Geoscience (Geology and Geophysics)
A per semester fee for computing facilities will be assessed for one or more GEOS courses at the F200 level and above. This fee is in addition to any materials fees. Please see the class schedule for details.
GEOS F100X Introduction to Earth Science (n)
4 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. (3+3)
GEOS F101X The Dynamic Earth (n)
4 Credits
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. (3+3)
GEOS F106 Dinosaurs and Their World
3 Credits Offered Fall
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)
GEOS F112X The History of Earth and Life (n)
4 Credits Offered Spring
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F101X; placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. (3+3)
GEOS F120X Glaciers, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes: Past, Present, and Future (n)
4 Credits
A survey course for the nonspecialist on the causes, effects, measurements and prediction of glaciers, earthquakes and volcanoes. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. (4+0)
GEOS F125X Humans, Earth, and the Environment (n)
4 Credits Offered Spring
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. (3+3)
GEOS F212 Geology of Alaska
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F101X or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F213 Mineralogy (n)
4 Credits Offered Fall
Mineral chemistry, atomic structure, elementary crystallography, optical crystallography and descriptive and determinative mineralogy. Instrumental determinative techniques (x-ray diffraction, petrographic microscope). Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F101X; CHEM F105X; and concurrent registration in MATH F107X-F108. (2+6)
GEOS F214 Petrology and Petrography (n)
4 Credits Offered Spring
Origin, occurrence and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory work involves hand lens identification and thin section examination of representative rocks. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F213. (2+6)
GEOS F225 Field and Computer Methods in Geology
2 Credits
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F101X. (1+3)
GEOS F262 Rocks and Minerals
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GE F261, GEOS F101X or equivalent. (2+3)
GEOS F304 Geomorphology
3 Credits Offered Fall
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F101X. (3+0)
GEOS F314 Structural Geology (n)
4 Credits Offered Spring
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: PHYS F103X or PHYS F211X; GEOS F322 or concurrent enrollment in GEOS F214. (3+3)
GEOS F315W Paleobiology and Paleontology (n)
4 Credits Offered Fall
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F103X or BIOL F115X or GEOS F112X; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X or permission of instructor. (3+3)
GEOS F322 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (n)
4 Credits Offered Fall
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F101X or GE F261; GEOS F112X. (3+3)
GEOS F332 Ore Deposits and Structure
3 Credits Offered Spring
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F262; or permission of instructor. (1+6)
GEOS F351W Field Geology (n)
8 Credits Offered Summer Odd-numbered Years; As Demand Warrants
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 cover transportation and subsistence outside of Fairbanks. Entrance by preregistration only; apply through the department. Early registration recommended. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X; GEOS F214; GEOS F225; GEOS F314; GEOS F322; junior standing; and permission of instructor. (8+0)
GEOS F370 Sedimentary and Structural Geology for Petroleum Engineers (n)
4 Credits Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F101X or GE F261. (Cross-listed with PETE F370.) (3+3)
GEOS F378 Introduction to Geoinformatics
3 Credits Offered Spring
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: PHYS F103X or PHYS F211X; or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with GE F378.) (2+3)
GEOS F401 Invertebrate Paleontology (n)
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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 F322. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F315 or permission of instructor. Recommended: GEOS F322. (2+3)
GEOS F406 Volcanology
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F408 Photogeology (n)
2 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F304 or permission of instructor. (1+3)
GEOS F416 Applied Geophysics (n)
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F418 or permission of instructor. (2+3)
GEOS F417 Introduction to Geochemistry
3 Credits Offered Fall
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: CHEM F106X; GEOS F322 or CHEM F202. (Stacked with GEOS F618.) (3+0)
GEOS F418 Basic Geophysics
3 Credits Offered Fall
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: MATH F200X, PHYS F104X, or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F421 Sedimentology
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F213 or permission of instructor. (2+3)
GEOS F422 Geoscience Applications of Remote Sensing (n)
3 Credits Offered Fall
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: PHYS F104X or PHYS F212X; junior standing; or permission of instructor. (2+3)
GEOS F425 Computer Applications in Geology (n)
2 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F225. (1+3)
GEOS F428 Elementary Scanning Electron Microscopy
1 Credit Offered Spring
Basic theory and operating procedures for scanning electron microscopy. Includes sample preparation, imaging and qualitative elemental analysis. Biological and nonbiological applications are covered. Graded Pass/Fail. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor. (Stacked with GEOS F628.) (0.5+1.5)
