Departments & Programs

Geological Sciences

Course Descriptions
  • GEOL-G 103 Earth Science: Materials and Processes (3 cr.) CASE N&M Introduction to origin and classification of minerals and rocks. Relationships between rock types, rock structures, surficial geological processes of running water, subsurface water, glaciation, wind, tides, and landform evolution. Geologic time. Two lectures and one demonstration/ laboratory each week. Credit given for only one of the following: G103, G111.
  • GEOL-S 103 Earth Science: Materials and Processes Honors (3 cr.) CASE N&M Introduction to the origin and classification of minerals and rocks. Relationships between rock types, rock structures, surficial geologic processes of running water, subsurface water, glaciation, wind, tides, and landform evaluation. Two lectures and one laboratory each week. Credit given for only one of S103, G103, or G111.
  • GEOL-G 104 Evolution of the Earth (3 cr.) CASE N&M Earth’s history interpreted through 4.5 billion years. Deductive approach to understanding the significance of rocks and fossils and reconstructing the plate-tectonic origin of mountains, continents, and ocean basins. A survey of events in earth’s evolution relevant to contemporary environmental concerns. Two lectures and one laboratory each week. Credit given for only one of G104, S104, or G112.
  • GEOL-S 104 Honors Evolution of the Earth (3 cr.) CASE N&M Earth’s history interpreted through 4.5 billion years. Deductive approach to understanding the significance of rocks and fossils and reconstructing the plate-tectonic origin of mountains, continents, and ocean basins. A survey of events in earth’s evolution relevant to contemporary environmental concerns. Two lectures and one laboratory each week. Credit given for only one of S104, G104, or G112.
  • GEOL-G 105 Earth: Our Habitable Planet (3 cr.) CASE N&M Introduction to planet Earth as a dynamic and complex global system. Course materials will demonstrate physical and chemical linkages between biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere that directly impact lifestyles of human populations at time scales of years to centuries. Two lectures and one laboratory each week.
  • GEOL-G 111 Physical Geology (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: One high school or college course in chemistry. Basic concepts of geology. Formation of rocks, erosion and landscape evolution, plate tectonics, interpretation of earth processes from geological data. Two lectures and one laboratory per week. One required field trip. Restricted to prospective geology and other science majors. Credit given for only one of the following: G103, G111.
  • GEOL-G 112 Historical Geology (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G111 or consent of instructor. Principles of interpreting earth history from geological data. Geologic time, biological evolution, plate tectonics, and ancient environments. Two lectures and one laboratory per week. One required field trip. Credit given for only one of G112, G104, or S104.
  • GEOL-G 114 Dinosaurs and Their Relatives (3 cr.) CASE N&M Origin and evolution of vertebrates including dinosaurs and their distant relatives such as fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Course will focus on dinosaur evolution, paleobiology, paleoecology, and extinction. The scientific method and quantitative and qualitative methodologies will be presented. Two lectures and one demonstration each week. II Sem.
  • GEOL-G 116 Our Planet and Its Future (3 cr.) CASE N&M The interaction between geologic and environmental processes in the earth. Special emphasis on how these processes affect public policies and laws. Multimedia exercises and videotape presentations (made specifically for this course) are included. Two lectures and one discussion section/laboratory per week.
  • GEOL-G 118 Sustainability in Water Resources (3 cr.) CASE N&M A dependable supply of water is critical to sustaining life but this resource is increasingly at risk because of growing competition among domestic, industrial-commercial, agricultural, and environmental needs. Students will become conversant on the topic of water resources as well as develop an understanding of the key concepts in sustainability and systems thinking.
  • GEOL-G 121 Meteorites and Geological Processes in Planets (3 cr.) CASE N&M Geological processes operative on earth-like planetary bodies and asteroids; evidence from current meteorite, lunar, Martian, and space research; quantitative and deductive exercises. For non–science majors. Credit given for only one of G121 and S121.
  • GEOL-S 121 Meteorites and Geological Processes in Planets, Honors (3 cr.) CASE N&M For Hutton Honors College students and those with unusually good aptitude or preparation. Credit given for only one of S121 and G121.
  • GEOL-G 122 Introduction to Atmospheric Science: Weather and Climate (3 cr.) CASE N&M Specialized and general students are introduced to atmosphere science through climate-change science, atmospheric physics, atmosphere-ocean interactions, forecasting, and severe weather. Tools and techniques for analyzing atmospheric environments and assessing human impact are covered. Students will gain understanding of basic atmospheric properties and processes through rigorous critical thinking and problem solving. Credit given for only one of G122 or GEOG-G 109.
