Geophysical Sciences
Departmental Counselor: Alfred T. Anderson, Jr., HGS 311A, 702-8138 Departmental Office: HGS 161, 702-8101
Program of Study
The Department of the Geophysical Sciences offers unique programs of study in the earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences. Topics include the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the atmosphere, oceans, and ice sheets; past and present climate change; the origin and history of the earth, moon, and meteorites; properties of the deep interior of the earth and the dynamics of crustal movements; the evolution and geography of life and earth's surface environments through geologic time. These multidisciplinary topics require an integrated approach founded on mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
Both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs prepare students for careers that draw upon the earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences. However, the B.S. degree provides a more focused and intensive program of study for students who intend to pursue graduate work in these disciplines. The B.A. degree also offers thorough study in the geophysical sciences, but it provides a wide opportunity for elective freedom to pursue interdisciplinary interests, such as environmental policy, law, medicine, business, and precollege education.
Program Requirements
The principal distinction between the B.A. and B.S. programs involves the number of courses required in geophysical sciences and their distribution among subdisciplines.
Program Requirements for the B.A. The B.A. requires a minimum of six geophysical sciences courses beyond the introductory sequence Geophysical Sciences 131-132-133 (which should be taken first). At least two of these six courses must be from the earth sciences and at least two others must be from atmospheres/oceans. Specific courses are shown in List A that follows. Of the six 200-level courses, up to two may be from List B.
Program Requirements for the B.S. The B.S. requires a minimum of eight courses beyond Geophysical Sciences 131-132-133 (which should be taken first). At least four of these eight courses must be drawn from either the earth sciences or atmospheres/oceans (as shown in List A that follows). Because of the interdisciplinary nature of these fields, up to four of the eight courses may be taken from other departments (chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and statistics), subject to approval by the departmental adviser. Specific courses are shown in List B that follows.
Summary of Requirements
General
Education
Chem 111-112 or higher | |
Math 131-132 or higher |
1 |
Chem 113 |
3
|
GeoSci 131-132-133 |
3 |
Phys 121-122-123 or higher |
B.A. |
B.S. |
||
1 |
Math 133 or higher, or Stat 220 or 240 |
2 |
Mathematics or statistics courses (One of these must be Math 133, 153, or 163. The remaining course can be selected from mathematics or statistics offerings in List B). |
6
|
200-level geophysical sciences courses drawn from List A, at least two of which must be in the earth sciences, and at least two of which must be in the atmosphere and ocean sciences |
8
|
courses in 200-level geophysical sciences. Up to four may be drawn from List B. |
14 |
17 |
Credit may be granted by examination.
LIST A (Courses in the geophysical sciences categorized as earth sciences, and atmosphere and ocean sciences.)
Earth Sciences
GeoSci 203. Thermodynamics and Phase Change
GeoSci 205. Shape, Form, and Symmetry
GeoSci 206. Statistical Thermodynamics and Transport
GeoSci 212. Physics of the Earth
GeoSci 213. Origin and Evolution of the Solar System
GeoSci 216. Chemistry of the Earth
GeoSci 217. Introduction to Mineralogy
GeoSci 218. Introduction to Petrology
GeoSci 219. Introduction to Structural Geology
GeoSci 220. Magmatism in the Early Solar System
GeoSci 221. Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks
GeoSci 222. Principles of Stratigraphy
GeoSci 223. Introduction to Paleontology
GeoSci 235. Introduction to Inverse Methods
GeoSci 238. Biogeochemistry and Global Change
GeoSci 239. Environmental Chemistry
GeoSci 297. Reading and Research
Field Courses in Earth Sciences
GeoSci 228. Field Course in Geology and Geophysics
GeoSci 229. Field Course in Modern Carbonate Environments
GeoSci 230. Field Course in Structural Geology, Petrology, and Stratigraphy
GeoSci 240. Field Course in Stratigraphy
Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences
GeoSci 203. Thermodynamics and Phase Change
GeoSci 231. Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere
GeoSci 232. Climate Dynamics of the Earth and Other Planets
GeoSci 233. Physical Oceanography
GeoSci 234. Chemical Oceanography
GeoSci 235. Introduction to Inverse Methods
GeoSci 237. Cumulus Physics
GeoSci 238. Biogeochemistry and Global Change
GeoSci 260. Atmospheric Chemistry
GeoSci 297. Reading and Research
LIST B (Courses which, with the approval of the departmental adviser, may be substituted in place of geophysical science courses in the B.S. concentration.)
