Geoscience (Geology and Geophysics)
A $50 per semester student computing facilities user fee is assessed for Department of Geology and Geophysics courses 200-level and above. This fee is in addition to any material/laboratory fees.
GEOS 100X 4
Credits
Introduction to Earth Science (n)
Survey of four main disciplines of earth science: geology,
oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Lab portion serves as a: vehicle to
learn scientific methodology, evidence to support theories presented in
lectures. (Prerequisite: English placement test) (3 + 3) Offered As
Demand Warrants
GEOS 101X 4
Credits
The Dynamic Earth (n)
Physical geology: a study of the Earth, its materials and the
processes that effect changes upon and within it. Laboratory training in use of
topographic maps and recognition of common rocks and minerals. Course fee: $95.
(3 + 3) Offered Fall, Spring
GEOS 106 3
Credits
Dinosaurs and Their World (n)
An introduction to and survey of the Dinosauria, their geologic
record, paleobiology, paleoecology and extinction. Emphasis on North America
with special attention paid to the emerging record in Alaska and other high
latitude discoveries. (3 + 0) Offered Fall
GEOS 112X 4
Credits
The History of Earth and Life (n)
Historical geologic interpretation, geologic time scale,
stratigraphic record and interpretation, sedimentation and plate tectonics,
fossil record and utilization, biostratigraphy and geologic evolution of the
North American continent. Lab examination of fossils, interpretation of
geologic maps and stratigraphic columns. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisite: GEOS
101X with lab (4 credits) or GE 261) (3 + 3) Offered Spring
GEOS 120X 4
Credits
Glaciers, Earthquakes and Volcanoes: Past, Present and
Future (n)
A survey course for the nonspecialist on the causes, effects,
measurements and prediction of glaciers, earthquakes and volcanoes. Course fee:
$60. (3 + 3) Offered Fall, Spring
GEOS 125X 4
Credits
Humans, Earth and the Environment (n)
Application of principles of the geological sciences to
understanding the relationship of humans to the earth system. Investigation of
geologic hazards, including prediction and mitigation, use and distribution of
vital resources such as soil, water, minerals, and fossil and alternative fuel
sources, especially with respect to Alaska's environment. Earth's atmospheric,
oceanic and biotic systems examined in light of recent developments in global
environmental change from both a modern and geologic perspective. Course fee:
$95. (3 + 3) Offered Spring
GEOS 212 3
Credits
Geology of Alaska (n)
Modern geologic processes in Alaska as a basis for
understanding past geologic evolution of the region. The origin and recovery of
Alaska's petroleum and mineral resources will be discussed. For non-majors.
Course fee: $95. (Prerequisite: GEOS 101X or permission of instructor.)
(3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants
GEOS 213 4
Credits
Mineralogy (n)
Mineral chemistry, atomic structure, elementary
crystallography, optical crystallography and descriptive and determinative
mineralogy. Instrumental determinative techniques (x-ray diffraction,
petrographic microscope). Course fee: $60. (Prerequisites: GEOS 101X, CHEM
105X, and concurrent registration in MATH 107X-108.) (2 + 6) Offered
Fall
GEOS 214 4
Credits
Petrology and Petrography (n)
Origin, occurrence and classification of igneous, sedimentary
and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory work involves hand lens identification and
thin section examination of representative rocks. Course fee: $60.
(Prerequisite: GEOS 213.) (2 + 6) Offered Spring
GEOS 225 2
Credits
Field and Computer Methods in Geology
Basic field methods, including field notes, topographic maps,
measurement of structural elements, field safety, illustration, field mapping
and the use of GPS for field work are discussed and practiced. Use of computers
for processing geologic field data and analytical data, and integration of
field data into a simple Geographic Information System. Computers are used for
the production of reports and technical illustration. This course will fulfill
the department requirement for computer literacy. Course fee: $95.
(Prerequisite: GEOS 101X.)