GEOS F430 Statistics and Data Analysis in Geology
3 Credits Offered Spring
Computer-supported geologic applications of elementary statistics, Markov chains, time-series analysis, trend-surface analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, discriminant analysis, and multiple regression. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F225; STAT F200X. (3+0)
GEOS F434 Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere (n)
4 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F422 or equivalent. (Stacked with GEOS F634.) (3+3)
GEOS F438 Basin Analysis
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F322 or GEOS F370. Recommended: GEOS F314; GEOS F416; GEOS F418. (Stacked with GEOS F638.) (3+0)
GEOS F452 Quaternary Seminar
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F304; GEOS F315; GEOS F322. (Cross-listed with ANTH F451. Stacked with GEOS F651; ANTH F651.) (3+0)
GEOS F453 Palynology and Paleopalynology (n)
4 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X or GEOS F315; senior standing. (Stacked with GEOS F653.) (3+3)
GEOS F456 Paleopedology
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F322 or GEOG F205 or NRM F380 or permission of instructor. (Stacked with GEOS F656.) (3+0)
GEOS F458 Geoscience Applications of GPS and GIS (n)
3 Credits Offered Spring
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 spreadsheets 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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F225 or permission of instructor. Recommended: MATH F107X; MATH F200X. (Stacked with GEOS F658.) (2+3)
GEOS F463O Glacial and Periglacial Geology (n)
4 Credits Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Glaciers and their geological processes. Emphasizes recognition and understanding of glacial landforms, sediments and stratigraphic relations, and implications for paleoclimatology and paleogeography. Includes non-glacial techniques and methods for interpreting Quaternary sediments. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: COMM F131X or COMM F141X; GEOS F304. (Stacked with GEOS F663.) (3+3)
GEOS F465 Geoarchaeology
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F101X; an introductory course in archaeology; or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with ANTH F465.) (3+0)
GEOS F475W,O Presentation Techniques in the Geosciences
2 Credits Offered Spring
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: COMM F131X or COMM F141X; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X or permission of instructor; senior standing. (Stacked with GEOS F675.) (1+3)
GEOS F482 Geology Seminar
1 Credit
A weekly seminar series on a geologic theme of current interest for a complete semester. Special fees apply. (Stacked with GEOS F682.) (1+0)
GEOS F488 Undergraduate Research
1 - 3 Credits
Advanced research topics from outside the usual undergraduate requirements. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Recommended: A substantial level of technical/scientific background. (1 - 3+0)
GEOS F600 Introduction to X-ray Spectrometry
3 Credits Offered Fall
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: PHYS F212X; STAT F300; GEOS F417; graduate standing in the sciences or engineering; or permission of instructor. (2+3)
GEOS F602 Geophysical Fields
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: MATH F421 and MATH F422 and permission of instructor; or graduate standing. (3+0)
GEOS F603 Advanced Field Mapping
1 - 2 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
Practical experience in advanced field mapping techniques with accompanying instruction in the regional and local geology of the study area. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F351. (0+1 - 3+3)
GEOS F604 Intermediate Seismology
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. (3+0)
GEOS F605 Geochronology
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F606 Volcanology
3 Credits Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F611 Advanced Structural Geology and Tectonics
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F314; graduate standing; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F612 Geologic Evolution of Alaska
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F314 and GEOS F322; or graduate standing. (3+0)
GEOS F613 Global Tectonics
3 Credits Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F314 and GEOS F322; or graduate standing. (3+0)
GEOS F614 Ice Physics
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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). Special fees apply. Prerequisites: MATH F421 and MATH F422 and permission of instructor; OR graduate standing. (Cross-listed with PHYS F614.) (3+0)
GEOS F615 Sea Ice
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F616 Permafrost
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F617 Glaciers
3 Credits Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F618 Introduction to Geochemistry
3 Credits Offered Fall
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 F618 will do additional reading and problems and must have all prerequisites and graduate standing. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: CHEM F106X; GEOS F322 or CHEM F331 and CHEM F332; and graduate standing. (Stacked with GEOS F417.) (3+0)
GEOS F619 Advanced X-ray Spectroscopy
2 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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 the limits of x-ray analysis. Note: Course may be repeated three times for credit. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F600 or permission of instructor. (1+3)
