2023-2024 Catalog

GEOS 13100. Physical Geology. 100 Units.

This course introduces plate tectonics; the geologic cycle; and the internal and surface processes that make minerals and rocks, as well as that shape the scenery. Topics include: plate tectonics; Earth structure; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; crustal deformation and mountain building; and surface processes (erosion, groundwater). Laboratory exercises introduce identifying features of rocks and minerals, and interpreting geological maps. (L)

Instructor(s): E. Kite     Terms Offered: Autumn. Taught in Winter Quarter in AY 2022-23

GEOS 13200. Earth History. 100 Units.

This courses covers principles of historical inference in Earth science; the physical, chemical, and biological data that are used to reconstruct Earth history; and the geographic, biotic, and environmental development of Earth. Weekly labs focus on observation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and fossil assemblages in hand samples. (L)

Instructor(s): M. Foote; G. Slater     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100

GEOS 13300. The Atmosphere. 100 Units.

This course introduces the physics, chemistry, and phenomenology of the Earth's atmosphere, with an emphasis on the fundamental science that underlies atmospheric behavior and climate. Topics include (1) atmospheric composition, evolution, and structure; (2) solar and terrestrial radiation in the atmospheric energy balance; (3) the role of water in determining atmospheric structure; and (4) wind systems, including the global circulation, and weather systems.

Instructor(s): T. Shaw; N. Nakamura     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): MATH 13100-MATH 13200
Equivalent Course(s): ENST 13300, ENSC 13300

GEOS 13400. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast. 100 Units.

The future of human civilization depends on its ability to avoid, or adapt to, climate change associated with fossil-fuel (carbon) emissions. With so much at stake, it is important that citizens of the world understand the science which forms the foundation of what is understood about global climate change. The learning objectives of this course are to develop understanding of: (1) the historical and pre-historical records of global climate change, (2) the Earth's carbon budget, (3) how the greenhouse effect determines temperature in Earth's atmosphere and at the land and sea surface, (4) how climate projections are made, and (5) how present-day activities, both in the scientific research realm and in the socio-economic/political realm are shaping what will happen in the future. Course activity is partitioned into lectures (given by the course instructor), weekly laboratory-section activity (run by graduate teaching assistants), outside reading, and occasional homework. Assessment leading to a course grade will focus primarily on student performance in completing laboratory exercises and on a midterm and final exam. (L)

Instructor(s): D. MacAyeal     Terms Offered: Autumn
Equivalent Course(s): ENST 12300, PHSC 13400, ENSC 13400

GEOS 13410. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast (Flipped Class) 100 Units.

This course presents the science behind the forecast of global warming to enable the student to evaluate the likelihood and potential severity of anthropogenic climate change in the coming centuries. It includes an overview of the physics of the greenhouse effect, including comparisons with Venus and Mars; predictions and reliability of climate model forecasts of the greenhouse world. This course is part of the College Course Cluster program, Climate Change, Culture, and Society. This course covers the same material as PHSC 13400, but is organized using a flipped classroom approach in order to increase student engagement and learning.

Instructor(s): D. Abbot     Terms Offered: Autumn Spring
Prerequisite(s): Some knowledge of chemistry or physics helpful.
Equivalent Course(s): ENST 13410, ENSC 13410, PHSC 13410

GEOS 13606. Natural Disasters: Science, Statistics, and Minimizing Risk. 100 Units.

This course investigates the mechanisms behind hurricans, floods, earthquakes, and other natural hazards, and how to minimize the risks they can pose. First, we will apply the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology to understand the earth's climate, geology, and oceans, and how their conditions can become hazardous. Then we will apply this knowledge through physical experiments in the lab, 2D and 3D plots of data fields, and computer-assisted mathematical analysis. We will also explore how to use statistics to assess risk when we analyze data collected about hazards. By the end of the course, students will understand the nature of natural hazards as well as basic strategies for tackling complex scientific problems. Taught by two leading professors in the field, this will be an ideal course for students considering a STEM career, especially those wanting to apply hard science to real-world problems.

GEOS 13610. The Physics of Climate and Weather. 100 Units.