GEOS 262 3
Credits
Rocks and Minerals
Physical properties of minerals and rocks, classification,
mode of occurrence and economic applications. Role of rock materials in soil
formation and fluid flow; influence on economic deposits and construction. Labs
on recognition and measurement of physical properties. Course may not be used
to satisfy degree requirements in geology or geological engineering. Course
fee: $60. (Prerequisites: GE 261, GEOS 101X or equivalent. Next offered:
2008-09.) (2 + 3) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 304 3
Credits
Geomorphology (n)
Surface features of the Earth and the processes which create
or modify them. Application to Quaternary history, environmental science and
related fields. Laboratory examination of topographic maps and aerial
photographs, introduction to geomorphic measurements. Course fee: $95.
(Prerequisite: GEOS 101X.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall
GEOS 314 4
Credits
Structural Geology (n)
Introductory overview of how rocks are deformed, types of
geological structures including folds, faults and penetrative fabrics, and the
associations of structures characteristic of different tectonic settings.
Provides background in structural geology. Emphasis in the laboratory on
examples and techniques that are broadly applicable in geology, especially the
interpretation of geologic maps. Course fee: $95. (Prerequisites: PHYS 103X or
211X; GEOS 322 or concurrent enrollment in GEOS 214.) (3 + 3) Offered
Spring
GEOS 315W 4
Credits
Paleobiology and Paleontology (n)
Survey of the history of life on Earth as represented in the
fossil record. Contribution of paleontology to the study of evolution, past environments
and paleogeography; biostratigraphically important invertebrate fossil groups
and their temporal ranges; evolution of terrestrial flora and fauna; current
issues in paleontology. Emphasis on recognition of major fossil groups and
paleontological problem solving in labs and assignments. Course fee: $60.
(Prerequisites: ENGL 111X, ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X or permission of
instructor, GEOS 112X or BIOL 103X or BIOL 106X.) (3 + 3) Offered
Fall
GEOS 322 4
Credits
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (n)
Analysis and interpretation of sedimentary rocks in
stratigraphic successions based on comparison with features found in modern
depositional environments. Application of the principles of facies analysis and
litho-, bio-, sequence, and chronostratigraphy in surface and subsurface
examples. Emphasis in the laboratory on interpretation of depositional
environments based on lithofacies, biofacies and sedimentary structures and
correlation of stratigraphic sequences using surface and subsurface data.
Course fee: $95. (Prerequisites: GEOS 101X or GE 261 and GEOS 112X).
(3 + 3) Offered Fall
GEOS 332 3
Credits
Ore Deposits and Structure
Distribution and characteristics (especially mineralogy,
morphology and structure) of major mineral deposit types with background on
structural techniques. Emphasis on application to mineral exploration and
development. Laboratory exercises stress recognition of major mineral deposit
types, zoning and grade patterns; and use of structural techniques in mineral
deposit exploration/development. Course fee: $95, (Prerequisite: GEOS 262 or
permission of instructor.) (1 + 6) Offered Spring
GEOS 351W 8
Credits
Field Geology (n)
Practical experience in a variety of field settings
collecting and presenting basic geologic field data. Includes field mapping of
stratigraphic and structural problems using topographic maps, airborne and
satellite images. Students will prepare geologic maps in a variety of tectonic
and lithologic settings and develop written reports detailing the geologic
history for several study areas. Exercises in collection and use of geophysical
data as an aid to geologic mapping. Hiking off trails in a variety of terrains
with up to 2, 000 vertical feet of elevation gain per day. Course fees, which
cover transportation and subsistence outside of Fairbanks. Entrance by
preregistration only; apply through the department. Early registration
recommended. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X, ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X, GEOS 214,
225, 314 and 322, junior standing and permission of instructor. Next offered:
Summer 2009.) (Arranged) Offered Alternate Summer, As Demand Warrants
GEOS 370 4
Credits
Sedimentary and Structural Geology for Petroleum Engineers (n)
Origin and distribution of sedimentary rocks including
depositional environments, stratigraphic relationships and structures. Emphasis
on the relationship to petroleum occurrences and petroleum exploration.
Laboratory exercises on mapping, structural problems and facies relationships
in petroleum exploration. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisite: GEOS 101X or GE 261.
Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 378 3
Credits
Introduction to Geoinformatics
(Cross-listed with GE 378)
A multidisciplinary course providing theoretical
understanding and hands-on experience with acquiring field data using palmtops
and hand-held GPS; processing of remote sensing data acquired from airplanes
and satellites; concept of data integration in GIS mode; database management;
cartographic visualization of final product. (Prerequisite: PHYS 103X or PHYS
211X or permission of instructor.) (2 + 3) Offered Spring
GEOS 401 3
Credits
Invertebrate Paleontology (n)
Study of invertebrate phyla with extensive geologic records.
