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Earth and Environmental Science Classes
ERTH 101
Earth Processes
3 credits
3 class hours
Offered fall semester
A study of the physical processes that operate on and within the Earth and determine its evolution through geologic time. Students are encouraged to enroll concurrently in ERTH 101L or ERTH 103L. [NMCCNS GEOL 1114: General Education Area III]
ERTH 101L
Earth Processes Laboratory
1 credit
3 lab hours
Corequisite: ERTH 101
Laboratory to accompany ERTH 101. Identification of rocks and minerals, maps and map reading, and measurement and interpretation of geologic features. Field trips. [NMCNNS GEOL 1114: General Education Area III]
ERTH 120
Introductory Oceanography
3 credits
3 class hours
Offered spring semester, odd‐numbered years
An introduction to the oceans, including aspects of physical, geological, and biological oceanography. Focus is on presentation of science in a social context. Topics include: origin and evolution of ocean basins and marine sediments; ocean currents, waves, tides, and sea level; beaches, shorelines, and coastal processes; marine life; climate; marine resources, pollution, and human impacts on the ocean.
ERTH 120L
Oceanography Laboratory
1 credit
3 lab hours
Corequisite: ERTH 120
Hands‐on laboratory exercises in oceanographic processes, including mapping of ocean basins and bathymetry, sediments and deposition, waves, salinity and thermohaline processes, tides, and marine ecosystems.
ERTH 130
Spaceship Earth
3 credit
3 class hours
Offered on demand
Study of Earth as an immense system composed of a gigantic rocky mass, a planet‐dominating ocean, an active atmosphere, and an abundance of life. Consideration of subsystems interacting across time and space. Discussion of possible mechanisms that may control this megasystem including controversial topics, e.g. co‐evolution, homeostatic feedback mechanisms, and the Gaia Hypothesis.
ERTH 130L
Spaceship Earth Laboratory
1 credit
3 lab hours
Corequisite: ERTH 130
Laboratory and field demonstrations of principles of global biogeochemical cycles and the interaction of life with its planetary home.
ERTH 140
Water in the Rise and Fall of Civilizations
3 credits
3 class hours
Offered on demand
A survey of how water resources have nurtured the rise of civilizations and how changes in, or misuse of, these resources have led to their demise. The impact of hydrologic extremes such as floods and droughts on social sustainability will also be examined. Case studies from the ancient to the modern world will be considered in the context of the underlying hydrological processes and their environmental and social ramifications.
ERTH 140L
Water in the Rise and Fall of Civilizations Laboratory
1 credit
3 lab hours
Corequisite: ERTH 140 Offered on demand
Laboratory and field exercises in hydrologic processes including flood forecasting, erosion, salinization, and groundwater overdraft.
ERTH 150
The Catastrophic Earth: An Introduction to Natural Hazards
3 credits
3 class hours
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years
A survey of natural hazards—such as earthquakes, volcanoes, slope failures, severe weather, asteroid impacts, and fire—and their societal implications. Scientific principles such as plate tectonics, volcanology, weather, space science, and statistics of hazard occurrences, as well as topical discussions of natural hazards in the news.
ERTH 150L
Catastrophic Earth Laboratory
1 credit
3 lab hours
Corequisite: ERTH 150
Laboratory exercises dealing with natural hazards, including locating recent earthquakes using seismograms, combining maps of earthquake and volcanic hazards with statistical hazard information, estimating flood recurrence for rivers, and tracking hurricanes using meteorological data.
ERTH 200
Introduction to Mineralogy
4 credits
3 class hrs, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: a 100‐level ERTH course, ERTH 101L, CHEM 121, CHEM 121L
Offered spring semester.
An introduction to minerals, including identification in hand samples and thin sections, crystal structures, physical properties, chemical compositions, occurrences and uses. Lab will focus on mineral identification by physical and optical properties.
ERTH 201
Geobiology
4 credits
3 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: a 100‐level ERTH course Corequisite: ERTH 101L
Offered on demand
Consideration of life and its impact on the Earth System over the course of Earth history including its preserved geochemical and fossil remains, study of the observable geological effects of life processes and in turn the impact of geological, hydrological, and atmospheric effects on the origins and subsequent evolution of life. Field trips.
ERTH 202
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
4 credits
3 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: Any ERTH 100 level class Corequisite: ERTH 101L
Offered fall semester, odd‐numbered years
A study of the interactions between the atmosphere and the internal heat of the Earth which result in the development of landscapes observable at the Earth’s surface today. Topics will include atmospheric circulation, climate, fluvial processes, and the record of paleoclimate contained in the landscape. Field trips.
ERTH 203
Earth’s Crust: Materials, Processes, and Dynamics
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: a 100‐level ERTH course and ERTH 101L
Offered spring semester
Overview of the evolution of the crust of the Earth, the major rock types and processes that form it, and the main methods used to study it. Topics include sedimentology, petrology, structural geology, geochronology, subsurface fluid flow, and petroleum geology. Field trips.
ERTH 204
Introduction to Whole Earth Structure and Composition
4 credits
3 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: a 100‐level ERTH course Corequisite: ERTH 101L
Offered fall semester, even‐numbered years
Introduction to geophysical and geochemical methods used to study the deep Earth. Formation, composition and internal structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, gravitational and magnetic fields, heat flow and thermal history, earthquakes, and interaction of Earth systems with emphasis on the crust, mantle and core. Introduction to mantle convection, geochemical reservoirs, and mantle plumes. Field trips.
ERTH 325
Near‐Surface Geophysics
3 credit
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: PHYS 121; a 100‐level ERTH course and associated lab
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years.
Theory and practice of geophysical methods for exploring the shallow subsurface, with emphasis on electromagnetic methods including resistivity, EM conductivity, ground‐penetrating radar, and magnetic field strength. Applications to environmental hazards, hydrogeological features, and/or archaeology are emphasized in a hands‐on, field‐oriented approach.
ERTH 340
Global Climate Change: Origins and Impacts
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: MATH 132, PHYS 122
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years
How is global warming affecting the occurrence of floods and droughts, and human development influencing their severity and extent? This class will provide an introduction to the global hydrologic cycle and the potential changes caused by global climate change in the presence of a growing human population. Examples of recent research pointing to an accelerated hydrologic cycle will be discussed, including remote sensing and numerical modeling studies. Implications for sustainable human development and ecosystems will be explored, especially for the semi arid Southwest.
