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Geology Courses
101 The Earth (PS) (both sem) Co-registration in GEO 131 required. Nature and origin of the earth; volcanism; minerals and rocks; earthquakes; plate tectonics; mountain belts; geologic time scales; wave, river, glacial, and wind action in modification of landscape and atmosphere; the asteroid impact hypotheses; genesis of non-renewable resources, geologic basis for environmental decision making. Field excursions. 103 Introductory Oceanography (PS) (both sem) The natural processes of the ocean, including earthquakes and volcanoes, the hydrologic cycle and weather, ocean circulation and the global energy balance, the carbon cycle and productivity, biodi-versity and marine food webs, coastal dynamics. Also, global warming, sea-level rise, environmental degradation and the ocean system response to human activity and global change. Interactive class sessions, with considerable participation by students in problem solving, discussions, and demonstrations. Exams and grades based on teamwork as well as on individual performance. Students needing or wanting a laboratory component may register for GEO 131. 105 Dynamic Earth (PS) Mountain building and plate tectonics; landscapes and the underlying rocks and structures; earth history; the role of earthquakes, volcanoes, coastlines, rivers, glaciers, and wind; natural hazards; survey of resources of water, energy, and minerals. Students needing or wanting a laboratory component may register for GEO 131. 109 The Nature of Mountains (PS) The unique geologic setting and geologic history of many of Earth's great mountains, including why they rise and why they ultimately fall. Focus on the geologic processes that give rise to mountains and the new insights into geologic process that can be gained from present-day mountains. The interaction between mountains and life on Earth, from earliest evolution to our modern fascination with, and exploitation of, mountainous environments. Fulfills the GEO 101 requirement for Geosciences and Earth Science majors. Students needing or wanting a laboratory component may register for GEO 131. 131 Experiencing Geology (L) (both sem) 1 cr A practical approach to the Earth in the laboratory and field. Understanding rocks and minerals, reading topographic and geologic maps, investigating the geologic history of the Connecticut Valley, measuring stream flow and water quality. Prerequisite: GEO 100 or 101 or 103 or 105 or 285; may be taken concurrently. 191 Seminar Geology as seen and investigated in the field. Collecting and interpreting of basic geologic field data during weekly field excursions to localities in the Connecticut Valley and the adjacent mountains. Topics include: plate tectonics, the geologic history of western Massachusetts, surfi-cial processes from rivers to glaciers to oceans, environmental geology, hydro-geology, predicting and preparing for geologic hazards. 201 History of the Earth (2nd sem) 4 cr With lab. Subjects covered include geologic time, principles of stratigraphy and correlation, evolution and the fossil record, a review of plate tectonics, eustasy and isotasy, and the geologic evolution of the Earth with emphasis on the geologic history of North America. Prerequisite: introductory geology course, preferably GEO 101, or one semester of biology, or consent of instructor. 231 Introductory Field Geology (2nd sem) With outdoor lab. Understanding and interpreting topographic and geologic maps; using the Brunton compass and other surveying equipment; making reconnaissance maps; applications to environmental problems; describing rock units; measuring and correlating stratigraphic sections; compiling and producing bedrock maps. Prerequisites: either GEO 101 or 103 or 105 and GEO 131. 285 Environmental Geology (PS) (2nd sem) With field trips. Principles of geology and hydrology applied to regional planning in conservation and land use. Ground and surface water resources, water pollution problems, slope stability and mass wasting, geological catastrophes with prevention planning. Environmental geology related to broader environmental and social problems. Participation in field trips. Prerequisite: introductory geology course. Students needing or wanting a laboratory component may register for GEO 131. 307 Geologic Writing Geologic literature and writing in geology: abstracts, reports, research proposals and articles, topic reviews, theses; editing; style; map production; vitae; oral presentation. Workshop component. Satisfies Junior Year Writing requirement. Prerequisite: GEO 331. 311 Mineralogy (1st sem) 4 cr With lab. Systematics in mineralogy, includ-ing crystallography, the physics and chemistry of minerals, the genesis of minerals, and determinative methods in mineralogy. Prerequisite: CHEM 111 (or concurrent enrollment) or consent of instructor. 321 Petrology (2nd sem) 4 cr With lab. Genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the earth's crust and upper mantle. Experiment and theory applied to the interpretation of natural rock textures and their origin. Introduction to thermometry and barometry of magmas and rocks. Recognition of rocks and crystallization histories using the polarizing microscope. Prerequisite: GEO 311. 331 Advanced Field Geology (1st sem) With lab. Mapping and interpretation of geologic relationships in the field. Preparation of geologic maps and interpretive cross-sections. Four or five mapping projects conducted jointly by the faculty and students. Weekend field trips. Prerequisite: GEO 231. 341 Invertebrate Paleontology (1st sem alt yrs) 4 cr With lab. A systematic survey of the morphology (including functional morphology), evolution, stratigraphic occurrence, and ecological requirements of the major invertebrate groups, strongly emphasizing those groups with relatively complete fossil records. Elementary course in geology or zoology helpful. 