Emphasis on principles of biostratigraphy and paleoecology, application to
geologic problems and case studies from Alaska. Laboratory study of fossil
assemblages with emphasis on stratigraphically significant groups. Designed to
complement GEOS 322. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisite: GEOS 315 or permission of
instructor; GEOS 322 recommended. Next offered: 2008-09.) (2 + 3)
Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 406 3
Credits
Volcanology
Physical processes of volcanism. Topics include physical
properties of magmas, eruption mechanisms, deposition mechanism and volcanic
hazards. Emphasis on explosive volcanism and its products, pyroclastic rocks. Geochemistry
and petrology will not be emphasized in this course. (Prerequisite: Permission
of instructor. Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 408 2
Credits
Photogeology (n)
Use of topographic maps, geologic maps, aerial photographs
and satellite imagery in interpretation of geological structures, landscapes,
landforms and geomorphic processes. Techniques included are map compilation,
photo mapping, statistical treatment of map data and composite mapping for
planning. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisite: GEOS 304 or permission of instructor.
Next offered: 2008-09.) (1 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 416 3
Credits
Applied Geophysics (n)
Introduction to the theory and practice of geophysical
techniques and the interpretation and modeling of geophysical data. Topics
include: gravity, GPS, magnetic seismic, and electrical methods and their
application to regional and local geophysical exploration in Alaska. Course
fee: $60. (Prerequisite: GEOS 418 or permission of instructor. Next offered:
2008-09.) (2 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 417 3
Credits
Introduction to Geochemistry (n)
(Stacked with GEOS 618)
Application of chemical principles and elemental/isotopic
behavior to the study of the Earth. Topics include: aqueous geochemistry, high-temperature
mineral-elemental chemistry, isotopic chemistry, kinetics and thermochemistry.
Students in GEOS 618 will do additional reading and problems and must have all
prerequisites and graduate standing. (Prerequisites: CHEM 106X; GEOS 322 or
CHEM 202.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall
GEOS 418 3
Credits
Basic Geophysics (n)
Concepts and techniques of geophysics including origin of the
Earth, its structure and large scale dynamic processes responsible for its
surface features. Geophysical techniques including seismology, gravity,
magnetometry and electrical methods discussed along with measurements of the
earth's thermal structure, rotation rates and tide effects. (Prerequisite: MATH
200X, PHYS 104X, or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall
GEOS 421 3
Credits
Sedimentology (n)
Origin, classification, composition, transportation,
deposition and diagenesis of sediments. Emphasis on sedimentary processes,
sedimentary petrology and interpretation of ancient sedimentary rocks.
Laboratory covers identification and description of hand specimens as well as
techniques of textural and compositional analysis. Course fee: $60.
(Prerequisite: GEOS 213 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.)
(2 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 422 3
Credits
Geoscience Applications of Remote Sensing (n)
Remote sensing and its applications to geologic,
environmental and physical sciences. Includes nomenclature, a review of sensing
systems and forms in which data is available. Emphasis on use of LANDSAT, radar
imagery, thermal imagery and color infrared photograph. (Prerequisites: PHYS
104X or 212X, junior standing; or permission of instructor.) (2 + 3)
Offered Fall
GEOS 425 2
Credits
Computer Applications in Geology
Introduction to computer applications used in the geological
sciences. Acquisition of high- and medium-resolution GPS positions for the
location of geological observations, analysis and presentation of geological
data in GIS applications (ArcGIS and MapInfo), modeling and interpretation of
subsurface data (GIS and Surfer). Includes creation and manipulation of
geological databases, graphic illustration and presentation of geologic data
and interpretations. (Prerequisite: GEOS 225. Next offered: 2008-09.)
(1 + 3) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 428 1
Credit
Elementary Scanning Electron Microscopy
(Stacked with GEOS 628)
Basic theory and operating procedures for scanning electron
microscopy. Includes sample preparation, imaging and qualitative elemental
analysis. Biological and nonbiological applications are covered. Course fee:
$60. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.)
