See Environmental
Studies 123. (Walker)Check Times, Location, and Availability
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).
100. Coral Reefs. (1). (NS). (BS).
Coral Reefs will be an in-depth tour of the biological and physical processes active in modern reef systems to provide a
detailed understanding of the ecology of the individual organisms
and the complex nature of their interactions within the reef community.
Evolution of the reef community will be examined, ranging from the crude framework structures formed over one billion years ago
by primitive algae to the luxuriant and diversified reefs of the
modern-day oceans, to define the evolutionary strategies of reef
building organisms. By tracking these evolutionary strategies through geologic time, the implications of man's intervention
with the Earth's hydrosphere and atmosphere on the character of
future reef communities will be considered. Cost:1 WL:4 (Lohmann)
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Times, Location, and Availability
101. Waves and Beaches. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 276. (1). (NS). (BS).
This short course approaches the subject of "waves and beaches" by combining relevant topics in both oceanography
and geology, although no previous background in these subjects
is required. We shall attempt to understand this dynamic place
where land and sea interact by emphasizing the processes
responsible for the major types of coastlines and the geologic/oceanographic
phenomena associated with them. Some of the topics which will
be considered include: fundamentals of wave and tide theory; the
impact of waves and tides upon beaches; coastal geology; coastal
processes on a short- and long-term time scale; estuaries; and, the impact of plate tectonics upon coasts. Instruction will be
by lecture. Grades will be based on one exam which shall be given
at the end of the course. Cost:1
WL:1 (Wilkinson)
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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 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 (Ruff)
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Times, Location, and Availability
106. Fossils, Primates, and Human Evolution. No credit granted to those who have
completed or are enrolled in GS 125. (1). (NS). (BS).
Anatomical and behavioral characteristics of living primates
are reviewed, and the fossil record is used to document the course
of human evolution through the past 60 million years. No special
background is required. Students seeking a more detailed course
with laboratory exercises may follow this with Geology 438 (Evolution
of the Primates). Course consists of 12 lectures, and a one-hour
final examination. Cost:1 WL:4 (Gingerich)
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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, 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 final exam. Cost:1
WL:3 (Nyman)
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Times, Location, and Availability
115. Geologic Time. No
credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in
GS 135 or 269. (1). (NS). (BS).
Until the middle of the 18th century the Earth was generally thought to be less than 10,000 years old, and according to many, close to its apocolyptic end. We now know that the Earth formed
4.5 billion years ago and that the entire history of mankind is
nothing but the latest tiny fraction of Earth history. The formation
of rocks, continental drift, volcanoes, and earthquakes is evaluated
in the framework of geologic time and plate tectonics. The discovery
of time from the Renaissance to the latest high tech developments
in radioactive dating is reviewed. Finally, the history of planet
Earth will be described including its accretion out of dust and giant impacts, the origin of the Moon, the formation of the atmosphere
and oceans, the development of life and the building of continents.
The course will draw upon examples meaningful to the student to
illustrate the principles. Lectures twice weekly for half the
term. Course pack provides most of the diagrams. A final one hour
examination. Cost:1 WL:3/4 (Mukasa)
Check
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).
A basic single-term course in introductory geology concentrating
on the evolution of the Earth in physical and chemical terms with
particular reference to modern plate tectonic theory, and to the
interaction of the external biosphere-atmosphere-hydrosphere with the Earth's interior. The laboratory provides a practical study
of minerals, rocks, and geologic maps. One hour each week is scheduled
for review and discussion of topics covered in class. Lectures, laboratory, and discussion. Cost:2
WL:4 (Mukasa, Pollack)
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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).
The laboratory provides hands-on experience with minerals, rocks, and maps. Participants will learn to identify common minerals
and rocks, use topographic and geologic maps, and draw and interpret
geologic cross sections. Examples will be drawn from areas of
recent glaciation, volcanism, and earthquakes to show how these
features are depicted in maps. Cost:2
WL:4 (Mukasa)
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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 consists of lectures shared with Geology 117 but
does not include the laboratory section. A separate discussion
section is also scheduled to insure continuity with class material
and student-teacher contact. Students interested in ONE-TERM laboratory
introductory science course should elect Geology 117. Lectures
and discussion. Cost:2
WL:4 (Mukasa, Pollack)
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Times, Location, and Availability
120. Geology of National
Parks and Monuments. Credit is not granted for GS
120 to those with credit for an introductory course in geology
(116, 117, 119). No credit granted to those who have completed
both GS 205 and 206. (4). (NS). (BS).