  • GEOL-S 124 Honors Geology (3 cr.) CASE N&M Physical, chemical, and biological processes of the Earth’s evolution as a planet. Principles of geological reasoning. Two 75-minute seminars a week; six quizzes, one final examination, no laboratory. Credit not given for S124 and any of G103, G104, G105, G111, and G112, I Sem., II Sem.
  • GEOL-G 125 Processes in the Geological Sciences (2 cr.) P: One 100-level course from the geological sciences. May be taken concurrently with G221. This laboratory-based course is designed to provide familiarity with the geological processes that are critical for understanding both the geological past and modern geological activity. Course intended for geological sciences majors but open to other science majors.
  • GEOL-G 129 Introductory Geology in the Rocky Mountains (3 cr.) P: One high school or college-level course in chemistry. Concepts of geology taught in the field. Formation of minerals and rocks; surficial and subsurface geologic processes responsible for deformation, erosion, deposition, and landscape evolution; plate tectonics; geologic time; biological evolution, and reconstruction of ancient environments. Interpretation of earth processes from geological data with the goal of deciphering earth history.
  • GEOL-G 131 Oceans and Our Global Environment (3 cr.) CASE N&M Introduction to oceanography, with emphasis on ocean-atmospheric interaction and global climate, plate tectonics and morphology of the ocean basins, marine geology, energy resources, environmental problems due to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, oil spills, and life in the sea. Two lectures and one laboratory each week.
  • GEOL-G 138 Geology of State and National Parks Revealed (3 cr.) CASE N&M This course introduces principles of historical, physical, and environmental geology by examining select state and national parklands that showcase the many dynamic Earth processes that help shape the Earth's surface. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the protection and degradation of natural resources within the parks. One required field trip.
  • GEOL-G 141 Earthquakes and Volcanoes (3 cr.) CASE N&M Examination of the causes and effects of earthquakes and volcanic activity. Impacts of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, including secondary effects such as landslides, mudflows, and tsunamis; climactic effects; energy/mineral resources; and social disruption. Mitigation of effects of natural disasters. Two lectures and one laboratory per week.
  • GEOL-G 150 Exploring Extraterrestrial Life in Martian Rocks (3 cr.) CASE N&M Concept of life and fossils in geology. Purpose, strategy, and processes of data collection. Web-derived data from NASA, LPI, PSR, and JPL on Martian meteorites. Evaluation of evidence of life in Mars. In-class/lab writing is required.
  • GEOL-G 161 Earth Resources (3 cr.) CASE N&M An overview of the location, genesis, extraction, utilization of, and exploration for natural resources, including petroleum, coal, uranium, industrial minerals, gems, and metallic ores. Environmental issues related to resource extraction and processing, and the role of mineral and energy reserves in international economics are examined. Two lectures and one laboratory per week.
  • GEOL-G 171 Environmental Geology (3 cr.) CASE N&M Examination of natural and man-induced geologic hazards: earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and land subsidence; environmental issues; disposal and management of solid, chemical, and radioactive waste; acid mine drainage, as well as the environmental impact of mineral extraction and water resource utilization. Two lectures and one laboratory per week.
  • GEOL-G 188 Volcanoes of the Eastern Sierra Nevada: Geology and Natural Heritage of the Long Valley Caldera (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: CLLC-L 100 or consent of instructor. Introductory-level field course. Introduces students to the natural history of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Focuses on the geological processes, natural hazards, and environmental issues facing a unique and environmentally sensitive area of the western United States. I SS.
  • GEOL-G 190 The Evolving Earth (1-3 cr.) Processes that have produced the earth and are continuing to change it. Topics include origin and evolution of life, dynamic forces within the earth (earthquakes and volcanism), geological sources of energy, and the effect of humans on the geologic environment. Occasional field trips.
  • GEOL-Q 203 Earth Science for Teachers (4 cr.) P: PHYS Q202. Introduction to origin, composition, and structure of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere as well as the interrelationship among spheres. Modern astronomy, including solar system, origin of stars, astronomical measurement, and astrogeology. Special emphasis on subjects commonly taught in elementary schools. Credit available only to students majoring in elementary education.
  • GEOL-G 221 Introductory Mineralogy (4 cr.) CASE N&M P or C: College-level course in chemistry. The assembly of minerals from atoms in nature. Atomic bonding, structures, and symmetry. Control of physical properties by symmetry. Interaction of light with crystals. Crystal fields and forces driving the growth of crystals from melts and aqueous solutions. The chemistry of silicates and other minerals. Three lectures, one two-hour lab. Credit given for only one of GEOL G221 or G225. I Sem.
