Course descriptions index


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 goals: 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 Alaskan 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 will be used 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 105, 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: 2006-07.) (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 (this is of value in all areas of 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  6 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 and aerial photographs, and the preparation of professional reports and geologic maps. Students pay own transportation, subsistence and tuition. Entrance by preregistration only; apply through the department. Early registration recommended. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X, ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X, GEOS 225, 314 and 322, junior standing and permission of instructor. Next offered: Summer 2007.) (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: 2006-07.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring


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: 2006-07.) (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:
2006-07.) (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: 2006-07.) (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: 2006-07.) (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 104, or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall


GEOS 420  4 Credits
Elements of Seismology (n)
Global distribution of earthquakes; causes and effects of earthquakes with reference to Alaska; instrumentation utilization for determination of earthquake sources and subsurface structures; techniques for studies of seismotectonics and earthquake prediction. Course fee: $60. (Prerequisite: Geoscience students: MATH 201X; Civil Engineering students: ES 331. Next offered: 2006-07.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate 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: 2006-07.) (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 non-biological 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 200.) (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)
The seminar will involve 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: 2006-07.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate Fall


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 non-glacial 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. 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 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: 2006-07.) (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: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


GEOS 605  3 Credits
Geochronology
The 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: 2007-08.) (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: 2006-07.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


GEOS 609  2-4 Credits
Advanced Geomorphology
An advanced course providing a detailed treatment of geomorphology. Specific topics to be covered in different semesters include: A) quantitative geomorphology, B) landscape evolution, C) periglacial geology and D) geomorphology of Alaska. Each time the course is offered only one topic will be considered. Course fee: $95. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or GEOS 304 or permission of instructor.) (2-4 + 0-3) Offered Fall, Spring


GEOS 610  3 Credits
Advanced Seismology
Characteristics of seismic sources; general properties of seismic wave forms; near field and far field of seismic radiation; characteristics of seismic wave propagation media; free oscillations of the earth. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; or MATH 421, PHYS 312; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2006-07.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


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: (A) tectonics and sedimentation, (B) mountain belts of the world, (C) structural analysis, (D) structural geology of a specific tectonic setting (such as fold-and-thrust belts or rifts) and (E) other special topics in structural geology or tectonics. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing and GEOS 314; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2006-07.) (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: 2006-07.) (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 properties, thermal properties, electrical and acoustic properties, nucleation and growth, optical properties and surface properties (adhesion, friction). (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; or MATH 421, 422 and permission of instructor. Next offered: 2006-07.) (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:
2006-07.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


GEOS 616  3 Credits
Permafrost
The 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 which 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 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: 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. Includes student project in 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: 2006-07.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


GEOS 621  4 Credits
Advanced Petrology
An advanced course providing a detailed treatment of various aspects of petrology. Specific topics to be considered in different semesters include: (A) metamorphic petrology, (B) igneous petrology and (C) 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
An introduction to 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 623  3 Credits
Advanced Remote Sensing
Principles and applications of remote sensing and ground validation techniques. Includes the physical basis and practical application of quantitative methods of extracting geophysical, geochemical and environmental information from satellite image data. (Prerequisites: GEOS 422 or equivalent; MATH 421; PHYS 332 or equivalent. Next offered: 2007-08.) (2 + 3) 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)
Focus on 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 heterogeneous 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: 2006-07.) (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: (A) ore microscopy, (B) industrial minerals, (C) economics of minerals, (D) geochemistry of ore deposits, (E) modern fossil fuel exploration and (F) detailed study of particular ore deposit type. Only one topic will be presented at a time. 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 and 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: 2006-07.) (3 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring


GEOS 643  3 Credits
Sandstone Depositional Environments
An advanced course in 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: 2006-07.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


GEOS 647  3 Credits
Advanced Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
An advanced course dealing with various topics in sedimentology and stratigraphy. Specific offerings to be presented at various times include: (A) sequence stratigraphy and sea-level analysis, (B) sandstone petrology, (C) thermal maturation and geohistory analysis of sediments. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2006-07.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


GEOS 651  3 Credits
Quaternary Seminar
(Cross-listed with ANTH 651 and stacked with GEOS 452 and ANTH 451)
The seminar will involve 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. (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: 2006-07.) (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: 2006-07.) (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: 2006-07.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


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: 2006-07.) (2 + 2) Offered Alternate 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, and 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: 2006-07.) (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 presentations will be required by students. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


GEOS 672  3 Credits
Integrated Case Studies of Volcanic Eruptions
Use of physical volcanology, volcano seismology and igneous petrology to study patterns of volcano behavior, precursor seismic events, volcano tremor, possible interpretations of eruption mechanism and magma chamber dynamics and volcanologists' responses to crises. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing, GEOS 606, 670 and 671; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2006-07.) (3 + 0) Offered
Alternate Fall


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