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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.
Go to top of document 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.
Go to top of document 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.
Go to top of document 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.
Go to top of document 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.
Go to top of document 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.
Go to top of document 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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Geophysical Sciences Courses
In the following course descriptions, L refers to courses with
laboratory.
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