Rarely a month goes by without hearing some news about natural disasters around the world. Whether it is a hurricane, flooding, or a catastrophic wildfire, many of these disasters are associated with extreme weather events or climatic conditions. Increasingly, the conversation then turns towards global climate change and its potential effect on natural disasters. This course will provide you with the concepts needed to understand the fundamentals of weather and climate, how scientists apply the principles of physics and statistics to the earth's environment to dissect seemingly complex phenomena, and how these insights can be used to forecast not only the weather of tomorrow, but also the climate of the next century. By the end of this course you will learn how the atmospheric and oceanic environments of our planet operate, what causes impactful events to occur, how and why the climate and associated weather events may change in the future, and-perhaps most importantly-how to think like a scientist by meshing principles of physics and statistics with observed data. You will also be exposed to some of the general tools and concepts of STEM research such as programming, problem solving, laboratory measurements, and technical writing.

Terms Offered: Summer

GEOS 13900. Biological Evolution. 100 Units.

This course is an introduction to evolutionary processes and patterns in present-day organisms and in the fossil record and how they are shaped by biological and physical forces. Topics emphasize evolutionary principles. They include DNA and the genetic code, the genetics of populations, the origins of species, and evolution above the species level. We also discuss major events in the history of life, such as the origin of complex cells, invasion of land, and mass extinction. This course is part of the College Course Cluster program: Climate Change, Culture and Society. (L)

Instructor(s): D. Jablonski     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): BIOS 10130 or BIOS 10140
Note(s): No Biological Sciences majors except by petition to the BSCD Senior Advisers. Due to significant overlap of course content, students may register for only one of PHSC 11000, BIOS 12117, or GEOS 13900/BIOS 13123. Students using this course for credit in the GEOS or ENSC major register for GEOS 27300; additional work, including a term paper, will be required.
Equivalent Course(s): BIOS 13123

GEOS 21000. Mineralogy. 100 Units.

This course covers structure, chemical composition, stability, and occurrence of major rock-forming minerals. Labs concentrate on mineral specimen identification and optical microscopy. (L)

Instructor(s): D. Heinz     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 10100 & 10200 or equivalent
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 31000

GEOS 21005. Mineral Science. 100 Units.

This course examines the physics and chemistry of minerals, and their relationship with mineral structure. Topics may include mineral thermodynamics, crystallography, defect properties, phase transitions, analytical tools, and detailed study of specific mineral groups.

Instructor(s): A. Campbell     Terms Offered: Winter. Offered every other year. The undergraduate section of this course (GEOS 21005) will not be offered in AY 2023-24.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 21000 or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 31005

GEOS 21100. Introduction to Petrology. 100 Units.

Students in this course learn how to interpret observable geological associations, structures, textures, and mineralogical and chemical compositions of rocks so as to develop concepts of how they form and evolve. Our theme is the origin of granitic continental crust on the only planet known to have oceans and life. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; ores; and waste disposal sites are reviewed. (L)

Instructor(s): N. Dauphas     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 21000 is strongly recommended.

GEOS 21200. Physics of the Earth. 100 Units.

This course considers geophysical evidence bearing on the internal makeup and dynamical behavior of the Earth, including seismology (i.e., properties of elastic waves and their interpretation, and internal structure of the Earth); mechanics of rock deformation (i.e., elastic properties, creep and flow of rocks, faulting, earthquakes); gravity (i.e., geoid, isostasy); geomagnetism (i.e., magnetic properties of rocks and history, origin of the magnetic field); heat flow (i.e., temperature within the Earth, sources of heat, thermal history of the Earth); and plate tectonics and the maintenance of plate motions. (L)

Instructor(s): D. Heinz     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): Prior calculus and college-level physics courses, or consent of instructor.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 31200

GEOS 21210. Global Seismology. 100 Units.

This course covers theories of seismic wave propagation and fundamental concepts of global seismology. Topics include stress/strain, wave equation, ray theory, surface waves, earthquake source, etc.

Instructor(s): S. Park     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): Multivariable calculus (e.g., MATH 15300) and mechanics (e.g., PHYS 13100). If not, permission of instructor.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 31210

GEOS 21900. Intro To Structural Geology. 100 Units.

This course explores the deformation of the Earth materials primarily as observed in the crust. We emphasize stress and strain and their relationship to incremental and finite deformation in crustal rocks, as well as techniques for inferring paleostress and strain in deformed crustal rocks. We also look at mesoscale to macroscale structures and basic techniques of field geology in deformed regions.