Geology of National Parks and Monuments approaches Earth
history by examining the geology of places rather than by taking
a process approach. It is designed for all interested undergraduates
at the University of Michigan. The course format consists of three
lectures each week and one two-hour demonstration-laboratory period, for four credits. Lecture material deals with the geologic history
of selected National Parks and Monuments, which are chosen and scheduled so that those in which the oldest rocks are exposed
(thus relating to the earliest portions of Earth history) are
covered first. In so doing, we cover Earth history in a temporal
progression, but do so by discussing different geographic areas.
The demonstration-laboratory portion of the course will give you
first-hand experience with rocks, minerals, and fossils; and an
opportunity to discuss these in small groups. Cost:1
WL:1 (Wilkinson)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
123/AOSS 123/Environ. Stud. 123. Life and the Global Environment. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 277. (2). (NS). (BS).
See Environmental
Studies 123. (Walker)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
135. History of the Earth. High school chemistry, physics, and mathematics recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 269. Those with credit for GS 115 may only elect GS 135 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).
This course provides a broad and fundamental
introduction to the Earth and explains the formation of rocks
and the major geological features, as well as the changes that
have occurred over the 4.5 billion years of Earth history. The
course is intended for students considering a Geological Sciences
concentration, as well as for students interested in studying
Earth sciences as part of their general educational background.
Topics include minerals and the formation of igneous, sedimentary
and metamorphic rocks, fossils and the evolution of life, the
interior of the Earth, the measurement of time, continental drift, and the effect of the Earth's atmosphere, climate, oceans and rivers on shaping the surface of the Earth. The history of the
planet will be followed from Earth's accretion from dust, through the origin of life, the building of the current continents and ocean basins, and the origin of humankind. Lectures three times
a week for the full term. Textbook and course pack required. Evaluation
will be based on four exams. Cost:2 WL:3/4 (Halliday)
Check
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 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 a term paper with satisfactory completion
of the lab work a prerequisite to the final course evaluation.
Cost:2 WL:3 (Stixrude)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
206. How the Earth Works: the Water Cycle and Environment. Those with credit for GS 109 may only elect GS 206 for 1 credit. (2). (NS). (BS).
This course describes behavior of
earth materials in the surficial environment. Water is the main
transport agent in the geological cycle; its unique properties
and exchange rates among oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater
are one focus. Interaction between water reservoirs and physical
and chemical weathering of soils, sediments and rocks also are
discussed. Impact of humans on the surficial environment is a
unifying theme because we can affect hydrologic and geochemical
cycles. No special background required. Two lectures per week.
Evaluation based on exams and participation. This course, and its companion course (GS 205), may be taken singly or concurrently
and together constitute a balanced introduction to modern earth
science. Cost:2 WL:4 (Meyers)
Check
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 (Owen)
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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 (Owen)
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Times, Location, and Availability
265. How to Build a Habitable
Planet. (3). (NS). (BS).
Formation of the Universe, Sun, and Earth, and societal interactions with our planet form the basis
of this course that is primarily aimed at first-year students
who wish to explore a scientific perspective to our physical world
and examine humankind's role. Topics including the formation of the Universe, stars and planets, the Earth's age and inner structure, continents and oceans, climate, hazards, and human impact will
be discussed. Throughout the course you will learn many fundamental
scientific discoveries. We make use of multimedia resources and access the Internet for latest data and information. Grades are
based on classroom participation, and a presentation and paper
on a topic that contributes to the goals of the course. The paper
involves learning to publish on the web. Students of all backgrounds
are encouraged to take this class. Text: How to Build a Habitable
Planet by W.C. Broecker (Eldigio Press). (van der Pluijm)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
270. Plate Tectonics. No credit granted to those who have completed three of GS 105, 107, and 205. Those with credit for one of GS 105 and 107 may only elect GS 270 for two credits. Those with credit for GS 205, or both GS 105 and 107, may only elect GS 270 for one credit. (3). (NS). (BS).