  • GEOL-G 222 Introduction to Petrology (4 cr.) CASE N&M P: G221. Study of the principal representatives of the major chemical groups of minerals. Emphasis on rock-forming and useful minerals, their crystal structure, chemistry, physical properties, association, and occurrence. Study of major rock types. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. II Sem.
  • GEOL-G 225 Earth Materials (4 cr.) CASE N&M P: One course in chemistry. This course sequentially considers minerals, rocks, sediments, and soils; the materials that comprise the solid earth. The distribution and environmental significance of these materials are studied, as are their chemical and physical interactions with groundwater and plants. Three 50-minute lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Laboratory attendance is required. Credit given for only one of GEOL G225 or G221.
  • GEOL-G 271 Introduction to Environmental Field Methods (3 cr.) P: 100-level course in environmental science from geology, biology, or SPEA. R: GEOL-G 171. Application of knowledge gained in introductory courses to the evaluation and remediation of environmental contaminants. Explanation and practice of sampling methods to prepare for further environmental course work.
  • GEOL-G 300 Environmental and Urban Geology (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: One course in physical or general geology or physical geography. Significance of regional and local geologic features and processes in land use. Use of geologic factors to reduce conflict in utilization of mineral and water resources and damage from geologic hazards.
  • GEOL-G 302 Development of the Global Environment (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: One semester of college chemistry, physics, or astronomy; MATH M118 or equivalent. Origin of the chemical elements, formation of the solar system and planets, development of the terrestrial atmosphere and rise of atmospheric oxygen, evolution of complex life, and prospects for the future of our planet.
  • GEOL-G 308 Paleontology and Geology of Indiana (3 cr.) P: 100-level geology, evolution, biodiversity or archaeology course, or consent of instructor. Paleontology and geology with a regional focus, emphasizing life, the sedimentary record, changing paleo-environments, and the origin of Indiana's modern landscape, biota, and natural resources. Includes fossil identification and analyses of paleontological data.
  • GEOL-G 316 Mineral Fuels and Materials (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: One course in general geology. Origin of petroleum, coal, industrial minerals, and ore deposits; reserves, resources, and future needs; history, economic, and environmental considerations; national minerals policy; and international aspects of energy and raw materials distribution.
  • GEOL-G 319 Elementary Field Geology (2 cr.) P: MATH M014 or equivalent. C: MATH M014 or equivalent. Use of geologic surveying instruments; aneroid barometer, Brunton pocket transit, telescopic alidade. SS.
  • GEOL-G 321 Field Geology for Business Students (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G103 or G104 or consent of instructor. A field-based course taught in Montana. General topics include topographic and aerial maps and their role in resource exploration; rocks, minerals, and associated industrial uses; oil, natural gas, groundwater migration and concentration, mining and environment, streams (economic importance, floodplains, practical uses and limitations).
  • GEOL-G 323 Structural Geology (4 cr.) CASE N&M P: G104 or G112. P or C: G222. Geometry and origin of folds, faults, joints, and cleavage. Modes and principles of rock deformation. Regional tectonics of selected fold-mountain systems. Laboratory and field trip. II Sem.
  • GEOL-G 328 Energy, Resources, and the Environment (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: Students without a prior college-level science or mathematics course must seek consent of instructor. Introduction to energy supply and demand using a scientific basis for understanding interactions between energy usage, the production of electricity, and the environment. Focuses on the relationships between energy resources, climate change, and the need to provide electricity and fuel in an environmentally sustainable manner. Credit given for only one of G328 or GEOG-G 329.
  • GEOL-G 329 Introductory Field Experience in Environmental Science (5-6 cr.) CASE N&M P: One course in environmental science and G225. Introduction to field-based scientific investigations. Experience in various environmental sciences including ecology, environmental chemistry, geology, hydrology, and meteorology. Field exercises are carried out within an instrumented demonstration watershed close to the IU Geologic Field Station in Montana. Course includes visits to several Superfund sites. SS.
  • GEOL-G 334 Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4 cr.) P: G222. Interrelationship of sedimentation and stratigraphy; processes and factors influencing genesis of sedimentary strata; provenance, depositional environment, sedimentary facies, paleoecology; analytical techniques; application of principles of interpretation of stratigraphic record. Laboratory study of sediments and sedimentary rocks. I Sem.