Instructor(s): D. Rowley     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100

GEOS 22060. What Makes a Planet Habitable? 100 Units.

This course explores the factors that determine how habitable planets form and evolve. We will discuss a range of topics, from the formation of planets around stars and the delivery of water, to the formation of atmospheres, climate dynamics, and the conditions that allow for the development of life and the evolution of complex life. Students will be responsible for periodically preparing presentations based on papers in peer-reviewed journals and leading the discussion.

Instructor(s): E. Kite     Terms Offered: Winter
Equivalent Course(s): ASTR 22060, ASTR 32060, GEOS 32060

GEOS 22200. Geochronology. 100 Units.

This course covers the duration of planetary differentiation and the age of the Earth (i.e., extinct and extant chronometers); timescales for building a habitable planet (i.e., the late heavy bombardment, the origin of the atmosphere, the emergence of life, and continent extraction); dating mountains (i.e., absolute ages, exposure ages, and thermochronology); the climate record (i.e., dating layers in sediments and ice cores); and dating recent artifacts (e.g., the Shroud of Turin). (L)

Instructor(s): N. Dauphas     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Background in college-level geology, physics, and mathematics
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 32200

GEOS 22600. Topics in Earth Science: The Accretion of Extraterrestrial Matter Throughout Earth's History. 100 Units.

This course will provide a discussion of the nature and variability of extraterrestrial (ET) matter accreted throughout Earth's history that is preserved in the geological record. This record is a rich archive of ET matter whose study not only provides unique insight into the origin and evolution of different Solar System objects but also enables a better understanding of delivery mechanisms. The course will highlight periods of dramatically increased accretion rates and important impact events. This includes events such as the recent Chelyabinsk and Tunguska air blasts, the "global killer" Chicxulub impact 66 Ma ago, the Ordovician meteorite showers, all the way to cataclysmic events that occurred on early Earth. The course will also provide an introduction to related key techniques such as classification with material from the meteorite collection, the identification of impact craters, and the use of tracers of ET material in the geological record.

Instructor(s): P. Heck     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Background in college-level geology and mineralogy or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 32600

GEOS 23800. Global Biogeochemical Cycles. 100 Units.

This survey course covers the geochemistry of the surface of the Earth, focusing on biological and geological processes that shape the distributions of chemical species in the atmosphere, oceans, and terrestrial habitats. Budgets and cycles of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, and sulfur are discussed, as well as chemical fundamentals of metabolism, weathering, acid-base and dissolution equilibria, and isotopic fractionation. The course examines the central role that life plays in maintaining the chemical disequilibria that characterize Earth's surface environments. The course also explores biogeochemical cycles change (or resist change) over time, as well as the relationships between geochemistry, biological (including human) activity, and Earth's climate.

Instructor(s): J. Waldbauer     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 11100-11200 or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): ENSC 23800, GEOS 33800

GEOS 23900. Environmental Chemistry. 100 Units.

The focus of this course is the fundamental science underlying issues of local and regional scale pollution. In particular, the lifetimes of important pollutants in the air, water, and soils are examined by considering the roles played by photochemistry, surface chemistry, biological processes, and dispersal into the surrounding environment. Specific topics include urban air quality, water quality, long-lived organic toxins, heavy metals, and indoor air pollution. Control measures are also considered. This course is part of the College Course Cluster program: Climate Change, Culture, and Society.

Instructor(s): D. Archer     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 11100-11200 or equivalent, and prior calculus course
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 33900, ENSC 23900, ENST 23900

GEOS 24220. Climate Foundations. 100 Units.

This course introduces the basic physics governing the climate of planets, the Earth in particular but with some consideration of other planets. Topics include atmospheric thermodynamics of wet and dry atmospheres, the hydrological cycle, blackbody radiation, molecular absorption in the atmosphere, the basic principles of radiation balance, and diurnal and seasonal cycles. Students solve problems of increasing complexity, moving from pencil-and-paper problems to programming exercises, to determine surface and atmospheric temperatures and how they evolve. An introduction to scientific programming is provided, but the fluid dynamics of planetary flows is not covered. This course is part of the College Course Cluster program: Climate Change, Culture and Society.

Instructor(s): E. Moyer     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Prior physics course (preferably PHYS 13300 and 14300) and knowledge of calculus required. Prior programming experience helpful but not required.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 34220

GEOS 24230. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics: Foundations. 100 Units.