ERTH 360
Earth Resources and Environmental Issues
3 credit
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: Any 100‐level ERTH class with associated lab Offered fall semester, on demand
Overview of the economics, geologic occurrence and extraction of earth resources. Coverage includes metallic, non ‐metallic, and energy resources, soils and groundwater, and the environmental impacts related to their use and extraction. Field trip.
ERTH 380
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
4 credits
3 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 200, 203, CHEM 121, CHEM 122
Offered spring semesters, odd‐numbered years
Origin, occurrence, identification and description of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Topics covered include fractional crystallization and melting processes, physical and chemical properties of magmas, granitic batholiths, metamorphic facies and their key mineral assemblages, metamorphic rock fabrics, and qualitative determination of P‐T‐t paths recorded by metamorphic rocks. Binary and ternary phase diagrams will be introduced and used. Examination and identification of igneous and metamorphic rocks and minerals and their salient textures in thin section and hand samples.
ERTH 384
Stratigraphy
1 credit
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 203
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years
Survey of lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic principles. Topics include seismic and sequence stratigraphy and stratigraphic modeling. Weekend field trip required. Meets with ERTH 385 for the first third of the semester.
ERTH 385
Stratigraphy and Paleontology
3 credit
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 203
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years
Continuation of paleontologic and stratigraphic principles; survey of geologically important invertebrate biota preserved as fossils; their modes of preservation, collection techniques, taxonomy, evolution, paleobiology and paleoecology; overview of the late Precambrian and Phanerozoic biotic and stratigraphic histories in the context of North American tectonics. Weekend field trips required.
ERTH 390
Principles of Geochemistry
3 credit
3 class hours
Prerequisites: CHEM 122 and ERTH 200
Offered fall semester
Application of chemical principles to geologic processes. Topics include mineral and rock chemistry, aqueous geochemistry and geochronology.
ERTH 401
Computational Methods for Geoscientists
2 credits
1 class hour, 1 lab hour
Prerequisites: Any ERTH class, Any MATH class
Offered fall semester
Modern computational tools to organize, manipulate, analyze and plot data of various origins. The course begins with some background on how to break large tasks into manageable subproblems, moves into standard features of modern programming languages, and familiarizes students with both Linux command line tools and a higher order programming language. Tools for map making and image manipulation are included as well as the generation of a basic website. Shares lecture with GEOL 501/GEOP 501 with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 403
Introduction to Soils
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite or Corequisite: ERTH 202
Offered spring semester
Introduction to soil formation, pedogenic processes, and soil description and mapping techniques. Meets with GEOL 503.
ERTH 407
Hydrogeochemistry
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 122
Pre‐ or Corequisite: ERTH 440
Offered fall semesters
The thermodynamics and aqueous chemistry of natural waters, with emphasis on groundwater. Chemical equilibrium concepts, surface chemistry, redox reactions, and biochemistry. The interaction of water with the atmosphere and geologic materials. Basic concepts applied to problems of groundwater quality evolution, water use, and groundwater contamination. Shares lecture with GEOC 507, HYD 507, and CHEM 531 with additional expectations for graduate credit. (Same as CHEM 431.)
ERTH 408
Cooperative Education
On‐the‐job training to supplement the academic program. Students alternate periods (usually six months long) of full‐time semi professional employment in their chosen field with periods of full‐time academic study.
ERTH 409
Soil Geomorphology
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 202 and 403; or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
Discussion of the use of soils to interpret the rate and timing of geomorphic processes and changing environmental parameters. Field trips.
ERTH 411, 411D
Groundwater Hydrology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 440
Offered alternate spring semesters
Study of the occurrence, movement, and chemical and isotopic composition of groundwater. Hydrogeologic properties. Groundwater recharge and stream/aquifer interaction, flow net and hydrograph analysis. Groundwater exploration using geologic and geophysical methods. Groundwater in different geological, climate, and physiographic regimes. Characterization of groundwater using stable isotopes and major ion analysis. Physics of flow to wells, steady‐state and transient solutions to well hydraulics equations, image well theory, responses of aquifers to perturbations. Role of groundwater in contaminant migration and heat transfer. Shares lecture with HYD 511, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 412
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
3 credit
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Offered on Demand
An introduction to the concepts of geographic information systems (GIS). Theoretical background to GIS; introduction to the nature and analysis of spatial data. ArcView and/or ArcGIS. Shares lecture with GEOL 512, with additional expectations for graduate credit. Same as ENVS 412.
ERTH 413, 413D
Watershed Dynamics & Ecohydrology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 440
Offered alternate spring semesters
Processes governing hydrological flow rates and pathways through watershed systems: Hillslope runoff production and in‐channel flood routing. Emphasis on physical mechanisms and their treatment in models, as well as observations made in the field. Interactions between terrestrial plants and water, nutrients, and light resources in semiarid ecosystems and riparian zones. Vegetation induced flow roughness, ecohydrological processes and dynamics, and simple numerical models. Shares lecture with HYD 513, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 414, 414D
Vadose Zone Hydrology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 440
Offered alternate fall semesters
Physics of unsaturated flow in porous media, multiphase flow, potentials and water retention, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, transient flow problems. Mathematical modeling of variable‐density flow. Analysis of slope stability, drainage through mine tailings and rock pules, hazardous waste migration soil moisture controls on evapotranspiration and vegetation growth. Shares lecture with HYD 514, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 424
Sedimentary Petrography
3 credits
4 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 200, 202, 203 or consent of instructor
Offered Spring Semesters, on demand
Petrographic analysis and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, with emphasis on siliciclastics. Topics include: grain identification and provenance, identification of diagenetic minerals and textures, and interpretation of porosity and permeability characteristics.
ERTH 425
Carbonate Sedimentology and Diagenesis
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 200, 202 and 203 or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
This class covers the basics of carbonate sedimentation and diagenesis and looks at the evolution of carbonate sediments through geologic time (from Precambrian to recent). Included in the class are discussions of the impact of diagenesis on petroleum reservoir and aquifer potential. Shares lecture with GEOL 525 with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 427
Carbon Sequestration Science
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: Math 132, Chem 122, Phys 122, one 100‐level ERTH course
Offered on demand
Overview of geological carbon sequestration. Topics include: Earth’s changing climate, sources and sinks of greenhouse gases, carbon capture, reservoirs and caprocks, physical and aqueous chemistry of CO2. Field trips.
ERTH 430
Active Tectonics
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 202, 203
Offered on demand
Study of Quaternary faults, including basic field techniques, tectonic geomorphology from fault scarps to mountain fronts, pa erns of faulting, structural analysis of faults in alluvium, relation of surface to subsurface structures, paleoseismology, and review of Quaternary dating methods.