The theory of plate tectonics, called dogma by some and paradigm
by others, describes the mobility of continental and oceanic domains
of the Earth's crust, as they are in constant motion along plate
boundaries with respect to each other. The theory explains earthquakes
and volcanoes, the topography of the Earth and the faunal and floral diversity of its living and fossil inhabitants. Tectonic
events also exert a major influence on long-term climate. Lectures
about the evidence also explore alternative explanations. The
course involves three hours of weekly meeting time, a textbook
and selected reading material. No background in Earth science
is necessary. Evaluation is based on class participation, two
exams, a series of student presentations on selected topics and written essays on the same subject. Cost:1
WL:4 (Lithgow-Bertelloni)
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Times, Location, and Availability
274. Dinosaur Extinction and Other Controversies. (3). (NS). (BS).
The extinction of dinosaurs has been ascribed to a variety
of causes including, most recently, meteor impacts. This controversial
idea and other such hypotheses related to the history of the earth
are the subject of this course. The course will examine, among
others, topics related to catastrophic vs. gradual history of the earth, the age of the earth, continental drift and plate tectonics, origin and extinction of species, and climatic change. Some questions
to be dealt with include: (1) How do we distinguish science from
non-science? (2) Is experimentation critical to doing science?
(3) What roles do social and historical factors play in theconstruction
of scientific theories? Readings will be drawn from a variety
of sources, including primary scientific literature. Requirements:
reading, several one-page writing assignments, midterm, final.
Cost:3 WL:4 (Baumiller)
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Times, Location, and Availability
275. The Ice Ages: Past and Present. Those with credit for GS 104 may only elect GS 275 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
278. Earthlike Planets. High
school science and math recommended. Those with credit for GS
113 may only elect GS 278 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).
This first-year seminar introduces in a small class room setting the terrestrial planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, the Moon, and Mars. Physical and chemical studies of the solid planets allow
for a better understanding of the evolution and future of our
own world. This class combines an historical perspective with
modern scientificapproaches, augmented by the wealth of very recent
planetary studies. The class grade is based on class participation, two exams, and a final project, which consists of a written report
and an oral presentation. Cost:2
WL:4 (Van Keken)
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Times, Location, and Availability
B. Primarily for Concentrators
310. Petrology. GS 231 and either an introductory geological sciences course or GS 351 to be elected prior to or concurrently with GS 310. (4). (Excl). (BS).
Petrology is the study of the origins of rocks. Emphasis is
placed on igneous and metamorphic rocks in this course. The evidence
for the deep crustal and upper mantle sources of igneous rocks
is traced using petrographic, geochemical, and phase diagrammatic
observations. In metamorphic petrology the response of metamorphites
to changes in pressure, temperature, and fluid composition will
be evaluated, primarily using petrographic and phase equilibrium
data. Plate tectonic processes will be tied in to the origin and evolution of many igneous and metamorphic rocks. Some comparisons
with extra-terrestrial igneous petrology will be made. The lectures
are coordinated with microscopic laboratories using optical techniques
to identify and evaluate mineral assemblages. The grade is determined through a combination of midterms, laboratory exams, and a final.
Cost:3 WL:3 (Mukasa)
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Times, Location, and Availability
351. Structural Geology. GS
117 or 119. (4). (Excl). (BS).
The description and analysis of geological structures in the
Earth's crust and an introduction to global tectonics. Three lectures
and one laboratory session weekly. The following topics are covered: the description of geological structures; the kinematics and dynamics
of folding and faulting; stress, strain, deformation and rheology;
introduction to dislocation theory; micro-structural analysis;
principles of plate tectonics; selected orogenic systems of the
world. This is a core course for concentrators, but is open to
all who want to have a basic knowledge of geology. Evaluation
is based on graded lab assignments, a lab test, a midterm and a final exam. Textbooks: Earth Structure, 1997, by B.A.
van der Pluijm and S. Marshak (lectures) and Basic Methods
of Structural Geology by S. Marshak and G. Mitra (labs).