This course is for incoming graduate students in physical sciences intending to take further courses in geophysical fluid dynamics, fluid dynamics, condensed matter physics, and other areas requiring this fundamental skill set. It sets the stage for follow-on courses that present the detail of the behavior of fluids and continuums in geophysical, physical, chemical, and other settings. The material may be a student's first contact with continuum mechanics or a remedial or review for students who have previously taken similar courses. Topics include description of material properties in a continuum, including displacement, velocity, and strain rate; scalar, vector, and tensor properties of continuums, strain, strain rate, and stress; derivations and understanding of mass, momentum, and energy conservation principles in a continuum; applications of conservation principles to simple rheological idealizations, including ideal fluids and potential flow, viscous fluids and Navier-Stokes flow, elasticity and deformation; introductory asymptotic analysis, Reynolds number; heat transfer by conduction and convection, convective instability, Rayleigh number; fluids in gravitational fields, stratification, buoyancy; elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic partial differential equations, typical properties of each. Prerequisite(s): Vector calculus, linear algebra, advanced classical mechanics, basic knowledge of computing. Undergrads who take this course should intend to complete a second fluid-dynamics course in Geophysical Sciences.

Instructor(s): N. Nakamura     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Vector calculus, linear algebra, advanced classical mechanics, basic knowledge of computing. Undergrads who take this course should intend to complete a second fluid-dynamics course in Geophysical Sciences.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 34230

GEOS 24240. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics: Rotation and Stratification. 100 Units.

This course is an introduction to geophysical fluid dynamics for upper-level undergraduates and starting graduate students. The topics covered will be the equations of motion, the effects of rotation and stratification, shallow water systems and isentropic coordinates, vorticity and potential vorticity, and simplified equations for the ocean and atmosphere.

Instructor(s): M. Jansen     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): PQ: GEOS 24230 or equivalent; Knowledge of mechanics (PHYS 13100 or equivalent), thermodynamics (PHYS 19700 or equivalent), vector calculus and linear algebra (MATH 20000-20100-20200 or equivalent)
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 34240

GEOS 24300. Paleoclimatology. 100 Units.

This class will cover the theory and reconstruction of the evolution of Earth's climate through geologic time. After reviewing fundamental principles that control Earth's climate, the class will consider aspects of the climate reconstructions that need to be explained theoretically, such as the faint young sun paradox, snowball Earth episodes, Pleistocene glacial / interglacial cycles, and long-term Cenozoic cooling. Then we will switch to a temporal point of view, the history of Earth's climate as driven by plate tectonics and biological evolution, and punctuated by mass extinctions. This will allow us to place the theoretical ideas from the first part of the class into the context of time and biological progressive evolution.

Instructor(s): D. Archer     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): One quarter of chemistry
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 34300

GEOS 24600. Introduction to Atmosphere, Ocean, and Climate Modeling. 100 Units.

This hands-on course will discuss how we model atmosphere- ocean- and climate-dynamics using numerical models of varying complexity. We will discuss both the relevant physics as well as numerical techniques, including finite-difference methods for ordinary and partial differential equations, as well as spectral methods. The primary focus of the course will be on relatively simple models, including 1D energy balance models, radiative-convective columns, and quasi-geostrophic models for atmosphere and ocean dynamics, which can be fully understood and applied in the context of a quarter-long course. We will end with an overview of the physics and numerics used in more complex general circulation and coupled climate models. The course will be structured using a combination of lectures, in-class exercises, and discussion of homework exercises. Homework will include programming exercises as well as simulations and analysis using existing model code.

Instructor(s): M. Jansen     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Prerequisites: GEOS 24220/34220 “Climate foundations”; knowledge of vector calculus, linear algebra, and partial differential equations; basic knowledge of python (could potentially be replaced by significant programming experience in other languages). Recommended: Geophysical fluid dynamics 24220/34220 and 24240/34240.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 34600

GEOS 24705. Energy: Science, Technology, and Human Usage. 100 Units.