415 Introduction to Geochemistry (1st sem alt yrs) The origin, evolution, and maintenance of the Earth's systems from a geochemical perspective. Some of the fundamental discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the planet: the principles of radiometric age dating; how the crust and mantle achieved their present composition; the power of stable isotopes in unraveling paleoenvironments; the biochemical processes that led to the present composition of the atmosphere and the ocean. Also, the cycling of major elements among the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, with attention to those compounds having a major influence on global environmental conditions. Interactive class sessions with emphasis on collaboration in solving problems and completing projects. Prerequisite: 1 year of geology and chemistry or consent of instructor. 431 Structural Geology (2nd sem) With lab. Description and analysis of deformation and deformation processes at scales ranging from minerals to mountain belts. Topics include: faults, folds, construction of cross-sections, interpretation of structural fabrics, stress, strain, plate tectonics, New England geology, and the geologic history of North America. Emphasis on three-dimensional visualization of geologic features and practical solutions to structural problems relevant to industry and research. Several short field trips (during lab) and one weekend field trip. Prerequisites: GEO 201 and 311 or consent of instructor. 439 Field Problems (both sem) 2-6 cr Directed field study or research. 445 Sedimentology (1st sem) With lab. Processes acting to form sediments; composition, structures, origin, and classification of sedimentary rocks. Field trips. Prerequisites: GEO 201, 231 and 311 or consent of instructor. 483 Environmental Evolution (both sem) Earth's environment from Archean times to the present; the planetary impact of the origin and evolution of life. Microbial communities, metabolic and cell evolution. International faculty accessible via the interactive lecture-electrowriter system. Class discussion and oral presentation. Limited to senior science majors. 485 Applied Environmental Geology (1st sem) 4 cr With field trips. Basic concepts of environmental geology necessary for the practicing environmental professional. Emphasis on applications. Topics include: geology in planning and land-use decisions, environmental law, soils from geologic and engineering perspectives, hydrologic processes, basic concepts in groundwater hydrology, contamination, and remediation technology. Prerequisites: introductory course in geology and at least one introductory course in another science or mathematics or consent of instructor. 515 X-ray Fluorescence Analysis (2nd sem) 2 cr Theoretical and practical application of X-ray fluorescence analysis in determining major and trace element abundances in geological materials. Prerequisite: Analytical Geochemistry or consent of instructor. 517 Sedimentary Geochemistry (2nd sem alt yrs) With lab, field trip. Applications of geochemistry to the study of modern sedimentary environments and sedimentary rocks. Geochemistry of carbonates and evaporites. Use of stable isotopes in paleoenvironmental analysis. Oxidation-reduction processes and their significance for iron formations. Geochemical transformations during burial of sedimentary sequences and the formation of petroleum. Prerequisite: GEO 445 or equivalent; college chemistry recommended. 519 Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry (2nd sem alt yrs) 4 cr With lab, field projects. The ways in which waters acquire their chemical composition during the hydrologic cycle. Focus on developing a working knowledge of thermodynamics and equilibria to investigate the origin of different aqueous systems and to understand the processes by which contaminants can be introduced and removed. Research projects investigating local streams and groundwater aquifers. Includes the use of sophisticated analytical instrumentation, principally ICP and ion chromatography, for acquiring original data. Prerequisites: CHEM 111, 112 and introductory geology or consent of instructor. 531 Tectonics (2nd sem alt yrs) 4 cr With lab. All aspects of plate tectonics and plate tectonic processes. Past and present mechanisms creating the broader framework of global geology; mountain building, ocean-basin structure, continental drift, mantle processes, continental evolution, early history of the earth, structural geology of selected key regions of the globe. Prerequisites: GEO 431 and 321, or consent of instructor. 539 Advanced Geological Mapping (1st sem) With lab. Complete series of operations required for publication of a geological map; field location and drawing of contacts, collection and interpretation of field notes, data reduction, drafting, and methods of reproduction. 2 afternoons per week in the field. Prerequisites: GEO 321 and 431 or equivalent training. 541 Paleoecology (2nd sem) 2 cr Survey of theoretical paleontology, including functional morphology, large-scale changes in diversity, taphonomic modeling, and community changes through time. Prerequisite: GEO 341. 551 Geometrics (2nd sem alt yrs) With lab. Design of geological experiments: the collection and analysis of quantitative data in geology. 560 Geomorphology (1st sem) Field trips by arrangement. Earth surface processes and resulting landforms including physical and chemical weathering, hillslope, fluvial, eolian, coastal, glacial, and periglacial processes and their relationships to landforms. Term paper or project. Prerequisites: at least 12 credits in geology, physical geography, or related fields; first-year courses in physics and chemistry recommended. 