, and general earth history.
Three lectures weekly; midterm, final examination, and term paper.
Required text: Raup and Stanley, Principles of Paleontology.
Cost:2 WL:4
(Fisher)
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Times, Location, and Availability
419. Paleontology Laboratory.
Prior or concurrent enrollment in GS 418. (1). (Excl).
(BS).
This course is an introductory laboratory in paleontology. It
will involve observation, analysis, and interpretation of fossil
specimens (primarily invertebrates) and relevant material of living
organisms. Its goal is to give the student experience in dealing
with paleontological problems and to develop a familiarity with the systematics and morphology of important groups of fossil organisms.
Students should be registered concurrently or previously in GS
418. One three-hour lab weekly; lab exercises, midterm, and final
examination. Recommended text: Clarkson, Invertebrate Paleontology
and Evolution (3rd ed.). Cost:2
WL:4
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Times, Location, and Availability
442. Earth Surface Processes
and Soils. Upperclass standing; an introductory course
in physical geology is recommended but not required. (4). (Excl).
(BS).
Study of processes resulting in landforms on the Earth's solid
surface and the formation of soils on these landforms. Emphasis
includes present-day processes as well as the evolution of landforms
over geologic time. GS 442 is intended for a wide, but professional
audience: geologists, archaeologists, ecologists, resource managers, civil engineers, at a level appropriate for seniors and first-year
graduate students. A previous course in geology is not required, but would be helpful. Lectures, map exercises, and several required
field trips to examine landforms and processes in southern Michigan.
Grading: a midterm and final exam, and exercises. Cost:2
WL:4 (Stearns)
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Times, Location, and Availability
455. Determinative Methods
in Mineralogical and Inorganic Materials. One term
of elementary chemistry and physics. (4). (Excl). (BS).
Determinative methods is a course in techniques of analysis of
inorganic materials with lectures aimed at providing theoretical
background for understanding of the techniques as practiced in
laboratory exercises. The major emphasis is placed on X- ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, X-
ray fluorescence, and atomic absorption. Although silicate and mineralogical analysis is emphasized, no background in geology
is required. Entrance to the course is by permission of the instructors.
The grade is determined by laboratory grades, three midterms, and a final. Cost:2
WL:3 (Peacor,
Essene,
Owen,
and Lange)
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Times, Location, and Availability
465/AOSS 467/Chem. 467.
Biogeochemical Cycles. Math. 116, Chem. 210, and Phys. 240. (3). (Excl). (BS).
See Chemistry 467. (Carroll)
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Times, Location, and Availability
477. Hydrogeology. Phys.
140/141, Chem. 125/130, and Math. 116; Math. 215/216 are recommended.
(4). (Excl). (BS).
This course provides an introduction to physical and chemical
hydrogeology. Emphasis is on process and direct application to
geological settings and fieldwork and problem solving are important
course components. The hydrologic cycle, physical rock framework, and properties of aquifer systems will be described and quantified.
We will develop and apply transport equations and examples of
fluid, watershed and subsurface energy, and chemical transport
in porous and fractured geologic media. In addition to stated
prerequisites, Math 216 is also strongly recommended. Evaluation
is based on weekly practicum/problem sets. Cost:2
WL:2 (Walter)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
479. Marine Geochemistry.
Chem. 125/130. (3). (Excl). (BS).
There are three major questions addressed in this course: (1)
What are the geochemical processes which control the composition
of the ocean? (2) To what extent do these processes leave their
imprint on the composition of marine sediments? and, (3) What
are the possibilities, problems, and constraints that we face
in our attempts to reconstruct the history of the oceans through the analysis of ancient marine sediments. Specific topics covered
include the distribution and composition of marine sediments, marine cycles and budgets of major and trace elements, conceptual
and quantitative models of ocean composition, thermodynamic and kinetic controls on composition, paleochemistry of seawater, seafloor
hydrothermal systems, geochemical tracers, and current research
topics of interest. There is no required text; class readings
are selected from the current literature. The course is presented
in a lecture format, although extensive discussion of each topic
is encouraged. Final course grades are determined on the basis
of two written examinations, a term paper, and class participation.
Cost:1 WL:3
(Owen)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
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