ERTH 431
Exploration Geochemistry
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 380; ERTH 462
Pre‐ or Corequisite: ERTH 412 or equivalent
Offered spring semester on demand
An introduction to the generation, evaluation, and interpretation of geochemical datasets used in mineral exploration. Overview of trace element behavior in geologic environments from a mineral exploration perspective. Sampling methodology and media, analytical techniques, data quality evaluation, and report writing. Field trip. Shares lecture with GEOC 531, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 432
Interdisciplinary Field Research
3 credits
8 lab hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Offered fall semester on demand
Introduction to field‐based research. Activities include proposal writing, data collection, interpretation, and preparation of a written report. Field work is an important part of the course, and hiking is required. The course is team‐taught by several instructors.
ERTH 434, 434D
Introduction to Remote Sensing
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 122 or 132 or consent of instructor
Introduction to the theory and practical use of remotely sensed satellite images. Principles of radiation physics; sensor systems; data acquisition; image analysis; classification schemes. Remote sensing applications to atmospheric sciences, hydrology, mineral and oil exploration, natural hazards monitoring, and land and resources management. Become familiar with ERDAS Imagine remote sensing software. Laboratory exercises deal primarily with computer analysis of remotely‐sensed images with some field exercises. Shares lecture/lab with GEOL/ GEOP/HYD 534, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 436
Advanced Remote Sensing
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 434 or HYD 534 or GEOL 534
This class deals with quantitative remote sensing for determination of the components of the energy balance (net radiation, latent and sensible heat fluxes, soil heat flux) and soil moisture, hyperspectral and multispectral image processing, radar and microwave imagery. In addition, advanced applications for geology, geophysics and geochemistry will be discussed. Shares lecture/lab with GEOL/HYD 536, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 437
Volcanology Field Trip
1‐6 credit hours
Offered on demand
Field trip to study volcanic rocks in a specific area or volcanological processes at an active volcano. A weekly seminar will precede a one‐to two‐week field trip. A paper is required. A student may register for the class more than once for a total of six credit hours.
ERTH 440, 440D
Hydrological Theory and Field Methods
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: MATH 132, PHYS 132
Offered fall semester
Fundamentals of hydrological flow and transport will be presented. Precipitation, runoff processes, and flood generation. Capillarity, unsaturated flow, and infiltration. Laws of flow in porous media, hydraulic storage, and flow to wells.
ERTH 440L
Hydrological Theory and Field Methods Laboratory
1 credit
3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MATH 132, PHYS 122 132; Co‐ or prerequisite: ERTH 440
Offered fall semester
Laboratory and field exercises that demonstrate and implement fundamental concepts of the hydrological cycle.
ERTH 444
Principles of Isotope Geochemistry
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: CHEM 122; ERTH 203
Offered spring semester
Principles of radiogenic isotope geochemistry and applications to geologic dating and to the petrogenesis of rock suites. Shares lecture with GEOC 544, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 445
Petroleum Exploration Geophysics
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: PHYS 121 or equivalent; a 100‐level ERTH course and associated lab; upper‐class standing
Offered fall semester, odd‐numbered years
An introductory course on seismic refraction and reflection imaging of the subsurface, with applications for petroleum, crustal and environmental problems. This course covers methods of data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. Topics include: survey geometries, data editing techniques, amplitude recovery, (bandpass) filtering, deconvolution, velocity analysis and migration, well log to seismic ties, contour maps, time‐to‐depth conversion. Designed for students with a range of Earth science and engineering backgrounds. Shares lecture with GEOL/GEOP 545 with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 447
Depositional Systems and Basin Analysis
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 202 and ERTH 203
Offered fall semester
Discussion of the spectrum of modern and ancient depositional environments and their relationships to tectonic settings. Shares lecture with GEOL 547, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 448
General Geophysics
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: PHYS 122; a 100‐level ERTH course and associated lab; upper‐class standing
Offered fall, even‐numbered years
An introduction to the general field of solid Earth geophysics. Subjects covered are the origin of the Earth; structure and internal properties of the Earth; gravity, magnetic, and temperature fields of the Earth; origin of the Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and surface features.
ERTH 449
Astrobiology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: CHEM 122, PHYSICS 122, plus one other science course and consent of instructor.
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years
An in–depth and interdisciplinary study of astrobiology, including interactions between living and nonliving systems at multiple scales: stellar, planetary, meso, and microscopic. Addresses fundamental questions regarding the origin of life, and the possible extent and distribution of life in the universe. Combines principles of astrophysics, geosciences, planetary science, chemistry, and biology. Innovative interactive exercises and projects working in interdisciplinary groups and individually. Shares lecture with GEOL 549, with additional expectations for graduate credit. (Same as BIOL 449/549)
ERTH 450
Cave and Karst Systems
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: CHEM 121 & 122; and either a 100‐level ERTH course with associated lab, or BIOL 111
Offered fall semester, odd‐numbered years
A system‐based study of caves and karstic terrains over time including formation mechanisms (speleogenesis), hydrology, geochemistry, mineralogy, and geomicrobiology. Emphasis on caves as interactive microcosms cross‐cutting many disciplines. Shares lecture with GEOL 550, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 450L
Cave and Karst Lab
1 credit
3 lab hours
Corequisite: ERTH 450
Offered spring semester, even years
Survey of techniques applicable to various aspects of speleology and karst studies. Project‐based lab, developed for each student in consultation with instructor. Shares lab with GEOL 550L, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 453
Intermediate Structural Geology
4 credits
3 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 203; PHYS 121; MATH 131
Offered fall semester, odd‐numbered years.
