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Geophysical Sciences Courses

In the following course descriptions, L refers to courses with laboratory.

131. Physical Geology. PQ: Calculus and Chem 111-112-113 or higher. An introduction to plate tectonics, the geologic cycle, and the internal and surface processes that make minerals and rocks and shape the scenery. D. Rowley. Autumn. L.

132. Evolution and Earth History. PQ: GeoSci 131 or consent of instructor. This course covers the evolution of life from the perspective of the environmental history of the earth. A. Ziegler. Winter. L.

133. The Atmosphere (=EnvStd 133). PQ: Calculus and Chem 111-112 or higher, or consent of instructor. An introduction to the fundamental physical and chemical factors that determine the observed composition, structure and circulation of the earth's atmosphere. Specific topics to be studied include: global energy balance and greenhouse warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, tropospheric pollution, atmospheric dynamics, and cloud processes. J. Abbatt. Spring.

212. Physics of the Earth. PQ: Calculus, college physics, or consent of instructor. Geophysical evidence bearing on the internal makeup and dynamical behavior of the earth is considered, including seismology (properties of elastic waves and their interpretation, and internal structure of the earth), mechanics of rock deformation (elastic properties, creep and flow of rocks, faulting, and earthquakes), gravity (the geoid and isostasy), geomagnetism (magnetic properties of rocks and history and origin of the magnetic field), heat flow (temperature within the earth, sources of heat, and thermal history of the earth), and plate tectonics and models for the maintenance of plate motions. G. Miller. Spring. L.

213. Origin and Evolution of the Solar System (=Astron 213). PQ: Consent of instructor; physical chemistry helpful. Representative topics include abundance and origin of the elements; formation, condensation, and age of the solar system; meteorites and the historical record of the solar system they preserve; comets and asteroids; the planets and their satellites; temperatures and atmospheres of the planets; and the origin of the earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. L. Grossman. Winter. L.

214. Stars and Stellar Systems (=Astron 214). PQ: Phys 123, 133, or 143. An introduction to the astrophysics of stars and stellar systems. Emphasis is placed on the basic physical principles in relation to astronomy. Topics covered are observational and theoretical Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams, structure and evolution of stars, binary stars, star clusters, and end states of stars such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. The Chandrasekhar limit is derived from first principle and applied to discussions of various topics. L. Hobbs. Autumn.

215. The Physical Universe (=Astron 215). PQ: Astron 214; or Phys 123, 133, or 143, and consent of instructor. The laws of physics, as they are discovered in terrestrial laboratories, are applied on the scales of time and distance that are required in astronomy. The logical and philosophical steps in this process are traced from the laboratory to the lunar orbit, to the solar system, to the galaxy as a whole, and finally, to the observable universe. In particular, physical laws are applied in attempts to understand the structures and evolution of galaxies, quasars, clusters of galaxies, and the universe at large. D. Lamb. Spring.

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217. Introduction to Mineralogy. PQ: Chem 111-112-113 or higher. The course covers topics such as structure, chemical composition, stability, occurrence, and microscopical identification of major rock-forming minerals. A. Anderson. Autumn. L.

218. Introduction to Petrology. PQ: GeoSci 217. We 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. The course 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. R. Newton. Spring. L.

222. Principles of Stratigraphy. PQ: GeoSci 131-132 or equivalent; GeoSci 218 recommended. An introduction to the principles and methods of stratigraphy, including facies analysis, physical and biostratigraphic correlation, development and calibration of the geologic time scale, and controversy concerning the completeness of the stratigraphic record, origin of sedimentary cycles, and interactions between global sea level, tectonics, and sediment supply. S. Kidwell. Not offered 1995-96; will be offered 1996-97. L.

223. Introductory Paleontology (=BioSci 246). PQ: GeoSci 131-132; or PhySci 108-109-110; or BioSci 195 and 198; or consent of instructor. The focus of the course is on the nature of the fossil record, the information it provides on patterns and processes of evolution through geologic time, and how it can be used to solve geological and biological problems. Lectures cover the principles of paleontology (including fossilization, classification, morphologic analysis and interpretation, biostratigraphy, paleoecology, and macroevolution); labs are systematic, introducing major groups of fossil invertebrates. J. Sepkoski. Winter. L.