  • GEOL-G 339 Weather Analysis and Forecasting (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G122 or GEOG-G 109 or G107; or consent of instructor. Analysis and interpretation of meteorological data with a focus on forecasting applications for the mid-latitudes. Students learn the practical skills that weather forecasters use. Credit given for only one of G339 or GEOG-G 339.
  • GEOL-G 340 Physical Meteorology, Climate, and Paleoclimate (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: Any introductory science course or consent of instructor. Topics span multiple scales of atmospheric processes including past/recent/projected climate change, weather forecasting, severe weather, and surface energy budgets. Students gain knowledge concerning physical processes and properties of Earth's atmosphere and acquire skills used to study and quantify atmospheric processes through problem solving with models and remote sensing data. Credit given for only one of G340 or GEOG-G 304.
  • GEOL-G 341 Natural History of Coral Reefs (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: 100-level biology course for majors and a course in organism biology, ecology, sedimentology, or stratigraphy; demonstrated proficiency in swimming; approved application. Introduction to principles of biology, ecology, and geology of coral reef ecosystems. 
  • GEOL-G 347 Instrumentation for Atmospheric Science (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G340 or GEOG-G304, or consent of instructor. Introduces the principles of atmospheric measurement including sampling strategies, instrumentation and data analysis to quantify atmospheric variables and processes. Covers standard meteorological techniques: ground-based, satellite and airborne remote sensing; atmospheric chemistry and aerosol measurements. Research projects in experimental design use field and laboratory equipment to investigate climatological and meteorological principles.
  • GEOL-G 349 Field Geology and Paleoanthropology at Olduvai Gorge (6 cr.) CASE N&M P: Minimum 3.000 GPA and at least one course in geology, anthropology, physical geography, or related field of study. Interdisciplinary field course in geo-paleoanthropology in the Olduvai Gorge. Develops skills in the application of innovative theory and techniques in human evolutionary research. Promotes understanding of evolutionary processes, such as tectonics and climate episodes, and how these processes influence the development of savanna environments in the East African Rift Valley.
  • GEOL-G 351 Elements of Hydrology (3 cr.) P: C118, P201/P221, and M212 or M216, or consent of instructor. Introduction to hydrology, physical properties of water relating to heat transfer and flow, phases of water and phase changes, water as a solvent and transporting agent, water budgets at various scales of inquiry, fluid pressure and potential, and fluid flow at the surface and subsurface of the earth.
  • GEOL-G 364 Dynamic Meteorology: Boundary-Layer Meteorology (3 cr.) CASE N&M The atmospheric-boundary layer is the interface between the free atmosphere and the surface. Basic meteorological theory for processes in the atmospheric boundary-layer that scale from the microscale to the mesoscale. Aerodynamic and energy budget concepts. Development and application of boundary-layer models and associated parameterizations. Lecture and laboratory format. Credit given for only one of G364 or GEOG-G 362.
  • GEOL-G 399 Reading for Honors (1-6 cr.) P: Approval of departmental honors advisor. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours. I Sem., II Sem.
  • GEOL-G 404 Geobiology (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: One of BIOL-L 111, GEOL-G 308, or GEOL-G 334; or consent of instructor. Application of biological principles and use of fossils in the study of earth history. The vertebrate fossil record; evolution; approaches to taxonomy; ecology of ancient life; use of fossils in the solution of geologic problems.
  • GEOL-G 406 Introduction to Geochemistry (3 cr.) P: G222, MATH M212 or M216, and CHEM C117; or consent of instructor. Chemistry in the study of the earth, employing elementary chemical thermodynamics, the phase rule, chemical equilibria, redox reactions, the radioactive decay law, and organic chemistry.
  • GEOL-G 410 Undergraduate Research in Geology (1-6 cr.) P: Junior standing and consent of advisor. Field and laboratory research in selected problems in geology. I Sem., II Sem., SS. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
  • GEOL-G 411 Invertebrate Paleontology (3 cr.) P: BIOL L111 or L112, and one 300- or 400-level course in biology or geology. Structure, classification, habitats, and geological history and significance of the invertebrate phyla. Laboratory study of fossils.
  • GEOL-G 413 Introduction to Geophysics (3 cr.) P: PHYS P202 and P222 and MATH M212 or M216. Application of physics in the study of geologic and environmental problems. Theory and application of seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electric methods in exploration of the earth’s subsurface, with emphasis on near-surface processes. Two lectures and one laboratory per week.