Builds on basics of structural geology taught in ERTH 203. Elements of fault, fold, and rock mechanics; strain analysis and inference of stress in Earth’s crust; construction of balanced, kinematically viable cross sections; brittle and ductile shear‐sense indicators in faults and shear zones. Shares lecture and lab with GEOL 553 with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 454
Tectonics
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 101 and 101L, ERTH 203 and ERTH 204 (or equivalents) or consent of instructor Recommended: ERTH 380, ERTH 453
Offered fall semester
An overview of global and orogen‐scale tectonics and tectonic processes, including: historical development of concepts, methods to constrain, describe and model crustal and lithospheric strength, plate boundary types, formation and destruction of ocean lithosphere, and continental tectonics (ocean‐continent and continent‐continent convergence, strike‐slip margins, extensional tectonics and passive‐margin development). Shares lecture with GEOL 554, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 455
Geodetic Methods and Modeling
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: MATH 254
Corequisite: ERTH 401 or GEOP 501 or consent of instructor
Offered fall semester in odd years on demand
Theory and application of modern geodetic tools to measure Earth’s surface deformation with emphasis on GPS and InSAR. Data processing from raw data to kinematic products. Evaluation of signals and modeling of their sources. Applications range from magma system characterization and analysis of slip during an earthquake to interseismic strain analysis and evaluation of changes in the hydrosphere such as glacial melt, seasonal precipitation effects and groundwater level monitoring. Shares lecture with GEOP 555, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 456
Volcanology
3 credits
2–3 class hours, 1–3 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 380 or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
Detailed studies of volcanic process, pyroclastic rocks and mechanism of volcanic eruptions. Field trips to nearby volcanic regions. Shares lecture and field work with GEOL 556, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 459
Geodynamics
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 203 or 204
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years
How does the Earth deform? Theory of mantle convection, rheology of the mantle and lithosphere, lithosphere deformation, heat transport in the Earth, and melting. Emphasis is on current controversies in geodynamics, and the formulation of mathematical models that explain the physical observations. Shares lecture with GEOL/GEOP 559 with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 460
Subsurface and Petroleum Geology
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 203
Offered spring semester
Principles of subsurface geology, geophysics, and basin analysis applied to petroleum systems. Topics include: composition, movement, and entrapment of petroleum; subsurface fluid pressure regimes (hydrostatic and dynamic); thermal evolution of sedimentary basins and petroleum source rock analysis; geodynamics of sedimentary and rock properties. Laboratory work includes measurements of porosity and permeability, structure contouring, pore pressure analysis of evolving sedimentary basins, bore hole correlation using geophysical well logs, reservoir volumetric calculations, construction of geologic cross sections; well hydraulics, and petroleum system modeling.
ERTH 461
Reservoir and Caprock Analysis
3 credits
2 class hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 202 and ERTH 203 or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
The class focuses on the role of sedimentary and structural heterogeneities in controlling porosity, permeability, and fluid flow in the subsurface. Topics include controls on conventional and unconventional reservoir quality and performance, evaluating caprock integrity, and the influence of faults and fracture networks on fluid flow. Applications to petroleum geology, petroleum engineering, carbon sequestration, and hydrology. There is a mandatory field trip associated with the class, which involves camping and moderately strenuous hiking on uneven ground. Shares lecture with GEOL 561, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ERTH 462
Mineral Deposits
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 200
Offered fall semester
Geologic and geochemical characteristics of metallic mineral deposits; theories of origin and classification.
ERTH 468
Evolution of the Earth
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 203, 204
Offered spring semester, even years
Origin of the solar system and of the Earth; the evolution of continents, atmosphere, and oceans; comparative planetary evolution; tectonic regimes in geologic history.
ERTH 480
Field Methods in Earth Science
6 credits
Prerequisites: ERTH 200, 203, 380 and 384 or 385. ERTH 202 and 453 recommended.
Offered summers (6 weeks); NMT students should register for this course in the spring semester.
Collection, processing, and interpretation of field data developed by geologic mapping in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic terrane. Presentation of geologic reports involving maps, cross sections, and sample data.
ERTH 483
Field Methods in Earth Science I
2 credits
Prerequisites: ERTH 200, 203, 384 or 385
Offered Summers (2 weeks); NMT students should register for this course in the spring semester.
Collection, processing and interpretation of geological data from stratified rocks, collected by geologic mapping and other means. Presentation of geologic reports involving stratigraphic sections, maps, cross sections, and other data.
ERTH 484
Field Methods in Earth Science II
2 credits
Prerequisites: ERTH 483; ERTH 202 or equivalent recommended
Offered summers (2 weeks); NMT students should register for this course in the spring semester.
Collection, processing and interpretation of geological data from landforms and unconsolidated regolith, collected by geologic mapping and other means. Presentation of geologic reports involving maps, cross sections, and other data.
ERTH 485
Field Methods in Earth Science III
2 credits
Prerequisites: ERTH 380, 483; ERTH 453 recommended
Offered summers (2 weeks); NMT students should register for this course in the spring semester.
Collection, processing and interpretation of geological data from igneous, metamorphic and/or structurally complex rocks. Presentation of geologic reports involving maps, cross sections, and other data.
ERTH 486
Field Methods in Hydrology
2 credits
Prerequisites: ERTH 440 and one of ERTH 411, ERTH 413 or ERTH 414, or consent of instructor.
Offered summers (2 weeks); NMT students should register for this course in the spring semester.
Instrumentation and methodologies used in hydrological investigations in a field setting. Course topics may range across a variety of physical and chemical hydrological techniques in vadose, groundwater and surface hydrology Examples of potential topical areas include, but are not limited to, aquifer, lake and stream sample collection, storage and analysis, aquifer and watershed characterization; discharge measurements and tracer tests; land surface‐atmosphere flux; groundwater geophysics measurements; and hydrologic field campaigns.
ERTH 491, 491D
Special Topics
Credit hours to be arranged
Individual directed study in Earth Sciences.
ERTH 492
Senior Thesis
3 credits
Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA in Earth science courses and consent of instructor
Individual research under the direction of a faculty member. Two semesters are usually necessary to complete the research project. Grading will be based on a written report which details the research goals, data collected, interpretation, and conclusions.
ERTH 493
Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Offered fall and spring semesters
Seminar presentations by faculty, students, and outside speakers. Provides a broad overview of current Earth Science research and directions. Graded on S/U basis. Satisfactory performance consists of regular a endance at approved seminars. Credit may not be applied toward degree requirements. Shares lecture with GEOC 593, GEOL 593, GEOP 593, HYD 593, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ENVS 412, 412D
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Offered Spring semester on demand
An introduction to the concepts of geographic information systems (GIS). Theoretical background to GIS; introduction to the nature and analysis of spatial data. ArcView and/or ArcGIS. Shares lecture with GEOL 512, with additional expectations for graduate credit. Same as ERTH 412.
ENVS 438
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Advanced topics in geographic information systems (GIS) with a focus on applications in environmental sciences. Emphasis on theoretical aspects and practical applications of GIS science and technology and its integration with remote sensing data and field measurements. Computing exercises and programming projects utilizing GIS software. Discussion of GIS integration with environmental modeling. Shares lecture with GEOL/HYD 538, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
ENVS 472
Senior Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Offered in spring semester
Undergraduate students in Environmental Science are required to give one seminar on research resulting from the paper written for 491 or 492.
Geology Graduate Classes
GEOL 500
Directed Research
Credit hours to be arranged
This course may not be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
Research under the guidance of a faculty member.