This course covers the technologies by which humans appropriate energy for industrial and societal use, from steam turbines to internal combustion engines to photovoltaics. We also discuss the physics and economics of the resulting human energy system: fuel sources and relationship to energy flows in the Earth system; and modeling and simulation of energy production and use. Our goal is to provide a technical foundation for students interested in careers in the energy industry or in energy policy. Field trips required to major energy converters (e.g., coal-fired and nuclear power plants, oil refinery, biogas digester) and users (e.g., steel, fertilizer production). This course is part of the College Course Cluster program: Climate Change, Culture and Society.

Instructor(s): E. Moyer     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of physics or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): ENSC 21100, GEOS 34705, ENST 24705, CEGU 24705

GEOS 25400. Intro to Numerical Techniques for Geophysical Sciences. 100 Units.

This class provides an introduction to different types of numerical techniques used in developing models used in geophysical science research. Topics will include how to interpolate and extrapolate functions, develop functional fits to data, integrate a function, or solve partial differential equations. Students are expected to have some familiarity with computers and programming-programming methods will not be discussed in detail. While techniques will be the focus of the class, we will also discuss the planning needed in developing a model as well as the limitations inherent in such models.

Instructor(s): Ciesla, F.     Terms Offered: Winter
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 35400

GEOS 25600. Getting Something for Nothing. 100 Units.

We can learn an incredible amount about the physical world with simple tools of estimation. So-called Fermi problems involve estimating quantities of interest to within an order of magnitude, or factor of 10, on the "back of an envelope." There are leanable techniques that we can use to approach these problems. Developing these skills is incredibly useful for physical scientists because it allows us to quickly estimate whether an idea is worth pursuing with expensive resources and time. More generally, order-of-magnitude estimation can keep you from getting fooled by journalists and politicians, or give you a trading edge in a competitive market. Finally, Fermi problems are common in interviews for jobs in finance, consulting, and software. Students in this course will develop techniques to quickly estimate physical science quantities to within an order of magnitude.

Instructor(s): D. Abbot     Terms Offered: Spring. This course will first be offered in Spring 2024.
Note(s): Physical Science Course Pairings (to complete the general education requirements): 1. PHSC 10100. Origin and Evolution of the Solar System and the Earth. 2. PHSC 10800. Earth as a Planet: Exploring Our Place in the Universe. 3. PHSC 11000. Environmental History of the Earth. 4. PHSC 13400. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast. 5. PHSC 13410. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast (Flipped Class) 6. PHSC 13600. Natural Hazards.
Equivalent Course(s): PHSC 11900

GEOS 26300. Invertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution. 100 Units.

This course provides a detailed overview of the morphology, paleobiology, evolutionary history, and practical uses of the invertebrate and microfossil groups commonly found in the fossil record. Emphasis is placed on understanding key anatomical and ecological innovations within each group and interactions among groups responsible for producing the observed changes in diversity, dominance, and ecological community structure through evolutionary time. Labs supplement lecture material with specimen-based and practical application sections. An optional field trip offers experience in the collection of specimens and raw paleontological data. Several "Hot Topics" lectures introduce important, exciting, and often controversial aspects of current paleontological research linked to particular invertebrate groups. (L)

Instructor(s): M. Webster     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100 and 13200 or equivalent; completion of the general education requirement in the Biological Sciences, or consent of instructor.
Equivalent Course(s): BIOS 23261, GEOS 36300, EVOL 32400

GEOS 26650. Environmental Microbiology. 100 Units.

The objective of this course is to understand how microorganisms alter the geochemistry of their environment. The course will cover fundamental principles of microbial growth, metabolism, genetics, diversity, and ecology, as well as methods used to study microbial communities and activities. It will emphasize microbial roles in elemental cycling, bioremediation, climate, and ecosystem health in a variety of environments including aquatic, soil, sediment, and engineered systems.

Instructor(s): M. Coleman     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 11100-11200 and BIOS 20186, BIOS 20197, or BIOS 20198
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 36650, ENSC 24500

GEOS 27300. Biological Evolution-Advanced. 100 Units.

This course is an overview of evolutionary processes and patterns in present-day organisms and in the fossil record, and how they are shaped by biological and physical forces. Topics emphasize evolutionary principles. They include DNA and the genetic code, the genetics of populations, the origins of species, and evolution above the species level. We also discuss major events in the history of life, such as the origin of complex cells, invasion of land, and mass extinctions. Aimed at Geophysical Sciences and Environmental Science majors, this course differs from GEOS 13900 in requiring a term paper, topic chosen from a list provided by the instructor.