(.5 + 1.5) Offered Spring
GEOS 430 3
Credits
Statistics and Data Analysis in Geology (n)
Computer-supported geologic applications of elementary
statistics, Markov chains, time-series analysis, trend-surface analysis, factor
analysis, cluster analysis, discriminant analysis and multiple regression.
(Prerequisites: GEOS 225 and STAT 200X.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring
GEOS 434 3
Credits
Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere (n)
(Stacked with GEOS 634)
Survey of remote sensing methods for mapping and monitoring
the various components of the cryosphere. Focus is on the application of
optical and microwave satellite data for the study of snow, lake ice and frozen
ground. Demonstration and use of field techniques and image analysis software.
(Prerequisite: GEOS 422 or equivalent. Next offered: 2007-08.)
(3 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 438 3
Credits
Basin Analysis
(Stacked with GEOS 638)
Examines sedimentary basins as a record of subsidence. Review
and discuss techniques used to image basin stratigraphy as well as the
quantitative techniques which can be used to recover basin history.
(Prerequisite: GEOS 322 or GEOS 370. Recommended: GEOS 418, GEOS 416, GEOS 314.
Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 452 3
Credits
Quaternary Seminar
(Cross-listed with ANTH 451 and stacked with GEOS 651 and
ANTH 651)
Learning about the Quaternary Period (relatively recent
past—spanning the past two million years) in order to gain a better understanding
of the landscape, biota and climate of the present day. Quaternary studies are
concerned with the historical dimension of the natural sciences. This seminar
will range widely over diverse interdisciplinary subjects of Quaternary
interest, such as paleoclimatology, paleobiogeography, vertebrate paleontology
and sedimentology. (Prerequisites: GEOS 215, 304 and 322.) (3 + 0) Offered
As Demand Warrants
GEOS 453 4
Credits
Palynology and Paleopalynology (n)
(Stacked with GEOS 653)
Survey of the evolutionary record of palynomorphs and their
uses in biostratigraphy and paleoclimatology. Focus on evolution of palynomorphs
from Precambrian to the present and concurrent evolutionary developments of
producing plants. Use of Quaternary palynofloras in reconstructing global
climates. Labs involve collection of herbarium specimens, processing of fossil
palynomorphs, study of type slides and a survey of palynofloras from each
geologic period. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisites: Senior standing; BIOL 106X or
GEOS 315. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 456 3
Credits
Paleopedology (n)
(Stacked with GEOS 656)
A survey course focusing on the recognition and use of
paleosols (fossil soils) as paleoenvironmental indicators, stratigraphic
markers, and in paleogeographic reconstructions from Precambrian to Holocene.
Examination of theories of soil formation, major soil processes and approaches
to soil classification. Review of geochemical, mineralogical, morphological and
micromorphological techniques. Use of paleosols for paleolandscape evolution
and basin analysis. Geological, tectonic, archaeological and environmental
applications of paleosols are discussed. (Prerequisites: GEOS 322 or GEOG 205
or NRM 380W or permission of instructor) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate
Fall
GEOS 458 3
Credits
Geoscience Applications of GPS and GIS (n)
(Stacked with GEOS 658)
Aspects of GPS data collection, including hands-on experience
with different GPS units, differential GPS methods, real-time and post processing
corrections. Concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Working with
real-world data and software tools such as Excel spread sheets and ArcGIS,
students will learn to organize and integrate multisource data, analyze spatial
relationships and generate maps for digital and print media. Course is not
available for audit. (Prerequisites: GEOS 225 or permission of instructor.
Recommended: MATH 107X and 200X.) (2 + 3) Offered Spring
GEOS 463O 4
Credits
Glacial and Periglacial Geology (n)
(Stacked with GEOS 663)
Glaciers and their geological processes. Emphasizes
recognition and understanding of glacial landforms, sediments and stratigraphic
relations, and implications for paleoclimatology and paleogeography. Includes
nonglacial techniques and methods for interpreting Quaternary sediments. Course
fee: $95. (Prerequisites: COMM 131X or 141X; and GEOS 304. Next offered:
2007-08.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 465 3
Credits
Geoarchaeology
(Cross-listed with ANTH 465)
Geological context of archaeological sites and the geologic
factors that affect their preservation, with emphasis on Alaska. Includes a one
or two-day weekend field trip in late April or early May. Course fee: $60.