GEOL 501
Computational Methods for Geoscientists
2 credits
1 class hours, 1 lab hours
Prerequisite: Any ERTH class, Any MATH class
Offered fall semester
Modern computational tools to organize, manipulate, analyze and plot data of various origins. The course begins with some background on how to break large tasks into manageable subproblems, moves into standard features of modern programming languages, and familiarizes students with both Linux command line tools and a higher order programming language. Tools for map making and image manipulation are included as well as the generation of a basic website. Shares lectures and labs with ERTH 401, with additional expectations for graduate credit. Same as GEOP 501.
GEOL 503
Introduction to Soils
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 202 or 203; or consent of instructor
Offered fall semester
Introduction to soil formation, pedogenic processes, and soil description and mapping techniques. Shares lecture/ lab with ERTH 405 with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 509
Soil Geomorphology
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 202 and 403; or consent of instructor
Offered spring semester, alternate years
Discussion of the use of soils to interpret the rate and timing of geomorphic processes and changing environmental parameters. Field trips. Shares lecture/lab with ERTH 409, but is graded separately and additional graduate‐level work is required.
GEOL 512, 512D
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Offered Spring semester on demand
An introduction to the concepts of geographic information systems (GIS). Theoretical background to GIS; introduction to the nature and analysis of spatial data. ArcView and/or ArcGIS. Shares lecture with ERTH/ENVS 412, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 524
Sedimentary Petrography
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Offered spring semester, alternate years
Petrographic analysis and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, with emphasis on siliciclastics. Topics include: grain identification and provenance, identification of diagenetic minerals and textures, and interpretation of porosity and permeability characteristics. Shares lecture/lab with ERTH 424, but is graded separately and additional graduate‐ level work is required.
GEOL 525
Carbonate Sedimentology and Diagenesis
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructors
Offered fall semester, alternate years
This class covers the basics of carbonate sedimentation and diagenesis and looks at the evolution of carbonate sediments through geologic time (from Precambrian to recent). Included in the class are discussions of the impact of diagenesis on petroleum reservoir and aquifer potential. Shares lecture with ERTH 425 with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 530
Active Tectonics
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 202, 203, or consent of instructor
Offered in alternate years
Study of Quaternary faults, including basic field techniques, tectonic geomorphology from fault scarps to mountain fronts, pa erns of faulting, structural analysis of faults in alluvium, relation of surface to subsurface structures, paleoseismology, and review of Quaternary dating methods. Shares lecture/lab with ERTH 430, but is graded separately and additional graduate‐level work is required.
GEOL 532
Interdisciplinary Field Research
3 credits
8 lab hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor Offered fall semester
Introduction to field‐based research. Activities include proposal writing, data collection, interpretation, and preparation of a written report. Field work is an important part of the course, and hiking is required. The course is team‐taught by several instructors. Shares lecture/lab with ERTH 432, but is graded separately, and additional graduate‐level work is required.
GEOL 534
Introduction to Remote Sensing
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 122 or consent of instructor
Introduction to the theory and practical use of remotely sensed satellite images. Principles of radiation physics; sensor systems; data acquisition; image analysis; classification schemes. Remote sensing applications to atmospheric sciences, hydrology, mineral and oil exploration, natural hazards monitoring, and land and resources management. Become familiar with ERDAS Imagine remote sensing software.Laboratory exercises deal primarily with computer analysis of remotely‐sensed images with some field exercises. Shares lecture/lab, with ERTH 434, with additional expectations for graduate credit. (Same as GEOP/HYD 534)
GEOL 536
Advanced Remote Sensing
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 434 or HYD 534 or GEOL 534
This class deals with quantitative remote sensing for determination of the components of the energy balance (net radiation, latent and sensible heat fluxes, soil heat flux) and soil moisture, hyperspectral and multispectral image processing, radar and microwave imagery. In addition, advanced applications for geology, geophysics and geochemistry will be discussed. Shares lecture/lab with ERTH 436, with additional expectations for graduate credit. (Same as HYD 536)
GEOL 538
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Advanced topics in geographic information systems (GIS) with a focus on applications in environmental sciences. Emphasis on theoretical aspects and practical applications of GIS science and technology and its integration with remote sensing data and field measurements. Computing exercises and programming projects utilizing GIS software. Discussion of GIS integration with environmental modeling. Shares lecture with ENVS 438, with additional expectations for graduate credit. (Same as HYD 538)
GEOL 540
Clastic and Carbonate Diagenesis
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Offered spring semester, alternate years
Discussion of clastic and carbonate diagenesis. Topics include: mineralogy and chemistry of authigenic minerals, rock‐water interaction, mass transfer, influence of bacteria on diagenetic reactions, application of isotopes, diagenetic controls on porosity and permeability, and influence of depositional environment and detrital mineralogy on diagenesis.
GEOL 545
Petroleum Exploration Geophysics
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: PHYS 121 or equivalent; a 100‐level ERTH course and associated lab; upper‐class standing
Offered fall semester, odd‐numbered years
An introductory course on seismic refraction and reflection imaging of the subsurface, with applications for petroleum, crustal and environmental problems. This course covers methods of data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. Topics include: survey geometries, data editing techniques, amplitude recovery, (bandpass) filtering, deconvolution, velocity analysis and migration, well log to seismic ties, contour maps, time‐to‐depth conversion. Designed for students with a range of Earth science and engineering backgrounds. Shares lecture with ERTH 445 with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 547
Depositional Systems and Basin Analysis
3 credits, 3 class hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Offered fall semester
Discussion of the spectrum of modern and ancient depositional environments and their relationships to tectonic settings.
GEOL 549
Astrobiology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
Offered on demand
An in‐depth and interdisciplinary study of astrobiology, including between living and nonliving systems at multiple scales: stellar, planetary, meso, and microscopic. Addresses fundamental questions regarding the origin of life, and the possible extent and distribution of life in the universe. Combines principles of astrophysics and astronomy, geosciences and planetary science, chemistry and bioscience. Innovative interactive exercises and projects working in interdisciplinary groups and individually. Shares lecture with ERTH/BIOL 449 (astrobiology), with additional expectations for graduate credit. Same as GEOC 549.