228. Field Course in Geology and Geophysics. PQ: Consent of instructor. This is a summer field camp with emphasis on rocks, structure, stratigraphy, geodesy, and rates of erosion and deposition. The department provides field vehicles and camping equipment. A. Anderson. Not offered 1995-96; will be offered 1996-97.

229. Field Course in Modern Carbonate Environments. PQ: Consent of instructor. A week-long field trip during spring break visits areas in the Caribbean to examine modern coral reefs, as well as their geological antecedents. Lecture/discussion sessions are held once a week in the winter quarter. Students are required to prepare a written report of the field trip. Not offered 1995-96; will be offered 1996-97.

230. Field Course in Structural Geology, Petrology, and Stratigraphy. PQ: GeoSci 131-132 and consent of instructor. A week-long field trip during spring break visits classic locations to examine a wide variety of geological environments and processes, including magma transport, regional and contact metamorphism, active tectonics, ancient and modern sedimentary environments, and geomorphology. Lecture/discussion sessions are held once a week in the winter quarter. Students are required to prepare a written report of the field trip. This course is offered in alternate years. Staff. Winter.

231. Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere. PQ: Chem 121-122-123, Phys 131-132-133, or consent of instructor. This course introduces atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud microphysical processes attendant to the formation of rain and snow, solar and terrestrial radiation, and the heat budget of the earth atmosphere system. R. Srivastava. Autumn.

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232. Dynamics of Planetary Atmospheres. PQ: Physics (preferably 133 or 143), understanding of ordinary differential equations, and basic vector calculus. This course presents an introduction to the fluid mechanics accounting for the large-scale circulations of planetary atmospheres. No previous knowledge of fluid mechanics or atmospheric science is required. The emphasis is on the principles common to the atmospheres of rapidly rotating planets such as earth, Mars, and Jupiter. Development of the theoretical material is supplemented by labs involving analysis of a forty-year optical disk data set of terrestrial flow patterns. R. Pierrehumbert. Winter. L.

233. Physical Oceanography. PQ: GeoSci 232 or consent of instructor. This course provides a conceptual understanding of the dynamics of ocean circulation and a background in physical oceanography for students interested in further study of climate dynamics, chemical oceanography, marine biology, and paleontology. Topics covered include geometry of map projections, hypsometry of ocean basins and the geoid, temperature and salinity structure, watermasses, geostrophy and geostrophic adjustment, Ekman layers, coastal upwelling, Sverdrup balance, vorticity balance and western intensification, and waves and tides. Macintosh computers and oceanographic databases are used for laboratory exercises. D. MacAyeal. Winter. L.

234. Chemical Oceanography. PQ: Consent of instructor. An introduction to the geochemistry of the oceans with emphasis on topics relevant to global change, past and future. The role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle is discussed along with the interplay between ocean circulation, biology, and physical chemistry and its impact on the distributions of nutrients, carbon, and oxygen in the ocean. Also covered are sediment geochemistry and what sediments can tell us about oceans and climates of the past. D. Archer. Spring.

235. Introduction to Inverse Methods. PQ: Knowledge of calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra. This course provides a general introduction to the formulation and solution of various inverse problems in geochemistry, geophysics, and fluid dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on control methods as a means to solve inverse problems that have differential equations imposed as constraints. Students are expected to perform weekly homework assignments, which may involve use of a Macintosh computing lab. D. MacAyeal. Spring.

236. The Ice Age Earth. PQ: GeoSci 232, 233, or consent of instructor. This tutorial on fundamental and historically significant research methods used to discern climate history over the last five million years emphasizes the Pleistocene ice-age cycle. Students are introduced to glacial geology, paleobiostratigraphy and factor analysis, time-series analysis of deep-sea sediment records, and the Milankovitch theory of climate change. The course includes laboratory exercises, discussions of current departmental research, and possible field trips. D. MacAyeal. Not offered 1995-96; will be offered 1996-97.