563 Glacial Geology (1st sem) 4 cr Field trips, lab. The origin and forms of glaciers; erosional and depositional processes and the recognition of erosional and constructional landforms. General Pleistocene history, stratigraphy, map interpretation. 567 Planetary Geology (2nd sem alt yrs) Geology of the solar system. Emphasis on the solid bodies, age, sequence of events, compositions, surficial and internal geologic processes. Photogeologic mapping of selected portions of Moon and Mars using recent imagery from the space program. Consent of instructor required. 571 General Geophysics (1st sem) With lab. The physics of the earth and the gravitational, magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods of geophysical exploration. Laboratory problems and computations. Prerequisites: GEO 331, 321; or consent of instructor. 573 Environmental Geophysics Application of seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical methods used in geophysical exploration. Field techniques, data compilation, and basic interpretations used to support shallow subsurface studies and environmental or hydrologic programs. Includes laboratory and field problems. 575 Paleomagnetism (1st sem) The magnetic field recorded in rocks. Rock magnetism, description of the earth's magnetic field, lab procedures, polar wandering paths. Application of paleomagnetism to geologic problems. Class participation required. Prerequisite: advanced standing in geology or consent of instructor. 583 Metalliferous Economic Geology (1st sem alt yrs) Nature, origin, and distribution of metalliferous ore deposits in a tectonic, geochemical, and process framework. Petrological and geochemical criteria for the recognition of ore deposits, changes in character with metamorphism, mineral P-T stabilities, associations, wall rock alternation, and concentration mechanisms. Geochemistry of ore minerals and petrological affinites. Prerequisites: GEO 321, 331, or consent of instructor; 723 desirable. 587 Hydrogeology (2nd sem) 4 cr With lab. Theoretical and practical hydro-geology, ground-water hydraulics, chemistry of ground water, field methods, relation of ground water to geology, basinal and regional ground-water problems. Prerequisite: one year of geology; one year of chemistry and an introductory calculus course recommended. 591 Volcanology Systematic discussion of volcanic phenomena, types of eruptions, generation and emplacement of magma, products of volcanism, volcanic impact on humans, and the monitoring and forecasting of volcanic events. Case studies of individual volcanoes illustrate principles of volcanology; particular attention to Hawaiian, ocean-floor, and Cascade volcanism. 591G Granites and Rhyolites (1st sem) Survey of the origin of granites, which make up much of the Earth's continental crust, and of their volcanic equivalent, rhyolites, which are erupted from the most explosive volcanoes on Earth. Topics include chemistry and physics of highly viscous magmas, their plate tectonic association, and economic importance. Prerequisite: GEO 321 or equivalent. The following graduate courses are also open to undergraduates. 615 Organic and Biogeochemistry The cycling and distribution of "life elements" (C,O,N,S,P) and compounds in modern and ancient marine and terrestrial settings. Emphasis on the transfer of compounds from the biota to their surroundings. Topics include: anthropogenic influence on biogeochemical cycles, importance of microbes in geochemistry, utility of biomarkers in reconstructing paleo- ecosystems and paleoenvironments. Prerequisite: one year of college chemistry or GEO 415 or consent of instructor. Organic Chemistry highly recommended. 621 Sedimentary Petrology (2nd sem) With lab. Analysis of sedimentary structures; petrology of sandstones; heavy-mineral analysis and interpretation. Petrology of carbonate rocks. Prerequisite: GEO 445 or consent of instructor. 627 Clay Petrology (1st sem alt yrs) With lab. Structure and composition of clay minerals; their formation in the weathering zone; mechanisms of transport and distribution in sedimentary environments; clay minerals in paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions; early and late-stage diagenesis of clays in marine and nonmarine environments. Prerequisite: GEO 445 or consent of instructor. 631 Brittle Fracture Analysis (1st sem alt yrs) 4 cr With lab. Faults and fault-generated materials, veins, joints, and lineament patterns. A variety of statistical, remote sensing, computer, and field techniques used to detect and map past stress fields for tectonic, engineering, and economic applications. Prerequisite: GEO 431 or equivalent. 633 Structural Geology of Metamorphic Rocks (1st sem alt yrs) 4 cr With lab. Analysis of the geometry of intensely deformed rocks with emphasis on interpretation of structural features in the field. Prerequisite: GEO 431 or equivalent. 660 Advanced Geomorphology (2nd sem alt yrs) 2 cr Selected topics and current problems in geomorphology. Prerequisite: GEO 560 or consent of instructor. 673 Earth Physics (2nd sem alt yrs) Introduction to the physics of the earth as determined from seismological, heat flow, gravity, and paleomagnetic data and their relationship to observed geological phenomena. Prerequisites: GEO 571 and consent of instructor. 687 Advanced Hydrogeology (1st sem) Advanced groundwater hydrology and contaminant hydrogeology. Includes the application of field techniques, analysis of field data, and use of analytical and numerical models in the investigation of groundwater problems. Introduction to Visual MODFLOW and other groundwater models, including development of conceptual models from geologic data, laying out grids, handling boundaries, source and sinks, transience, calibration, and sensitivity. Prerequisite: GEO 587 or consent of instructor. Geology
| Geology Courses | Geosciences
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