  • GEOL-G 415 Principles of Geomorphology (3 cr.) P: G222; college chemistry and mathematics or consent of instructor. Natural processes that form landscapes, surficial geologic materials and soils. Physics and chemistry of weathering. Dynamics of streams, wind, waves, glacier ice, and mass movement. Interactions of geomorphology and environment.
  • GEOL-G 416 Economic Geology (3 cr.) P: G334; CHEM C118 or consent of instructor. Geologic occurrence and genesis of economic mineral deposits, including petroleum and coal. Introduction to mining, processing, and exploration methods. Two lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week.
  • GEOL-G 417 Optical Mineralogy (3 cr.) P: G222. Theory and use of optics in the identification and classification of rock-forming minerals in fragments and thin sections. One lecture and two 2-hour laboratory meetings per week.
  • GEOL-G 418 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3 cr.) P: G222 or equivalent. The petrogenesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Both the lecture and laboratory portions of the course stress the application of modern petrographic, mineralogic, geochemical, and phase equilibria techniques to the solution of relevant petrologic problems. Two lectures and one 2-hour laboratory meeting per week.
  • GEOL-G 419 Sedimentary Geology of Dinosaur-Bearing Rocks (2 cr.) Five-day, six-night field course in Wyoming for primary and secondary science educators requiring licensing certification renewal. Focus is on presenting simple concepts of geology and paleontology utilized in reconstructing the ancient landscape, climate, and environments of deposition of important dinosaur-bearing formations. Additional course fee required.
  • GEOL-G 420 Regional Geology Field Trip (1-2 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Field investigation of selected regions of North America for study of mineralogic, lithologic, stratigraphic, structural, paleontologic, geomorphologic, or other geological relationships. Six to 15 days in the field. May be repeated.
  • GEOL-G 423 Methods in Applied Geophysics (4 cr.) P: G413 or equivalent. Application of geophysical principles to field and laboratory experiments, with emphasis on data acquisition, analysis, and geologic interpretation. Experiments include earthquake seismology, electrical resistivity, magnetic and gravity surveys, and reflection and refraction seismology.
  • GEOL-G 424 Geographic Information Systems Applications in Geology (3 cr.) Concepts and use of geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) technologies are introduced during intensive laboratory sessions. Fieldwork, conducted in the Indiana University Research and Teaching Preserve, involves mapping of pertinent features using GPS units followed by additional data collection aimed at attributing specific mapped features.
  • GEOL-G 426 Field Techniques in Basin Analysis (1-3 cr.) P: G334. R: G323. Instruction in sedimentological techniques including facies, paleocurrent and provenance analysis; measured sections, facies mapping and approaches to regional study of sedimentary basins in the field. Application of these techniques to actual field problems in basin analysis. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours.
  • GEOL-G 427 Introduction to X-ray Mineralogy (3 cr.) P: G221. Advanced topic in mineralogy, including non-ideal solid solutions, order-disorder, exsolution, and strain. Theory and practice of X-ray power diffraction. Measurement and analysis of digital diffraction data, including profile fitting and Rietveld refinement. Two lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week.
  • GEOL-G 429 Field Geology in the Rocky Mountains (5-8 cr.) P: G222, G323 Six weeks, including five weeks at the Geologic Field Station in Montana. Geologic reconnaissance, measurement of stratigraphic sections, mapping on aerial photographs, construction of structure sections. Regional geomorphology, stratigraphy, and structure through South Dakota, the Black Hills, Wyoming, Montana, Yellowstone Park, and Glacier Park. SS.
  • GEOL-G 433 Geology, Hydrology and Geochemistry in the Rocky Mountains (6 cr.) CASE N&M P: At least 22 credit hours of course work in geology or consent of instructor. Surface and near-surface environmental processes are examined within the geologic setting of the IU Judson Mead Geologic Field Station. Components of the Willow Creek Demonstration Watershed are studied within the same general field areas to illustrate their interconnectedness. Includes trips in and around Yellowstone National Park and Butte, Montana.
  • GEOL-G 434 Dynamic Meteorology: Synoptic to Global Scales (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G340 or GEOG-G 304. R: G339 or GEOG-G339, MATH M211-M212, and PHYS P221. Introduction to dynamical processes at the synoptic to global scales. Principles of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics and their application to the atmosphere. Basic conservation laws and equations of motion. Topics covered also include planetary waves and blocking mechanisms, teleconnections, and the global general circulation. Credit given for only one of G434 or GEOG-G 431.