GEOS F620 Geodynamics
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: MATH F421 and MATH F422 and permission of instructor; OR graduate standing. (3+0)
GEOS F621 Advanced Petrology
4 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. (3+3)
GEOS F622 Digital Image Processing in the Geosciences
3 Credits Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. (3+0)
GEOS F628 Elementary Scanning Electron Microscopy
1 Credit Offered Spring
Basic theory and operating procedures for scanning electron microscopy. Includes sample preparation, imaging and qualitative elemental analysis. Biological and non-biological applications are covered. Graded Pass/Fail. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (Stacked with GEOS F428.) (0.5+1.5)
GEOS F629 Geologic Hazards and Natural Disasters
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F633 Environmental Geochemistry
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: ENVE F641 or GEOS F618 or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with CHEM F609.) (3+0)
GEOS F634 Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere
4 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (Stacked with GEOS F434.) (3+3)
GEOS F635 Advanced Economic Geology
1 - 4 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. May be repeated for credit. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (1 - 4+0 - 3)
GEOS F637 Rock-Forming Minerals
4 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F417 and permission of instructor; OR graduate standing. (3+3)
GEOS F638 Basin Analysis
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (Stacked with GEOS F438.) (3+0)
GEOS F639 InSar and its Applications
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to the concepts of repeat-pass spaceborne SAR interferometry. Practical use of the technique to derive displacements of the solid earth, glaciers and ice sheets to a precision of a few centimeters and accurate digital elevation models of the earth's surface. Prerequisites: Basic remote sensing course or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with PHYS F639.) (2+2)
GEOS F640 Petrology of Carbonate Rocks
4 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Origin, depositional environments, diagenesis and classification of limestones, dolostones and related rocks. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3+3)
GEOS F643 Sandstone Depositional Environments
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F322 and GEOS F421; or graduate standing. (3+0)
GEOS F647 Advanced Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F651 Quaternary Seminar
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with ANTH F651. Stacked with ANTH F451; GEOS F452.) (3+0)
GEOS F653 Palynology and Paleopalynology
4 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (Stacked with GEOS F453.) (3+3)
GEOS F654 Visible and Infrared Remote Sensing
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F422 or equivalent. (3+0)
GEOS F655 Tectonic Geodesy
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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 global positioning system, as standard geophysical tools for the study of earthquakes, active tectonics and volcanology. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: MATH F314; MATH F421; MATH F422; graduate standing; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F656 Paleopedology
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
A survey course focusing on the recognition and use of paleosols (fossil fuels) 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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (Stacked with GEOS F456.) (3+0)
GEOS F657 Microwave Remote Sensing
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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 sciences, etc. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F422 or equivalent. (2+2)
GEOS F658 Geoscience Applications for GPS and GIS
3 Credits Offered Spring
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 spreadsheets 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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F225 or permission of instructor. Recommended: MATH F107X and MATH F200X. (Stacked with GEOS F458.) (2+3)
GEOS F663 Glacial and Periglacial Geology
4 Credits Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Glaciers and their geological processes. Emphasizes recognition and understanding of glacial landforms, sediments and stratigraphic relations, and implications for paleoclimatology and paleogeography. Includes non-glacial techniques and methods for interpreting Quaternary sediments. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or GEOS F304. (Stacked with GEOS F463.) (3+3)
GEOS F670 Selected Topics in Volcanology
1 - 3 Credits Offered Fall
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: GEOS F621 and GEOS F417; or graduate standing. (1 - 3+0)
GEOS F671 Volcano Seismology
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3+0)
GEOS F675 Presentation Techniques in the Geosciences
2 Credits Offered Spring
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing. (Stacked with GEOS F475.) (1+3)
GEOS F676 Remote Sensing of Volcanic Eruptions
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Special fees apply. Recommended: GEOS F422 or equivalent Remote Sensing Class or permission of instructor. (2+3)
GEOS F682 Geology Seminar
1 Credit
A weekly seminar series on a geologic theme of current interest for a complete semester. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (Stacked with GEOS F482.) (1+0)