Chemistry
Chem 201, 202. Inorganic Chemistry I, II
Chem 220, 221, 222. Organic Chemistry
Chem 261, 262, 263. Physical Chemistry I, II, III
Physics
Phys 185, 186. Intermediate Mechanics
Phys 197. Thermal Physics
Phys 225, 227. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
Phys 226. Electronics
Biology
BioSci 294-295. Ecology, Genetics, and Evolution
BioSci 234. Chordate Biology
BioSci 236. Evolution and Paleobiology
BioSci 238. Invertebrate Biology
BioSci 240. Biology and Evolution of Plants
BioSci 250. Evolutionary Ecology
BioSci 251. Conservation Biology
BioSci 254. Systematic Biology
BioSci 255. Biogeography
BioSci 260. Mammal Evolution
Mathematics (One of the following courses can serve as the additional mathematics or statistics course that is required for the B.S. degree. Courses beyond this one can serve as substitutes for geophysical sciences courses.)
Math 200, 201, 202. Mathematical Methods for Physical Sciences
I, II, III
Math 203, 204, 205. Analysis in Rn I, II, III
Math 211. Basic Numerical Analysis
Math 250. Elementary Linear Algebra
Math 270. Basic Complex Variables
Math 273. Basic Theory of Ordinary Differential Equations
Math 275. Basic Theory of Partial Differential Equations
Statistics
Stat 220. Statistical Methods and Their Applications
Stat 240. Probability and Statistics for the Natural Sciences
Grading. Students concentrating in geophysical sciences must receive letter grades in all courses meeting the requirements of the degree program. In order to qualify for the B.A. or B.S. degree, a grade point average of 2.0 or better is needed in required courses, that is, in 200-level courses in geophysical sciences or in substitutions for geophysical sciences courses.
Honors Program. The B.A. or B.S. degree with honors is awarded to students who meet the following requirements: (1) minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all concentration courses, and (2) completion of a paper based on original research, supervised and approved by a faculty member in geophysical sciences. Geophysical Sciences 297 (Readings and Research) can be devoted to the preparation of the required paper.
Field Trips and Field Courses. The department normally sponsors about twelve trips each year that range in length from one day to five weeks. Destinations of trips have included areas as far afield as Newfoundland; the Canadian Rockies; Baja, California; the Caribbean; and Iceland. The longer trips are designed as undergraduate field courses (Geophysical Sciences 228, 229, 230, and 240), and the shorter trips are mostly scheduled in connection with undergraduate and graduate lecture courses (Geophysical Sciences 131, 222, 314, 315, and 333). However, all students and faculty are welcome to participate, space permitting.
Sample B.S. Program. After satisfying the requirements common to all concentrators in Geophysical Sciences, students can create a B.S. program from a wide range of selections that focuses on a subdiscipline. Some sample programs appear below; in consultation with the departmental adviser other programs can be designed. Each program contains nine courses. One course satisfies the mathematics or statistics requirement beyond three quarters of calculus; the remaining eight courses are in geophysical sciences or are approved substitutions for geophysical sciences courses.