(Prerequisites: GEOS 101X, an introductory course in archaeology or permission
of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants
GEOS 475W, O 2
Credits
Presentation Techniques in the Geosciences
(Stacked with GEOS 675)
Instruction and practice in oral and written communication
skills specifically related to the geosciences. Oral and written presentation
of abstracts, resumes, proposals and reports required. Works critically
analyzed by instructor(s) and peers for both geoscience content and
communication effectiveness. (Prerequisites: COMM 131X or 141X, ENGL 111X; ENGL
211X or ENG 213X and senior standing.) (1 + 3) Offered Spring
GEOS 482 1
Credit
Geology Seminar
(Stacked with GEOS 682)
A weekly seminar series on a geologic theme of current
interest for a complete semester. (1 + 0) Offered Fall, Spring
GEOS 488 1-3
Credits
Undergraduate Research
Advanced research topics from outside the usual undergraduate
requirements. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Recommendations: A
substantial level of technical/scientific background.) Offered Fall, Spring
GEOS 600 3
Credits
Introduction to X-ray Spectrometry
Theory of X-ray spectrometry, qualitative and quantitative
elemental analysis. Mechanics of electron, microprobe and X-ray fluorescence
analysis. Applicable to geologic, materials science and biologic samples.
Required for use of the microprobe at UAF. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisites:
Graduate standing in the sciences or engineering
PHYS 212X, STAT 300, and GEOS 417 or permission of instructor.)
(2 + 3) Offered Fall
GEOS 602 3
Credits
Geophysical Fields
Introduction to the application of potential theory and its
associated mathematical tools to fields of geophysical interest, namely
gravity, magnetics and heat flow. Emphasis will be placed on methods and tools
for solving a variety of problems in global and regional geophysics, and the
geophysical interpretation of solutions. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing, or
MATH 421, 422 and permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 603 1-2
Credits
Advanced Field Mapping
Practical experience in advanced field mapping techniques
with accompanying instruction in the regional and local geology of the study
area. Course fee: $95. (Prerequisite: GEOS 351.)
(0 + 3)-(1 + 3) Offered As Demand Warrants
GEOS 604 3
Credits
Intermediate Seismology
Sources of ground motion including focal mechanisms,
magnitude and propagation of waves within the earth. Measurement of seismic
data by analog and digital techniques and subsequent treatment of seismic data
by various techniques including inversion. (Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0)
Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 605 3
Credits
Geochronology
Application of the most commonly used radiometric dating
methods to geologic problems. Fundamentals of the K-Ar, Rb-Sr, fission-track,
U-Th-Pb and C methods. Laboratory training in K-Ar and fission-track dating
techniques. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next
offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 606 3
Credits
Volcanology
Physical processes of volcanism. Topics include physical
properties of magmas, eruption mechanisms, deposition mechanism and volcanic
hazards. Emphasis on explosive volcanism and its products, pyroclastic rocks.
Geochemistry and petrology will not be emphasized in this course. Course fee:
$60. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next
offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 611 3
Credits
Advanced Structural Geology and Tectonics
An advanced course providing an in-depth treatment of
specific aspects of structural geology and tectonics. Topics to be considered
in different semesters include tectonics and sedimentation, mountain belts of
the world, structural analysis, structural geology of a specific tectonic
setting (such as fold-and-thrust belts or rifts) and other special topics in
structural geology or tectonics. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing and GEOS
314; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0)
Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 612 3
Credits
Geologic Evolution of Alaska
An overview of the geological provinces of Alaska and
neighboring continental and oceanic regions. Emphasis will be on the geologic
history and tectonic evolution of Alaska. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; or
GEOS 314 and 322. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate
Fall
GEOS 613 3
Credits
Global Tectonics
An advanced course dealing with tectonic theory. Emphasis on
plate tectonics with discussions of the evidence supporting the plate hypothesis
and the interaction of plates both past and present. (Prerequisites: Graduate
standing; or GEOS 314 and 322. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0)
Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 614 3
Credits
Ice Physics
(Cross-listed with PHYS 614)
A survey of the physics of ice. Topics will include the
crystal structure and properties of ice, high pressure phases, hydrogen bonding,
mechanical, thermal, electrical and acoustic properties, nucleation and growth,
and optical and surface properties (adhesion, friction). (Prerequisites:
Graduate standing; or MATH 421, 422 and permission of instructor. Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 615 3
Credits
Sea Ice
A study of sea ice in the natural environment including sea
ice properties and processes on the micro-scale and the macro-scale, freezing
processes and sea ice growth, ice decay and ice dynamics. (Prerequisite:
Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 616 3
Credits
Permafrost
Study of the occurrence, thickness, environmental problems,
and mass and energy transport of permafrost, including soil and ice interaction,
freezing and thawing processes, and mechanical and electrical properties and
processes. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next
offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 617 3
Credits
Glaciers
The mechanisms responsible for the existence, motion and
variations of present-day glaciers and ice sheets, the paleoclimate information
they contain and their role in engineering hydrology. Course fee: $60.
(Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered:
2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 618 3
Credits
Introduction to Geochemistry
(Stacked with GEOS 417)
Application of chemical principles and elemental/isotopic
behavior to study of the Earth. Topics include: aqueous geochemistry,
high-temperature mineral-elemental chemistry, isotopic chemistry, kinetics and
thermochemistry. Students in GEOS 618 will do additional reading and problems
and must have all prerequisites and graduate standing. (Prerequisites: Graduate
standing, CHEM 106X, GEOS 322 or CHEM 202.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall
GEOS 619 2
Credits
Advanced X-ray Spectroscopy
Advanced X-ray techniques. Topics include preparation of
unusual samples, quantification methods, x-ray mapping and classification, and
error analysis. Each student will develop a project to explore the limits of
X-ray analysis. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisites: GEOS 600 or permission of
instructor. Note: course may be repeated three times for credit.)
(1 + 3) Offered As Demand Warrants
GEOS 620 3
Credits
Geodynamics
Applications of continuum mechanics and heat flow theory to
geophysical, geologic and glaciological problems. Topics such as postglacial
rebound, non-Newtonian fluid flow, thermal convection, stress-relaxation and
the rheology of earth materials will be discussed. (Prerequisites: Graduate
standing; or MATH 421 and 422 and permission of instructor. Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 621 4
Credits
Advanced Petrology
A detailed treatment of various aspects of petrology.
Specific topics to be considered in different semesters include metamorphic petrology,
igneous petrology and igneous and metamorphic petrography. Each time the course
is offered, only one topic will be presented. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and permission of instructor.) (3 + 3) Offered As
Demand Warrants
GEOS 622 3
Credits
Digital Image Processing in the Geosciences
Image processing and analysis techniques as they relate to
remote sensing and other applications in the geosciences. Apart from lectures
and demonstrations, the advantages and drawbacks of different methods and
approaches and their applicability to geoscience problems will be evaluated
through exercises and a course project. (Next offered: 2007-08.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 628 1
Credit
Elementary Scanning Electron Microscopy
(Stacked with GEOS 428)
Basic theory and operating procedures for scanning electron
microscopy. Includes sample preparation, imaging and qualitative elemental
analysis. Biological and non-biological applications are covered. Course fee:
$60. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)
(.5 + 1.5) Offered Spring
GEOS 629 3
Credits
Geologic Hazards and Natural Disasters
Examination of hazardous geologic processes which produce
natural disasters, including volcanism, tectonism, flooding, etc. Includes
scientific approaches to evaluating the magnitude and probability of risk from
future hazardous events. Course fee: $95. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or
permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered
Alternate Spring
GEOS 633 3
Credits
Environmental Geochemistry
(Cross-listed with CHEM 609)
Advanced topics and methods in chemistry of aquatic and soil
environments. Detailed treatment of the thermodynamic, kinetic and structural
principles involved in the description and modeling of low-temperature aqueous
geochemical systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on heterogenous
interactions, including dissolution/precipitation, sorption and microbial processes,
involved in the partitioning, transformation and transport of chemical species
in the environment. (Prerequisite: ENVE 641 or GEOS 618 or permission of
instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 634 3
Credits
Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere
(Stacked with GEOS 434)
Survey of remote sensing methods for mapping and monitoring
the various components of the cryosphere. Focus is on the application of
optical and microwave satellite data for the study of snow, lake ice and frozen
ground. Demonstration and use of field techniques and image analysis software.
(Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered:
2007-08.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 635 1-4
Credits
Advanced Economic Geology
An advanced course providing an in-depth treatment of various
aspects of economic geology. Specific topics will be considered in different
semesters. They include ore microscopy, industrial minerals, economics of
minerals, geochemistry of ore deposits, modern fossil, fuel exploration and
detailed study of particular ore deposit type. Each time the course is offered,
only one topic will be presented. Course fee: $95. (Prerequisite: Graduate
standing or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.)
(1-4 + 0-3) Offered As Demand Warrants
GEOS 637 4
Credits
Rock-Forming Minerals
Examination of the rock-forming minerals; their structure and
composition. Application of mineral data to problems in geochemistry, petrology
and ore deposits. Laboratory involves analysis of minerals by various
analytical techniques. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; or
GEOS 417 and permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.)
(3 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 638 3
Credits
Basin Analysis
(Stacked with GEOS 438)
Examines sedimentary basins as a record of subsidence. Review
and discuss techniques used to image basin stratigraphy as well as the
quantitative techniques which can be used to recover basin history.
(Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered:
2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 639 3
Credits
InSAR and its Applications
(Cross-listed with PHYS 639)
Introduction to the concepts of repeat-pass spaceborne SAR
interferometry. Practical use of the technique to derive displacements of the
solid earth, glacier and ice sheets to precision of a few centimeters and
accurate digital elevation models of the earth's surface. (Prerequisite: Basic
remote sensing course or permission from instructor.) (2 + 2) Offered
As Demand Warrants
GEOS 640 4
Credits
Petrology of Carbonate Rocks
Origin, depositional environments, diagenesis and
classification of limestones, dolostones and related rocks. Course fee: $60.
(Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 643 3
Credits
Sandstone Depositional Environments
Sedimentary depositional environments treating the
hydrodynamics, sediment dispersal patterns and preservation potential of modern
terrigenous clastic depositional environments and criteria for recognizing
their ancient counterparts in the geologic record. Course fee: $95.
(Prerequisite: Graduate standing; or GEOS 322 and 421. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered
Alternate Fall
GEOS 647 3
Credits
Advanced Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Various topics in sedimentology and stratigraphy. Specific
offerings to be presented at various times include sequence stratigraphy and
sea-level analysis, sandstone petrology, thermal maturation and geohistory
analysis of sediments. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of
instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 651 3
Credits
Quaternary Seminar
(Cross-listed with ANTH 651 and stacked with GEOS 452 and
ANTH 451)
Seminar about the Quaternary Period (relatively recent past
— spanning the past two million years) in order to gain a better understanding
of the landscape, biota and climate of the present day. Quaternary studies are
concerned with the historical dimension of the natural sciences. This seminar
will range widely over diverse interdisciplinary subjects of Quaternary
interest, such as paleoclimatology, paleobiogeography, vertebrate paleontology
and sedimentology. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)
(3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants
GEOS 653 4
Credits
Palynology and Paleopalynology
(Stacked with GEOS 453)
Survey of the evolutionary record of palynomorphs and their
uses in biostratigraphy and paleoclimatology. Focus on evolution of palynomorphs
from Precambrian to the present and concurrent evolutionary developments of
producing plants. Use of Quaternary palynofloras in reconstructing global
climates. Labs involve collection of herbarium specimens, processing of fossil
palynomorphs, study of type slides and a survey of palynofloras from each
geologic period. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or
permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 3) Offered
Alternate Fall
GEOS 654 3
Credits
Visible and Infrared Remote Sensing
In-depth coverage of the principles, physics, sensor
technology, processing and applications of remote sensing in the visible and
infrared region, including but not limited to electromagnetic spectrum,
radiation laws, spectral signatures, atmospheric interactions, temperature
emissivity estimation, analysis and feature extraction from data sets. The
laboratory part of the course will provide hands-on experience on special
processing techniques, and the possibility of using these techniques for a student-defined
term project in areas of geology, volcanology, glaciology, hydrology,
environmental sciences, etc. (Prerequisite: GEOS 422 or equivalent. Next
offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 655 3
Credits
Tectonic Geodesy
Introduction to modern space geodetic methods and details
their application to the study of active earth processes such as plate tectonics,
fault mechanics and volcanology. Includes space geodesy methods, such as the
global positioning system, as standard geophysical tools for the study of
earthquakes, active tectonics and volcanology. (Prerequisites: MATH 314, 421
and 422; graduate standing; or permission of instructor. Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 656 3
Credits
Paleopedology (n)
(Stacked with GEOS 456)
A survey course focusing on the recognition and use of
paleosols (fossil soils) as paleoenvironmental indicators, stratigraphic
markers, and in paleogeographic reconstructions from Precambrian to Holocene.