GEOL 550, 550D
Cave and Karst Systems
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: CHEM 121 & 122; and either any 100 level ERTH or BIOL 111
Offered spring semester, even years
A system‐based study of caves and karstic terrains over time including formation mechanisms (speleogenesis), hydrology, geochemistry, mineralogy, and geomicrobiology. Emphasis on caves as interactive microcosms cross‐ cu ing many disciplines. Shares lecture with ERTH 450, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 550L
Cave and Karst Lab
1 credit
3 lab hours
Corequisite: GEOL 550
Offered spring semester, even years
Survey of techniques applicable to various aspects of speleology and karst studies. Project‐based lab, developed for each student in consultation with instructor. Shares lab with ERTH 450L, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 551
Industrial Minerals
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Offered alternate years
Study of basic concepts of production and use of industrial minerals in modern society. Emphasis on complex interactions between economics, geology, processing, marketing, and transportation. Selected industrial minerals studied in detail. Several field trips to operations and occurrences. (Same as ME 551)
GEOL 553
Intermediate Structural Geology
4 credits
3 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 203; PHYS 121; MATH 131 or consent of instructor.
Offered alternate years.
For entering graduate students lacking undergraduate structural geology background. Elements of fault, fold, and rock mechanics; strain analysis and inference of stress in Earth’s crust; construction of balanced, kinematically viable cross sections; bri le and ductile shear‐sense indicators in faults and shear zones. Shares lecture and lab with ERTH 453, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 554
Tectonics
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 101 and 101L, ERTH 203 and ERTH 204 (or equivalents) or consent of instructor Recommended: ERTH 380, ERTH 453
Offered fall semester
An overview of global and orogen‐scale tectonics and tectonic processes, including: historical development of concepts, methods to constrain, describe and model crustal and lithospheric strength, plate boundary types, formation and destruction of ocean lithosphere, and continental tectonics (ocean‐continent and continent‐continent convergence, strike‐slip margins, extensional tectonics and passive‐margin development). Shares lecture with ERTH 454, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 556
Volcanology
3 credits
2‐3 class hours, 1‐3 lab hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 380 or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
Detailed studies of volcanic processes, pyroclastic rocks and mechanism of volcanic eruptions. Field trips to nearby volcanic fields. Shares lecture and field work with ERTH 456, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 558
Mechanics of Earthquakes and Faulting
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 453 or equivalent and graduate standing; or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
Observational and theoretical aspects of brittle failure in the Earth. Fracture mechanics; fault zone geometry and structure; earthquake sources; paleoseismic studies; seismic hazard assessments. (Same as GEOP 558)
GEOL 559
Geodynamics
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years
How does the Earth deform? Theory of mantle convection, rheology of the mantle and lithosphere, lithosphere deformation, heat transport in the Earth, and melting. Emphasis is on current controversies in geodynamics, and the formulation of mathematical models that explain the physical observations. Shares lecture with ERTH 459, with additional expectations for graduate credit. Same as GEOP 559.
GEOL 561
Reservoir and Caprock Analysis
3 credits
2 class hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
The class focuses on the role of sedimentary and structural heterogeneities in controlling porosity, permeability, and fluid flow in the subsurface. Topics include controls on conventional and unconventional reservoir quality and performance, evaluating caprock integrity, and the influence of faults and fracture networks on fluid flow. Applications to petroleum geology, petroleum engineering, carbon sequestration, and hydrology. There is a mandatory field trip associated with the class, which involves camping and moderately strenuous hiking on uneven ground. Shares lecture with ERTH 461, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOL 562
Fluvial Geomorphology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 440
Offered in alternate spring semesters
Interactions of water and sediment flow in fluvial systems. Sediment transport rates and particle size dependence. Physical controls on channel morphology, bedforms, and microhabitat distribution. Hydraulic geometry and bank‐full flow analysis, with implications for floodplain development. Basin morphometric relationships with climate and flood routing. Case studies of fluvial system response to disturbances such as wildfire, avulsion, land use change, climate change, and stream restoration. (Same as HYD 562)
GEOL 566
Regional Tectonics
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
Study of major orogenic belts and processes of orogeny, with emphasis on the tectonic evolution of western North America. Fundamentals of plate tectonics, relationships between plate tectonics and orogeny.
GEOL 571, 571D, 572, 572D,
Advanced Topics in Geology
2–3 credit hours
Study of a special topic in geology, normally one related to a field of research at Tech.
GEOL 581
Directed Study
Credit hours to be arranged
Study under the guidance of a member of the geology staff. In general, subject matter will supplement that available in the other graduate offerings in geology.
GEOL 590
Independent Study
Credit hours to be arranged
Organized independent student research coordinated with a faculty member and documented in a final written report.
GEOL 591
Thesis (master’s program)
Credit hours to be arranged
GEOL 592
Graduate Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Offered spring semesters
Seminar presentations by graduate students on their current research topics. M.S. students must present at least one seminar; Ph.D. students must present at least one seminar in each of two different semesters. Graded on S/U basis; credits earned may not be applied towards the 30 credits required for the M.S. degree. (Same as GEOB 592, GEOC 592, GEOP 592, HYD 592)
GEOL 593
Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Offered fall and spring semesters
Seminar presentations by faculty, students, and outside speakers. Graded on S/U basis. Satisfactory performance consists of regular a endance at approved seminars. Credit earned may not be applied towards the 30 credits required for the M.S. degree. (Same as GEOB 593, GEOC 593, GEOP 593, HYD 593)
GEOL 595
Dissertation (doctoral degree program)
Credit hours to be arranged
Prerequisite: Successful completion of PhD candidacy exam and Academic Advisor recommendation for candidacy.
Geobiology Graduate Classes
GEOB 500
Directed Research
Credit hours to be arranged
This course may not be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
Research under the guidance of a faculty member.
GEOB 503
Advanced Geobiology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 201, CHEM 121, CHEM 122, BIOL 111, BIOL 112, or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
Consideration of the interactions between biology and the earth sciences on an advanced level. Microorganisms and metazoans have exerted enormous impact on the development of Earth’s crust, oceans, and atmosphere over the course of the planet’s history. In turn, the physical and chemical components of the planet have shaped the development of the biota and its evolution. In depth treatment of multiple lines of evidence including geochemical traces, fossil remains, molecular phylogenies, atmospheric and aqueous chemistries, and numerical modeling of relevant processes.
GEOB 592
Graduate Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Offered spring semesters
Seminar presentations by graduate students on their current research topics. M.S. students must present at least one seminar; Ph.D. students must present at least one seminar in each of two different semesters. Graded on S/U basis; credits earned may not be applied towards the 30 credits required for the M.S. degree (same as GEOC 592, GEOL 592, GEOP 592, HYD 592)
GEOB 593
Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Offered fall and spring semesters
Seminar presentations by faculty, students, and outside speakers. Graded on S/U basis. Satisfactory performance consists of regular a endance at approved seminars. Credit earned may not be applied towards the 30 credits required for the M.S. degree. (Same as GEOC 593, GEOL 593, GEOP 593, HYD 593)
GEOB 595
Dissertation (doctoral degree program)
Credit hours to be arranged.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of PhD candidacy exam and Academic Advisor recommendation for candidacy.