237. Cumulus Physics. PQ: GeoSci 231 or consent of the instructor. This course introduces cloud microphysics beyond GeoSci 231, parameterization of cloud microphysical processes, and cloud dynamics, especially the dynamics of convective clouds. R. Srivastava. Spring.

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238. Biogeochemistry and Global Change. PQ: Chem 111-112 or consent of instructor. This is a survey of the geochemistry of the surface of the earth, with emphasis on biological and geological processes, their assembly into self-regulating systems, and their potential sensitivity to anthropogenic or other perturbations. Budgets and cycles of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, sulfur, and silicon are discussed, as well as fundamentals of the processes of weathering, sediment diagenesis, and isotopic fractionation. What is known about earth biogeochemistry through geologic time is also presented. D. Archer. Autumn.

240. Field Course in Stratigraphy (=EvBiol 331). PQ: GeoSci 131-132 or equivalent. This is a one-month excursion to the northwestern United States and/or eastern Canada to examine the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of the margin of North America from the Cambrian period to the present. The purpose of the course is to acquaint students with sedimentary and volcanic rocks deposited in a variety of environments and to examine the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of this complicated region. The trip takes place in late August or early September, with field vehicles and camping equipment provided. A. Ziegler. Summer.

299. Reading and Research in the Geophysical Sciences. PQ: By invitation to selected College students, both concentrators and qualified nonconcentrators; students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. Normally taken for either P/N or P/F grading. Staff. Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.

302. Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. PQ: One quarter of fluid mechanics in any discipline, or consent of instructor; familiarity with Fourier transforms and basic partial differential equations recommended. This course provides theoretical foundation for understanding the large-scale flow patterns in the earth's atmosphere and ocean. Topics include the governing equations for fluids on a rotating sphere under gravity, basic conservation properties, linear wave dynamics and geostrophic adjustment, Quasigeostrophic dynamics with Ekman friction, effects of isolated mountains on the general circulation of the atmosphere, two-layer model of baroclinic instability and implications to storm organization, and wind driven ocean circulation. N. Nakamura. Winter.

303. Thermodynamics and Phase Change. PQ: College physics, chemistry, or consent of instructor. This course comprehensively develops basic concepts of homogeneous and heterogeneous phase equilibrium. Systems used as illustration of principles include many of interest to earth scientists. The emphasis of course material is on evaluation of thermodynamic data, relations among thermodynamic quantities, and calculation of simple equilibria. D. Heinz. Autumn.

304. High-Temperature Phase Equilibrium. PQ: GeoSci 303 or consent of instructor. This course builds on the material of GeoSci 303 through calculations of simple high-temperature and high-pressure phased equilibria. The starting point is geometrical, familiarizing the students with polycomponent P-T-X diagrams of petrological interest and applications of the phase rule. Calculations of phase equilibrium of increasing levels of difficulty introduce specific methods applicable to equilibria in different systems. A final section is devoted to advanced topics such as crystal-chemical prediction of thermodynamic properties, geothermometry and geobarometry, and P-T times cycles of petrogenesis. R. Newton. Winter.

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305. Shape, Form, and Symmetry. PQ: Consent of instructor. This course provides a mathematical basis for structure, symmetry, and form in the universe. The appropriate mathematical techniques are developed during the course, and concepts of shape and form are included. In chemistry, fullerene-carbon, metal-cluster, and clathrate and magnetic materials are covered. In biology, the shape of viruses, replicating polymers, inorganic skeletons, and external surfaces are discussed in relation to evolutionary processes. Other topics are the shape, form, and geometry of plane and space-filling polygons; polyhedra, regular, and semiregular networks and lattices; point groups and space groups; and shapes of crystals. J. Smith. Autumn.

