Earth Sciences (EAR)

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EAR 101 is recommended. Volcanoes, earthquakes, oceanic processes and continental drift. Rock and mineral identification is enhanced by concurrent enrollment in EAR 101. Meets certain general studies requirements, is fundamental to the Geology major, and has wide-ranging applications in art, commerce, public policy, and science. Field Trip.

Offered Fall, Spring

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EAR 100 is recommended. Nature and origin of rocks and minerals through determination of physical properties of specimens. Topographic and geologic map analysis. Geological features from stereoscopic air photos. Recommended elective for students interested in the outdoors, archaeology, mineral deposits, land use, and natural hazards.

Offered Fall, Spring

Prerequisite: EAR 100, EAR 101, and concurrent enrollment in EAR 201. This course covers the evolution of the Earth's dynamic systems and their record through geologic time. Emphasizes interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological components of the Earth system. Includes development of the geologic time scale, origin of the planet, early life, biological evolution, the fossil record, mass extinctions, and climate change.

Offered Spring even

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EAR 200. Laboratory analysis of depositional processes and ancient environments. Topics include radiometric dating, geologic maps, facies analysis, fossil records, and stratigraphic correlations. Three hours of laboratory per week

Offered Spring even

Prerequisite: Completion of lower division General Education. Examines the impact of natural events on human activities and vice versa. Mankind's uneasy relationship with atmosphere, oceans and not-so-solid Earth. Examines the study of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides, tsunamis, climate change, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Offered Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite: EAR 100 or GEO 200 is recommended. This course introduces global oceanographic phenomena and emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of ocean processes, including the ocean¿s role in regulating Earth¿s climate. Topics include the physical and chemical characteristics of seawater, and the vertical and spatial distributions of temperature, salinity, gases, and density; surface and deep-water circulations

Offered Spring odd

Prerequisites: EAR 100 and EAR 101 are required, or consent of instructor. Introduction to geological and environmental field mapping. Techniques include working with topographic maps and remotely-sensed images, use of Brunton compass traverse methods, and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and geological structures (faults, folds). Applications to geotechnical work, resource management, environmental and archaeological surveys, and outdoor education activities. Eight hours of laboratory and one-half hour of lecture per week.

Offered Spring even

Study of human interaction with the geologic environment. Mitigating exposure to geological hazards (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides); environmental consequences of geological resource (fossil fuels, minerals, water) extraction and consumption; surface and groundwater contamination; acid rain; climate change; waste burial.

Offered Spring odd

Prerequisites: Completion of lower division General Education. Study of planet Earth featuring units in geology, oceanography, weather, and astronomy, as appropriate for elementary and secondary school teachers. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week

Offered Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: EAR 100 and EAR 101 are required. Study of plate tectonic processes and how they relate to the formation of rocks and the rock cycle. Includes earthquakes, volcanic activity, hot spots and plate boundary types.

Offered Fall even

An interdisciplinary introduction to the science of understanding global change natural as well as anthropogenically induced. Key topics include the physical climate system and its variability, the carbon cycle, land and water issues, and the impact of global change on society.

Offered Fall even

Prerequisites: EAR 100 and EAR 101 are required. CHE 108 or CHE 110 is recommended. Study of the movement of underground water through geological layers. Topics include the geological characteristics of aquifers, wells, and connectivity with surface water resources. Includes groundwater chemistry and contaminant transport, plus considerations for the management of groundwater resources.

Offered Fall even

Prerequisite: EAR 450. Evaluation and abatement of geologic hazards affecting construction projects and land use. Landslides, groundwater pollution, subsidence, flooding, and earthquake effects. Mechanical properties of rocks and soils. Case histories and site investigations. Application to business, law, construction engineering and environmental studies. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

Offered Infrequent

Prerequisite: Senior standing in Earth Sciences or consent of instructor. Study and discussion of current research in Earth Sciences. Techniques of oral presentation, library research and preparation of audiovisual materials. One hour of seminar per week.

Offered Infrequent

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Independent study of a particular earth science or environmental topic under the supervision of an Earth Science faculty member.

Offered Fall, Spring

Selected topics in Earth Science with course content to be determined by instructor. Repeatable course.

Offered Spring

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Employment as an assistant or volunteer in an earth sciences-related firm or government agency. Course may run at time convenient to student and employers, including summer. Student should contact Department faculty three months prior to enrollment. CR/NC grading. Repeatable course.

Offered Fall, Spring

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Research of a particular earth science or environmental problem under the direction of an Earth Science faculty member.

Offered Fall, Spring