Examination of theories of soil formation, major soil processes and approaches
to soil classification. Review of geochemical, mineralogical, morphological and
micromorphological techniques. Use of paleosols for paleolandscape evolution
and basin analysis. Geological, tectonic, archaeological and environmental
applications of paleosols are discussed. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or
permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 657 3
Credits
Microwave Remote Sensing
The principles and applications of active and passive
microwave remote sensing with emphasis on spaceborne remote sensing of the
Earth's atmosphere, land and oceans. The laboratory section will provide
hands-on experience on special processing techniques, and the possibility of
using these techniques for a student-defined term project in areas of geology,
volcanology, glaciology, hydrology, environmental science, etc. (Prerequisite:
GEOS 422 or equivalent. Next offered: 2008-09.) (2 + 2) Offered
Alternate Spring
GEOS 658 3
Credits
Geoscience Applications of GPS and GIS (n)
(Stacked with GEOS 458)
Aspects of GPS data collection, including hands-on experience
with different GPS units, differential GPS methods, real-time and post processing
corrections. Concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Working with
real-world data and software tools such as Excel spread sheets and ArcGIS,
students will learn to organize and integrate multisource data, analyze spatial
relationships and generate maps for digital and print media. Course is not
available for audit. (Prerequisites: GEOS 225 or permission of instructor.
Recommended: MATH 107X and 200X.) (2 + 3) Offered Spring
GEOS 663 4
Credits
Glacial and Periglacial Geology (n)
(Stacked with GEOS 463O)
Glaciers and their geological processes. Emphasizes
recognition and understanding of glacial landforms, sediments, stratigraphic
relations, implications for paleoclimatology and paleogeography. Includes
non-glacial techniques and methods for interpreting Quaternary sediments.
Course fee: $95. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or GEOS 304. Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate Fall
GEOS 670 1-3
Credits
Selected Topics in Volcanology
Survey course in subjects relating to volcanology. Possible
subjects include, but are not limited to, eruption dynamics, geophysics of
eruptions, volatiles in volcanic systems, modeling volcanic systems. May be
repeated for credit. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; or GEOS 621 and GEOS
417.) (1-3 + 0) Offered Fall
GEOS 671 3
Credits
Volcano Seismology
Survey of seismic behavior of volcanoes. Topics include
instrumentation, terminology, swarms and their attributes, high-frequency
events, volcanic explosions, volcanic tremor, attenuation and velocity
structure, cycles of activity, eruption forecasting, detection of magma chambers,
case studies and selected topics. Oral and written student presentations will
be required. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.
Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
GEOS 675 2
Credits
Presentation Techniques in the Geosciences
(Stacked with GEOS 475W, O)
Development of oral and written presentation skills in the
geological sciences with emphasis on the critical analysis of both peers and
the instructor(s). Oral and written presentations of abstracts, resumes, proposals
and reports. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing.) (1 + 3) Offered
Spring
GEOS 676 3
Credit
Remote Sensing of Volcanic Eruptions
Focuses on the use of satellite images to detect, monitor and
mitigate volcanic hazards, and to understand eruption processes. Thermal
anomalies, volcanic clouds and surface morphological features will be discussed
in the lecture and test cases analyzed in the laboratory. Satellite data
include GOES, AVHRR, MODIS, ASTER, Landsat and SAR. Course may be repeated
twice for credit. (Prerequisite: GEOS 422 or Equivalent Remote Sensing
Class or permission of instructor.) (2 + 3) Offered As Demand
Warrants
GEOS 682 1
Credit
Geology Seminar
(Stacked with GEOS 482)
A weekly seminar series on a geologic theme of current
interest for a complete semester. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission
of instructor.) (1 + 0) Offered Fall, Spring