306. Mineralogy with Environmental Emphasis. PQ: GeoSci 305 or consent of instructor. Emphasis is placed on minerals at the earth's surface that control environmental processes. Special attention is given to coupling firm scientific understanding with complex issues of public policy. Areas covered are descriptive, paragenetic, and determinative mineralogy; crystal chemistry and mineral stability; and structure and atomic arrangements of rock- and soil-forming minerals, mostly silicates. J. Smith. Not offered 1995-96; will be offered 1996-97.

307. Igneous Petrology. PQ: GeoSci 217-218 and consent of instructor. This course covers the main aspects of the petrology of igneous rocks and processes, including the physical and chemical features of magmas, volcanoes, and intrusions in various tectonic settings. Staff. Winter.

309. Low Temperature Mineralogy. PQ: GeoSci 305 and physical chemistry; GeoSci 217 or equivalent helpful; or consent of instructor. The content of this course includes low temperature minerals, especially zeolites, in natural and industrial processes; clay minerals; phosphates and other minerals in soils and their relation to agriculture; complex minerals containing radioactive elements; and cement and concrete. J. Smith. Winter.

310. Cosmochemistry. PQ: Consent of instructor. Chemical, mineralogical, and petrographic classifications of meteorites are examined. Topics include abundances of the elements, origin of the elements and stellar evolution, the interstellar medium and formation of the solar nebula, condensation of the solar system, chemical fractionations in meteorites and planets, age of the solar system, extinct radionuclides in meteorites, and isotopic heterogeneity of the solar nebula. Emphasis is placed on current topics at the frontiers of research. Part of the course takes the form of seminars prepared by the students. L. Grossman. Autumn.

311. Geochemistry. PQ: Physical chemistry. Radioactive and stable isotope studies, distributions of rare earths and transition metals, and geochemistry of the noble gases are studied. R. Clayton. Not offered 1995-96; will be offered 1996-97.

312. Mineral Physics. PQ: Two years of math beyond calculus; one year of physical chemistry or one year of both physics and chemistry; general geology, general geophysics and mineralogy, petrology, or equivalent; or consent of instructor. This course focuses on the application of physics at the microscopic level to geologic and geophysical problems. The material in this course covers vibrational, electric, and transport properties of minerals. G. Miller. Autumn.

319. Topics in Paleobiology. PQ: Consent of instructor. In this seminar we investigate paleobiological and sedimentological topics of current interest to students and faculty. Previous subjects have included benthic paleoecology and paleobiogeography. Staff. Autumn.

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320. Physical Principles in Geology. PQ: College-level chemistry and physics; consent of instructor. Geometrical aspects of maps and diagrams, error propagation, strength, rheology, viscosity, density, surface tension, and magnetic properties of geological materials, material balances of reactive process, heat conduction, radiation, and convection are covered. A. Anderson, F. Richter. Spring.

321. Chemical Petrology. PQ: Consent of instructor. This course covers uses of stable and radiogenic isotope tracers in igneous and metamorphic petrology and regional tectonic studies. It includes a review of stable and radiogenic isotope systems commonly used in geology; a summary of principal uses and theoretical and chemical aspects of isotopic fractionation; systematics in the main terrestrial reservoirs; use of isotopes in studying igneous and metamorphic processes; and relationships of isotope systematics to tectonic setting. A weekly discussion group considers geochemistry and petrology of some exemplary terrains. Staff. Winter.

326. Metamorphic Petrology. PQ: GeoSci 305-306-307 or consent of instructor. Study of metamorphic rocks with methods of thermodynamic theory and thin-section microscopy is covered in this course. Emphasis is on recognizing metamorphic grade and parentage of specimens. R. Newton. Not offered 1995-96; will be offered 1996-97. L.

327. Geology and Human Welfare. PQ: Consent of instructor. Knowledge of fundamental geosciences helpful but not required. This course discusses the nature of the geological phenomena that affect or may affect human welfare and the nature of the effects of human activities on the earth's surface. All human risks are compared and ethical considerations are presented that are relevant to a professional geoscientist. The content is of particular interest to graduating seniors. J. Smith. Spring.