Instructor(s): D. Jablonski     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): BIOS 10130
Note(s): No Biological Sciences majors except by petition to the BSCD Senior Advisers

GEOS 28000. Introduction to Structural Geology. 100 Units.

This course explores the deformation of the Earth materials primarily as observed in the crust. We emphasize stress and strain and their relationship to incremental and finite deformation in crustal rocks, as well as techniques for inferring paleostress and strain in deformed crustal rocks. We also look at mesoscale to macroscale structures and basic techniques of field geology in deformed regions. (L)

Instructor(s): D. Rowley     Terms Offered: Winter. This course is offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 38000

GEOS 28100. Global Tectonics. 100 Units.

This course reviews the spatial and temporal development of tectonic and plate tectonic activity of the globe. We focus on the style of activity at compressive, extensional, and shear margins, as well as on the types of basin evolution associated with each. (L)

Instructor(s): D. Rowley     Terms Offered: Autumn Winter. This course is offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100 or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 38100

GEOS 28300. Time in Stratigraphy. 100 Units.

This new version of "principles" focuses on (1) recognizing the elapse of time in local sedimentary records, (2) relative age-correlation of rocks across space, and (3) numerical calibration of geologic time scales, all fundamental to paleobiologic, paleoclimatic, and other geohistorical analysis. Issues include assessing the extent of erosional shredding, which removes record, versus simple omission of new record and condensation and/or time-averaging of geo-historical information; how these local processes figure into establishing the relative age relations of strata preserved in disjunct areas; and the evolution of ideas about boundary-defining attributes and the placement of type localities and golden spikes, with the Anthropocene as a good current example. The course will thus complement rather than overlap geochemistry, surface-process, and field courses on paleo-environmental inference. Entails two lectures per week, a one-day (weekend) field trip to learn methods of data collection, and weekly labs on analysis and interpretation, using the professional literature, and report-writing.

Instructor(s): S. Kidwell     Terms Offered: Autumn. This course is offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100-13200 or equivalent required; GEOS 23500 and/or 28200 recommended
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 38300

GEOS 28600. Earth and Planetary Surface Processes. 100 Units.

The Class: The focus of this course is geomorphology, both of the Earth and of other planets. Moving from the controls on planetary-scale topography down to the scale of individual streams and hillslopes, the course will emphasize fluvial and aeolian sediment transport, and landscape evolution, with ~5 labs during the quarter. The Field Trip: Trip dates: 10 March 2024 (arrive) - 16 March 2024 (depart). The field trip will include some hiking, but camping gear is not required. Accommoda6on will be at SHEAR (Shoshone Educa6on and Research Center). The flight from and to Chicago, accommodation, and food will be covered by the University. Students are expected to cover any other outside costs. Instructor's consent is required for enrollment: priority will be given to GEOS/ENSC majors + people with other compelling reasons to join the class. When applying for the class, please give an overview of your existing Geo course experience.

Instructor(s): E. Kite     Terms Offered: Spring Winter

GEOS 29003. Field Course in Oceanography. 100 Units.

Students in this course spend roughly a week sailing a tall ship from the SEA education program, learning oceanographic sampling techniques and data interpretation as well as principles of navigation and seamanship.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor
Note(s): Interested students should contact the departmental counselor.

GEOS 29700. Reading and Research in the Geophysical Sciences. 100 Units.

Independent study; regular meetings with Geophysical Sciences faculty member required. Topics available include, but are not limited to: Mineralogy, Petrology, Geophysics, High Pressure Geophysics, Geodynamics, Volcanology, Cosmochemistry, Geochemistry, Atmospheric Dynamics, Paleoclimatology, Physical Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Paleoceanography, Atmospheric Chemistry, Fluid Dynamics, Glaciology, Climatology, Radiative Transfer, Cloud Physics, Morphometrics, Phylogeny, Analytical Paleontology, Evolution, Taphonomy, Macroevolution, Paleobiology, Paleobotany, Biomechanics, Paleoecology, Tectonics, Stratigraphy.

Instructor(s): Staff     Terms Offered: Autumn,Spring,Summer,Winter
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor and departmental counselor
Note(s): Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. Available to nonmajors for P/F grading. Must be taken for a quality grade when used to meet a requirement in the major.