| Undergraduate Course Descriptions - Geology |
Introductory survey of geologic materials (minerals and rocks), topographic features on the continents and in the ocean basins, geologic structures (faults, folds, etc.), and various processes (plate tectonics igneous activity, weathering, erosion, sedimentation, glaciation, mountain-building, etc.) that produce geologic features.
Study, classification, and identification of common minerals and rocks of the earth's crust; study of various topographic features as revealed on topographic maps and aerial photographs; and study of geologic structures as seen on geologic maps, structural cross sections, and aerial photographs.
Introductory survey of geological, biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of marine environment, their interrelationships, and interaction between people and the ocean.
Survey of physical, chemical, and biological geologic events that have occurred on earth during its long history. Chronologic arrangement of these events in world-wide geologic time scale and consideration of their causes. Major theme is organic evolution.
Interactions among basic geologic processes, geomorphic features, earth resources, and people whose activities are expanding and increasingly demanding geological agent.
Geologic evolution and scenic features in our national park system. Topics include volcanoes, caverns, sea coasts, glaciation, arid regions, and fault block mountains. Relationship of scenery to geologic processes and materials.
Systematic approach to hand-specimen study and classification of minerals and igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Crystallographic and chemical properties of minerals and study of chemical and physical processes governing the classification, origin, and occurrence of minerals and rocks.
Introduction to the standard scientific methods of solving geologic field problems. Techniques include description, sampling, and measurement of geologic processes and sections; and principles of field mapping utilizing the Brunton compass, aerial photographs, and the plane table and alidade.
Study of structures resulting from tectonic formation of earth's crust and intrusion of molten magma.
The field
camp web site contains information and photographs about the course
and life in the field.
Stratigraphy, structure, geomorphology, and economic deposits of southwestern and central New Mexico and southern Colorado through basic mapping on topographic and photo bases. Mapping exercises involve wide variety of geologic features ranging from complexly faulted Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks to isoclinally folded Precambrian rocks in areas of excellent exposures.
Analysis of processes and products of sedimentation. Flow mechanics and sedimentary structures, depositional systems, sedimentation and tectonics, the effects of sea level on depositional systems, methods of description and classification of sediments and sedimentary rocks, and preparation of sedimentologic field reports.
Description, classification, and interpretation of stratified sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on principles and methodology.
Fossilized remains of principal animals that lived during earth history. Emphasis on paleontologic principles, especially as applied to invertebrate fossils. Topics include population dynamics, taxonomic principles, functional morphology, paleoecology, evolution, and biostratigraphy.
Extensive program of carefully supervised reading and research in area of geology. Written report in scientific format.
Advanced study of landforms, stages of their development, and processes which have formed them.
Basic geologic knowledge and insights that support sound, rational, and science-based environmental decisions and policies in regard to land and water use. Topics include pollution abatement, clean up, and prevention; resource extraction, use, and conservation; and hazardous geologic processes.
Modern coastal systems. Diversity and distribution, complexity and dynamics of interacting processes and responses, origin and evolutionary history, and role of man as major modifying force.
Geology of world's ocean basins. Impact of geophysical, geochemical, and geobiological principles on concepts of origin and evolution of ocean basins; source, transportation, and deposition of marine sediments and formation of marine stratigraphic record; and role of oceanographic processes affecting earth history such as sea level fluctuation, plate tectonics, paleogeography, and paleoclimatology.
Theory and basic techniques for determining optical constants of crystals using a polarizing microscope and thin sections.
An introduction to the application of chemical principles to studying the distribution of elements at the Earth's surface especially with regards to their transportation in aqueous solutions. Topics include the fundamental principles governing chemical equilibria between earth materials and aqueous solutions, and their application to the study of weathering, groundwater and surface-water chemistry, and distribution of stable isotopes.
Designed to allow a student to pursue independent study in a given subject. Studies may include field work, directed readings, or some combination thereof. Occasionally a special field study or course will be offered using one of these three course numbers.
Genesis, mode of occurrence, and utilization of mineral resources. Metals, nonmetals, and basic energy resources such as petroleum, coal, and uranium. Emphasis on geology of these resources and their relationship to modern technological society.
Drainage basin geology and hydrology. Emphasis on quantitative analysis, evaporation, streamflow, and hydrologic parameters of surface water and ground water basins.
Origin, occurrence, movement, quality, regional analysis, and management of ground water. Interrelationship of ground and surface water. Lab emphasis on aquifer test data collection and interpretation.
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