Cost:2 WL:4 (Nyman)
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Times, Location, and Availability
425. Environmental Geochemistry. Introductory chemistry. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course deals with geochemistry as it relates to humans
and their geologic environment. The intended audience for the
course includes advanced undergraduates and graduate students
in Geological Sciences, as well as students at a similar level
in related divisions such as Chemistry, Natural Resources, Public
Health, and Engineering. The course reviews the composition of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere and the ways that they are related to the composition of the biosphere. Special
attention is given to naturally-occurring elements and compounds
of environmental interest and to geochemical processes of environmental
significance. Lecture material is supplemented by problem sets
and discussions. Evaluation is based on these assignments, as
well as a midterm and a final exam. Reading comes largely from
a course pack, class handouts, and research papers. Cost:2
WL:4 (Kelser, Meyers, O'Neil)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
439. Fossil Record and Evolution of Mammals. Permission of instructor. (4). (Excl). (BS).
This course studies the contribution of fossil record to our
understanding of the evolutionary process and the origin, radiation, and systematic relationships of mammals. Emphasis on functional
morphology, rates of change, origin of modern mammalian orders
in the Paleocene and Eocene, and the Eocene to Recent history
of whales. (Gingerich)
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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, exercises, and a term paper.
Cost:2 WL:4 (Stearns)
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Times, Location, and Availability
478. Aqueous Geochemistry. Chem. 365. (3). (Excl). (BS).
Solution-mineral-gas equilibrium and mass transfer in near-surface
geochemical environments of environmental significance. Models
for ion activity/concentration relations, reaction path for rock/water
interactions, mineral dissolution and precipitation mechanisms
and reaction kinetics, adsorption and incorporation of ions. Geochemical
links between atmosphere, ocean, and crustal reservoirs will be
quantified in light of equilibrium and kinetic constraints with
consideration of human impacts on the geochemical cycle. Examples
focus on surface waters, oceans, and crustal fluids. Integrated
lecture, laboratory, and problem solving to relate chemical concepts
to actual field and laboratory measurement of natural water chemistries.
Computer modeling of activity-concentration and mineral equilibria.
Two hours of lecture and two hours of practicum per week. Evaluation
based on weekly problem sets and a focused research project. Cost:2 WL:4 (Walter)
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Times, Location, and Availability
483. Geophysics: Seismology. Prior or concurrent election of Math. 215 and Phys. 240. (4). (Excl). (BS).
This course studies physics of earthquakes and the Earth's
interior. Various seismological techniques to infer those from
seismic waves are presented. Most treatments are application of
physics to the real Earth and basic knowledge of math and physics
is required. Geological background is not required. The outline
of the course is: (1) basic seismological information including
spatial and temporal distribution of earthquakes, magnitude and intensity scales, locating earthquakes, and seismometry; (2) elastic
wave theory including stress and strain, seismic wave equations, body and surface waves, refraction and reflection, free oscillations
of the Earth; (3) the Earth's structure; (4) earthquake source
models. Lecture and laboratory. WL:4 (Ruff)
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Times, Location, and Availability
486. Geodynamics. GS 420 and prior or concurrent election of Math. 215 and Physics 240. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course introduces the student to the analysis of dynamic
problems in geology and to the mathematical and physical tools
by which they are solved. The basic principles of continuum and thermal physics are derived and applied to both small and large
scale geological processes with principal emphasis on global processes.
Four major topics in continuum physics will be considered in geological
context: stress, strain, and elasticity; heat conduction, fluid
flow, and advection of heat. The results of simple physical models
allow us to explain a range of geophysical observations, including
oceanic bathymetry and heat flow, plate kinematics, and the stress
within plates. The student should take from the class an understanding
of the physical causes of plate tectonics. (van Keken)
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Times, Location, and Availability
489. Geological Sciences Honors. Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
Readings, discussions, and special work in geological sciences
for undergraduate Honors students. May be taken as a one-term
or two-term sequence with Geol. Sci. 490.
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Times, Location, and Availability
490. Geological Sciences Honors. Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
Readings, discussions, and special work in geological sciences
for undergraduate Honors students. May be taken as a one-term
or two-term sequence with Geol. Sci. 489.
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Times, Location, and Availability
498. Research or Special Work. Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
Research or special work in geological sciences for undergraduate
or graduate students. May be taken as a one-term or two-term sequence
with Geol. Sci. 499.
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Times, Location, and Availability
499. Research or Special Work. Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
Research or special work in geological sciences for undergraduate
or graduate students. May be taken as a one-term or two-term sequence
with Geol. Sci. 498.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
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