Geochemistry Graduate Classes
GEOC 500
Directed Research
Credit hours to be arranged
This course may not be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
Research under the guidance of a faculty member.
GEOC 507
Hydrogeochemistry
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 122 Corequisite: ERTH 440
The thermodynamics and aqueous chemistry of natural waters, with emphasis on groundwater. Chemical equilibrium concepts, surface chemistry, redox reactions, and biochemistry. The interaction of water with the atmosphere and geologic materials. Basic concepts applied to problems of groundwater quality evolution, water use, and groundwater contamination. Shares lecture with ERTH 407, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOC 516
40Ar/39Ar Geochronology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 444 or consent of instructor
Offered fall semester
Principles and applications of 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and thermochronology, with applications to geologic systems.
GEOC 517
Advanced 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology
3 credits
3 class hours
Advanced topics, specialized applications, and current research in 40Ar/39Ar geochronology.
GEOC 531
Exploration Geochemistry
3 credits
3 class hours
Pre‐ or Corequisite: ERTH 412 or equivalent
Offered spring semester on demand
An introduction to the generation, evaluation, and interpretation of geochemical datasets used in mineral exploration. Overview of trace element behavior in geologic environments from a mineral exploration perspective. Sampling methodology and media, analytical techniques, data quality evaluation, and report writing. Field trip. Shares lecture with ERTH 431, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOC 544
Principles of Isotope Geochemistry
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 122; ERTH 200; ERTH 203
Offered spring semester
Principles of radiogenic isotope geochemistry and applications to geologic dating and to the petrogenesis of rock suites. Shares lecture with ERTH , with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOC 546
Contaminant Hydrology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: ERTH 440, HYD 507 Corequisite: HYD 508
Offered alternate fall semesters
The physics, chemistry, and biology of inorganic, organic, and microbial contaminants in groundwater and surface water systems. Mechanisms by which contaminants are introduced. Transport and transformations of contaminants in surface waters, the vadose zone, and the saturated zones. Movement, capillary trapping, and solubility of relatively immiscible organic liquids. Contaminant isolation and remediation techniques. (Same as HYD 546.)
GEOC 549
Astrobiology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years
An in–depth and interdisciplinary study of astrobiology, including interactions between living and nonliving systems at multiple scales: stellar, planetary, meso, and microscopic. Addresses fundamental questions regarding the origin of life, and the possible extent and distribution of life in the universe. Combines principles of astrophysics, geosciences, planetary science, chemistry, and biology. Innovative interactive exercises and projects working in interdisciplinary groups and individually. Shares lecture with ERTH 449, with additional expectations for graduate credit. (Same as GEOL 549)
GEOC 550
Cave and Karst Systems
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: CHEM 121 & 122; and either any 100 level ERTH or BIOL 111
Offered spring semester, even years
A system‐based study of caves and karstic terrains over time including formation mechanisms (speleogenesis), hydrology, geochemistry, mineralogy, and geomicrobiology. Emphasis on caves as interactive microcosms cross‐ cu ing many disciplines. Shares lecture with ERTH 450, with additional expectations for graduate credit. Same as GEOL 550.
GEOC 550L
Cave and Karst Lab
1 credit
3 lab hours
Corequisite: GEOL/GEOC 550
Offered spring semester, even years
Survey of techniques applicable to various aspects of speleology and karst studies. Project‐based lab, developed for each student in consultation with instructor. Shares lab with ERTH 450L, with additional expectations for graduate credit. Same as GEOL 550L.
GEOC 565
Stable Isotope Geochemistry
3 credits
3 class hours
Offered fall semester
Principles of stable isotope geochemistry with applications to geologic systems.
GEOC 567
Practical Aspects of Argon Mass Spectrometry
2 credits
2 class hour
Prerequisites: GEOC 516 or consent of instructor
Offered spring semester
Theory and application of noble gas mass spectrometry. Through lectures, problem sets, and laboratory exercises, students obtain hands‐on experience for analysis of geologic samples to determine sample age and/or thermal history. Each student conducts a research project and presents the results in written and oral reports.
GEOC 571, 571D, 572, 572D
Advanced Topics in Geochemistry
2 or 3 credits
Study of a special topic in geochemistry, normally one related to a field of research at Tech.
GEOC 575
Theory and Practice of Electron Microprobe Analysis
1 credit
Prerequisites: ERTH 380
Principles, techniques and applications of electron microprobe analysis of geological samples. Required for students who will use the electron microprobe as part of their research. Includes lecture and hands‐on sample preparation and analysis.
GEOC 581
Directed Study
Credit hours to be arranged
Study under the guidance of a member of the geochemistry staff. In general, subject ma er will supplement that available in the other graduate offerings in geochemistry.
GEOC 590
Independent Study
Credit hours to be arranged
Organized independent student research coordinated with a faculty member and documented in a final written report.
GEOC 591
Thesis (master’s program)
Credit hours to be arranged
GEOC 592
Graduate Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Offered spring semesters
Seminar presentations by graduate students on their current research topics. M.S. students must present at least one seminar; Ph.D. students must present at least one seminar in each of two different semesters. Graded on S/U basis; credits earned may not be applied towards the 30 credits required for the M.S. degree (same as GEOB 592, GEOL 592, GEOP 592, HYD 592)
GEOC 593
Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Offered fall and spring semesters
Seminar presentations by faculty, students, and outside speakers. Graded on S/U basis. Satisfactory performance consists of regular a endance at approved seminars. Credit earned may not be applied towards the 30 credits required for the M.S. degree. (Same as GEOB 593, GEOL 593, GEOP 593, HYD 593)
GEOC 595
Dissertation (doctoral degree program)
Credit hours to be arranged.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of PhD candidacy exam and Academic Advisor recommendation for candidacy.
Geophysics Graduate Classes
GEOP 500
Directed Research
Credits to be arranged
This course may not be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
Research under the guidance of a faculty member.
GEOP 501
Computational Methods for Geoscientists
2 credits
1 class hour, 1 lab hour
Prerequisite: Any ERTH class, Any MATH class
Offered fall semester
Modern computational tools to organize, manipulate, analyze and plot data of various origins. The course begins with some background on how to break large tasks into manageable subproblems, moves into standard features of modern programming languages, and familiarizes students with both Linux command line tools and a higher order programming language. Tools for map making and image manipulation are included as well as the generation of a basic website. Shares lectures and labs with ERTH 401, with additional expectations for graduate credit. Same as GEOL 501.