333. Plant Paleontology (=EvBiol 323). PQ: Consent of instructor. This course provides an introduction to all major groups of extant and fossil plants, ranging from green algae to angiosperms. Recent insights into large-scale patterns of plant phylogeny are reviewed, along with the history of plant diversification and major extinction events. The class also includes discussions of plant taphonomy, the use of fossil plants as indicators of paleoclimate, the fossil spore/pollen record, evolutionary and paleoclimatic applications of palynological data, and the history of terrestrial ecosystems. The course is divided approximately equally between lectures and discussions of selected literature. There are no formal laboratories, although the class includes examination of living and fossil material at the Garfield Park Conservatory and the Field Museum of Natural History. P. Crane. Spring.

337. Present and Paleoclimatology. PQ: Consent of instructor. A review of the earth's present atmospheric and oceanic circulation and an examination of the possibilities of reconstructing climates of the geologic past are the topics covered. A. Ziegler. Not offered 1995-96; will be offered 1996-97.

342. Biomechanics (=Anat 342). PQ: College chemistry and physics, and consent of instructor. Topics in odd-numbered years are properties of biological materials, mechanical analysis of morphology, and principles of design optimization, with appropriate examples from zoology and botany. In even-numbered years, the course is concerned with principles of fluid mechanics as applied to biological systems, including lift, drag, conservation laws, and high and low Reynolds number fluid mechanics. M. LaBarbera. Winter. L.

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351. Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics. PQ: Math 200, 201, 202, or equivalent. Topics covered are conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; kinematics; constitutive equations; ideal and viscous fluids; vorticity and circulation; and vortex dynamics. V. Barcilon. Autumn.

352. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics II: Glaciology. PQ: GeoSci 351 or equivalent. The dynamics of ice sheets and glaciers are used to introduce the subject of viscous, gravity-driven flows. Emphasis is placed on weekly laboratory exercises, which involve constructing a finite-element model of the Antarctic ice sheet. Applications associated with ice-age climate dynamics are covered. D. MacAyeal. Not offered 1995-96; will be offered 1996-97. L.

358. Dynamics of the Stratosphere. PQ: GeoSci 302 or equivalent; or consent of instructor. This course focuses on the vertical structure of the earth's atmosphere due to compressibility and radiative heating, and its consequences on the dynamics, particularly of the stratosphere. More emphasis is placed on the underlying physics than on the mere phenomenology of the stratosphere, which makes this course a natural extension of GeoSci 302. Topics discussed include exponential atmosphere at rest; ID model of radiative transfer and vertical temperature profile of the atmosphere; vertical propagation of Rossby and gravity waves; wave-mean flow interaction; tracer transport and mixing; and current issues such as ozone hole and sudden warming. N. Nakamura. Spring.

360. Atmospheric Chemistry. PQ: Calculus and introductory chemistry and physics, or consent of instructor. The course considers the chemical, physical, and radiative processes that establish the photochemical steady state of the earth's atmosphere. Particular attention is given to how the atmosphere responds to both anthropogenic and natural perturbations. Topics include stratospheric ozone, oxidative processes in the troposphere, air pollution, and biogeochemical cycles. J. Abbatt. Autumn.

368. Radar Meteorology. PQ: Consent of instructor. This course covers principles of pulsed microwave radar (coherent and incoherent), scattering and extinction of electromagnetic waves by hydrometeors, effects of polarization on extinction and scattering, theory of the Doppler spectrum, and use of radar for meteorological observations. This course is offered in alternate years. R. Srivastava. Winter.

373. Radiation Transfer Theory. PQ: Advanced college-level knowledge of electromagnetic theory, atomic structure, and differential equations; or consent of instructor. This course develops the theory of radiation emission, absorption, and scattering by planetary atmospheres. Emphasis is placed on the derivation and solution of the radiative transfer equation for plane parallel, horizontally homogeneous atmospheres. Cases analyzed include stellar radiation incident on an atmosphere from above and thermal emission by gases within an atmosphere. J. Frederick. Winter.

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