  • GEOL-G 437 Advanced Synoptic Meteorology and Climatology (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G339 or G340, or GEOG- G304 or G339; or consent of instructor. Analysis and prediction of synoptic scale weather systems, emphasizing the mid-latitudes. Other topics include severe weather and atmospheric/oceanic teleconnections. Credit given for only one of G437 or GEOG-G 433.
  • GEOL-G 438 Air Pollution Meteorology (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G340 or GEOG-G 304, or consent of instructor. Analysis of the physical laws that govern the transport, transformation, and removal of atmospheric pollutants. Primary emphasis will be on physical and chemical processes, although biological impacts also will be considered. Credit given for only one of G438 or GEOG-G 434.
  • GEOL-G 444 Methods in Analytical Geochemistry (1-2 cr.) An overview of basic collection and preparation of water, soil, and geologic materials for analysis by analytical geochemistry techniques for environmental, and exploration geology, and geochemistry applications. Techniques include Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Atomic Spectrometry Absorption (AAS) by flame and graphite furnace, X-ray fluorescence, and Leco carbon and sulfur concentration determinations. May not be repeated.
  • GEOL-G 448 Sustainable Energy Systems (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Examination of current energy use and the role of renewable energy resources in meeting future demand. Covers the physical and technological basis for geothermal, wind, solar, hydro and marine energy, in addition to the environmental, economic, and social impacts of developing and utilizing these sustainable resources. Credit given for only one of G448 or GEOG-G 442.
  • GEOL-G 451 Principles of Hydrogeology (3 cr.) P: C118, M212 or M216, and consent of instructor. Physical and chemical properties of water; chemical equilibria and stable isotopes in groundwaters; acid drainage, landfills, and agricultural pollution; Darcy’s Law, fluid potential, unsaturated flow; fluid and aquifer properties affecting groundwater flow; fluid mass-balance equation and its application; contaminant transport.
  • GEOL-G 454 Fundamentals of Plate Tectonics (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G323, G334 or consent of instructor. Synthesis of observations from diverse disciplines of geology leading to the development of modern plate tectonic theory. Applications of plate tectonic principles to fundamental problems of continental and marine geology. Meets jointly with G554.
  • GEOL-G 456 Wind Power Meteorology (3 cr.) P: G340 and G364, or GEOG-G304 and GEOG-G362, or consent of instructor. Explains the science of wind power meteorology with a focus on practical elements, such as how to measure wind resources, estimate wind turbine loads, and optimize wind turbine siting. Lecture and lab format with project work. Credit given for only one of G456 or GEOG-G455.
  • GEOL-G 466 Hydrometeorology (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: P: G340. Hydrometeorology is a branch of meteorology that deals with problems involving the hydrologic cycle, the water budget, and the rainfall statistics of storms. Students gain experience with the physics controlling these processes and with the tools and techniques used to observe and predict hydrometeorological processes.
  • GEOL-G 470 Micrometeorology (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G340 or GEOG-G304, MATH M211-M212, or consent of instructor. Atmospheric processes at the micro and local scale. Topics include energy and mass exchange over simple nonvegetated surfaces, vegetated surfaces, nonuniform terrain, and inadvertent climate modification. Credit given for only one of G470 or GEOG-G 470.
  • GEOL-G 474 Topics in Micro and Boundary-Layer Meteorology (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: G470 or GEOG-G 470, MATH-M 211-M212, PHYS-P 201 or P221 (P221 recommended); or consent of instructor. Topics may include surface-vegetation-atmosphere interaction, dynamics of turbulent transport, boundary layer dynamics, turbulent kinetic energy and stability, dimensional analysis and similarity theory, effects of surface inhomogeneity on boundary layer dynamics, patchiness, urbanization, regional aggregation of surface atmosphere exchange, applications to mesoscale modeling, and air pollution dispersion modeling. Credit given for only one of G474 or GEOG-G 471.
  • GEOL-G 476 Climate Change Science (3 cr.) CASE N&M P: At least two undergraduate physical science courses or consent of instructor. Evidence for and theories of climate change over a range of time scales. Sources of natural climate forcing are presented, historical evolution of climate change is quantified, and model tools and climate projections are presented along with analyses of climate change impacts. Credit given for only one of G476 or GEOG-G 475.
  • GEOL-G 490 Undergraduate Seminar (1-3 cr.) Open to junior and senior majors by special permission. Readings and discussion of selected topics. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credit hours.
  • GEOL-G 499 Honors Research in Geology (1-6 cr.) P: Approval of departmental honors advisor. I Sem., II Sem., SS. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.