GEOP 505, 505D
Analysis of Time Series and Spatial Data
3 credits
3 class hours
Offered in alternate years
An introductory overview of methods for analyzing temporal and spatial series with an emphasis on scientific applications. Linear systems in continuous and discrete time, Fourier analysis, spectral estimation, convolution and deconvolution, filtering, the z and Laplace transforms, stationary and nonstationary time series, ARIMA modeling, forecasting, and generalizations to multidimensional and multichannel applications. (Same as MATH 587)
GEOP 520
Data‐Driven Modeling in Science and Engineering
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: MATH 283 or 382 and MATH 335 or consent of instructor
Statistical learning techniques and data assimilation for science and engineering applications. Focus is on the practical applications and the understanding of the assumptions underlying techniques, allowing students to learn the basics of useful tools for data‐driven modeling and revisit their theoretical and practical underpinnings as needed. Topics may include supervised and unsupervised learning, regression, classification, importance sampling, ensemble forecasting, and Kalman Filtering. The codes R and Python will be used. (Same a HYD520)
GEOP 523, 523D
Theoretical Seismology
3 credits
3 class hours
Offered in alternate years
Linear elastic wave theory including reflection and refraction of elastic waves, propagation of body and surface waves, free oscillations of an elastic sphere, seismic rays in a spherically‐stratified Earth, and earthquake mechanisms.
GEOP 524
Observational Seismology
3 credits
3 class hours
Offered in alternate years
Techniques and methods in earthquake seismology including seismometry and seismic networks, earthquake location, earthquake statistics, strong‐motion seismology, and seismic source parameters.
GEOP 529, 529D
Geophysical Inverse Methods
3 credits
3 class hours
Offered in alternate years
Theory and practice of the various techniques of inverting geophysical data to obtain models. Primary emphasis is on the understanding and use of linear inverse techniques. (Same as MATH 519)
GEOP 534
Introduction to Remote Sensing
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 122 or consent of instructor
Introduction to the theory and practical use of remotely sensed satellite images. Principles of radiation physics; sensor systems; data acquisition; image analysis; classification schemes. Remote sensing applications to atmospheric sciences, hydrology, mineral and oil exploration, natural hazards monitoring, and land and resources management. Laboratory exercises deal primarily with computer analysis of remotely‐sensed images with some field exercises. ERTH 434 and GEOP 534 share lecture/lab, but GEOP 534 is graded separately and additional graduate‐level work is required. (Same as GEOL/HYD 534)
GEOP 545
Petroleum Exploration Geophysics
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: PHYS 121 or equivalent; a 100‐level ERTH course and associated lab; upper‐class standing
Offered fall semester, odd‐numbered years
An introductory course on seismic refraction and reflection imaging of the subsurface, with applications for petroleum, crustal and environmental problems. This course covers methods of data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. Topics include: survey geometries, data editing techniques, amplitude recovery, (bandpass) filtering, deconvolution, velocity analysis and migration, well log to seismic ties, contour maps, time‐to‐depth conversion. Designed for students with a range of Earth science and engineering backgrounds. Shares lecture with ERTH 445 with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOP 555
Geodetic Methods and Modeling
3 credits
2 class hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: MATH 254
Corequisite: ERTH 401 or GEOP 501 or GEOL 501 or consent of instructor
Offered fall semester in odd years on demand
Theory and application of modern geodetic tools to measure Earth’s surface deformation with emphasis on GPS and InSAR. Data processing from raw data to kinematic products. Evaluation of signals and modeling of their sources. Applications range from magma system characterization and analysis of slip during an earthquake to interseismic strain analysis and evaluation of changes in the hydrosphere such as glacial melt, seasonal precipitation effects and groundwater level monitoring. Shares lecture with ERTH 455, with additional expectations for graduate credit.
GEOP 558
Mechanics of Earthquakes and Faulting
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: ERTH 453 or equivalent and graduate standing; or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
Observational and theoretical aspects of brittle failure in the Earth. Fracture mechanics; fault zone geometry and structure; earthquake sources; paleoseismic studies; seismic hazard assessments. (Same as GEOL 558)
GEOP 559
Geodynamics
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Offered spring semester, even‐numbered years
How does the Earth deform? Theory of mantle convection, rheology of the mantle and lithosphere, lithosphere deformation, heat transport in the Earth, and melting. Emphasis is on current controversies in geodynamics, and the formulation of mathematical models that explain the physical observations. Shares lecture with ERTH 459 with additional expectations for graduate credit. Same as GEOL 559.
GEOP 570
Current Topics in Earthquake Seismology
3 credits
3 class hours
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
Offered on demand
A seminar of current research topics in earthquake seismology with an emphasis on the critical review of recently published papers and preprints.
GEOP 571, 572
Advanced Topics in Geophysics
2–3 cr each semester
Offered on demand
Study of advanced topics in geophysics.
GEOP 581
Directed Study
Credits to be arranged
Study under the guidance of a member of the graduate faculty. In general, subject matter will supplement that available in the other graduate course offerings.
GEOP 590
Independent Study
Credits to be arranged
Organized independent student research coordinated with a faculty member and documented in a final written report.
GEOP 591
Thesis (master’s program)
Credits to be arranged
GEOP 592
Graduate Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Prerequisite: Graduate standing Offered spring semesters
Seminar presentations by graduate students on their current research topics. M.S. students must present at least one seminar; Ph.D. students must present at least one seminar in each of two different semesters. Graded on S/U basis; credits earned may not be applied towards the 30 credits required for the M.S. degree (same as GEOB 592, GEOL 592, GEOC 592, HYD 592)
GEOP 593
Seminar
1 credit
1 class hour
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Offered fall and spring semesters
Seminar presentations by faculty, students, and outside speakers. Graded on S/U basis. Satisfactory performance consists of regular a endance at approved seminars. Credit earned may not be applied towards the 30 credits required for the M.S. degree. (Same as GEOB 593, GEOC 593, GEOL 593, HYD 593)
GEOP 594
Geophysics Journal Club
1 credit
1 class hour
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Offered on demand
Discussion of journal articles with high impact on the future of the field from the current geophysical literature. Students monitor journals, suggest papers, and actively participate in discussions.
GEOP 595
Dissertation (doctoral degree program)
Credits to be arranged
Prerequisite: Successful completion of PhD candidacy exam and Academic Advisor recommendation for candidacy.