Chemistry of Atmosphere and Oceans. Geophysical Sciences 231, 232, 234, and 260; Chemistry 261, 262, and 263; and Mathematics 200 and 201
Physics of Climate and Circulation. Geophysical Sciences 231, 232, 233, and 235 (or 237); Mathematics 200 and 201 (or 202, 211, and 250); and Physics 185, 186, and 225
Paleontology/Stratigraphy. Geophysical Sciences 217, 219, 221, 222, 223, and 238; Statistics 240; and Biological Sciences 193 and 194
Environmental Geology. Geophysical Sciences 218, 222, 238, and 260; and Statistics 240. For emphasis on chemistry: Chemistry 217, 218, and 219; or Chemistry 220, 221, and 222. For emphasis on biology: Biological Sciences 193, 194, and 251
Structure/Tectonics. Geophysical Sciences 203, 212, 217, 218, 219, and 222; Physics 185 and 186; and Mathematics 200
Geochemistry. Geophysical Sciences 203, 212 (or 213), 217, and 218; Chemistry 261, 262, and 263; and Mathematics 200 and 201
Geophysics. Geophysical Sciences 203, 212, 217, and 235; Physics 185 and 186 (or 225 or 227); and Mathematics 200, 201, and 202
|
Autumn |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
First Year |
GeoSci 131 |
GeoSci 132 |
GeoSci 133 |
|
General Chemistry |
General Chemistry |
General Chemistry |
||
Calculus |
Calculus |
Calculus |
||
Second Year |
Phys 121 |
Phys 122 |
Phys 123 |
GeoSci 228 or |
|
Math 200 |
Math 201 |
Math 202 |
GeoSci 240 |
Third Year |
geophysical sciences elective |
geophysical sciences elective |
geophysical sciences elective |
GeoSci 228 (if not taken in second year) |
Fourth Year |
geophysical sciences elective |
geophysical sciences elective |
geophysical sciences elective |
|
Faculty
JONATHAN P. D. ABBATT, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
ALFRED T. ANDERSON, JR., Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
DAVID ARCHER, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
VICTOR BARCILON, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
ROBERT N. CLAYTON, Enrico Fermi Distinguished Service Professor, Departments of Chemistry and the Geophysical Sciences, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
GIDON ESHEL, Assistant Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
MICHAEL J. FOOTE, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, and the College
JOHN E. FREDERICK, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
LAWRENCE GROSSMAN, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
DION L. HEINZ, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, James Franck Institute, and the College
MUNIR HUMAYUN, Assistant Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
DAVID JABLONSKI, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, and the College
SUSAN M. KIDWELL, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, and the College
MICHAEL C. LABARBERA, Professor, Departments of Organismal Biology & Anatomy and the Geophysical Sciences, and the College
DOUGLAS R. MACAYEAL, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
GREGORY H. MILLER, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
NOBORU NAKAMURA, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
RAYMOND T. PIERREHUMBERT, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
FRANK M. RICHTER, Sewell Avery Distinguished Service Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
DAVID B. ROWLEY, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
J. JOHN SEPKOSKI, JR., Professor, Departments of the Geophysical Sciences and Organismal Biology & Anatomy, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, and the College
JOSEPH V. SMITH, Louis Block Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
RAMESH C. SRIVASTAVA, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
MEENAKSHI WADHWA, Research Scientist and Lecturer, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
ALFRED M. ZIEGLER, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College
Courses
In the following course descriptions, L refers to courses with laboratory.
131. Physical Geology. 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. Earth History. PQ: GeoSci 131 or consent of instructor. This course covers the paleogeographic, biotic, and climatic development of the earth. A. Ziegler. Winter. L.
133. The Atmosphere (=EnvStd 133, GeoSci 133). PQ: Math 132 or consent of instructor. This course provides an introduction to the physics, chemistry, and phenomenology of the earth's atmosphere with an emphasis on the role of the atmosphere as a component of the planet's life support system. Topics include (1) atmospheric composition, evolution, and structure; (2) solar and terrestrial radiation; (3) the role of water in atmospheric processes; (4) winds, the global circulation, and weather systems; and (5) atmospheric chemistry and pollution. We focus on the mechanisms by which human activity can influence the atmosphere and on interactions between atmosphere and biosphere. J. Frederick. Spring.
134. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast (=EnvStd 123, GeoSci 134, NatSci 123, PhySci 134). PQ: Math 102 or 106, or consent of instructor; some knowledge of chemistry or physics helpful. This course presents the science behind the forecast of global warming to evaluate the likelihood and potential severity of anthropogenic climate change in the coming centuries. It includes an overview of the physics of the greenhouse effect, including comparisons with Venus and Mars; an overview of the carbon cycle in its role as a global thermostat; predictions and reliability of climate model forecasts of the greenhouse world; and an examination of the records of recent and past climates, such as the glacial world and Eocene and Oligocene warm periods. D. Archer. Spring. L.
203/303. Thermodynamics and Phase Change. PQ: College chemistry and calculus, or consent of instructor. Consent of instructor in advance is required for registration in GeoSci 303. This course develops the mathe-matical structure of thermodynamics with emphasis on relations between thermodynamic variables and equations of state. These concepts are then applied to homogeneous and heterogeneous phase equilibrium, culminating in the construction of representative binary and ternary phase diagrams of petrological significance. A term project is required. G. Miller. Autumn.
206/306. Statistical Thermodynamics and Transport. PQ: Physical chemistry, calculus, and thermodynamics (GeoSci 203 or 303), or consent of instructor. Consent of instructor in advance is required for registration in GeoSci 306. This course covers ensembles and the statistical mechanical formulation of thermodynamics, interatomic and intermolecular potentials, molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo techniques, lattice dynamics, vibrational spectroscopies and neutron diffraction, the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, and Onsager's reciprocity theorem. These ideas and methods are related to topics in mineral physics and the properties of silicate melts. A term project is required for GeoSci 306 only. G. Miller. Winter.
212. Physics of the Earth. PQ: Prior calculus and college-level physics courses, 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 the maintenance of plate motions. F. Richter, D. Heinz. Spring. L.
213. Origin and Evolution of the Solar System (=Astron 213, GeoSci 213). PQ: Consent of instructor. Knowledge of 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.
216. Chemistry of the Earth. PQ: Chem 111-113 or 121-123, GeoSci 131, or consent of the instructor. This course covers origin of the elements, cosmic abundances, elemental abundances and distribution, radioactivity and its measurement, geochronology, stable isotopes, and the origin of the earth's organic matter. M. Humayun. Winter.
217. Introduction to Mineralogy. PQ: Chem 111-112-113 or higher. This course covers structure, chemical composition, stability, and occurrence of major rock-forming minerals. Labs concentrate on mineral identification with the optical microscope. D. Heinz. 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. A. T. Anderson. Spring. L.
219. Introduction to Structural Geology. This course explores the deformation of earth materials primarily as observed in the crust. We emphasize stress and strain and their relationship to incremental and finite deformation in crustal rocks, as well as techniques for inferring paleostress and strain in deformed crustal rocks. We also look at mesoscale to macroscale structures and basic techniques of field geology in deformed regions. D. Rowley. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
220. Magmatism in the Early Solar System. PQ: GeoSci 217 or consent of instructor. This course covers petrographic and mineralogic characteristics of the products of early melting and differentiation of planetesimals as represented by different classes of meteorites; magmatic processes on asteroids, including the physical conditions of asteroidal volcanism; volcanism on the moon and Mars. M. Wadhwa. Spring.
222. Principles of Stratigraphy. PQ: GeoSci 131-132 or equivalent; GeoSci 221 and/or 233 recommended. This course offers 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 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001. L.
223. Introductory Paleontology (=BioSci 237, EvBiol 323, GeoSci 223). PQ: GeoSci 131-132; or PhySci 108-109-110; or BioSci 195 and 198; or general education biology; 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. M. Foote. Winter. L.
225/332. Global Tectonics. PQ: Consent of instructor. We review the spatial and temporal development of tectonic and plate tectonic activity of the globe. We focus on the style of activity at compressive, extensional, and shear margins, as well as on the types of basin evolution associated with each. This course is offered in alternate years. D. Rowley. Winter.
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. T. Anderson. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
229. Field Course in Modern Carbonate Environments. PQ: Consent of instructor. On a week-long field trip (during spring break), we visit areas in the Caribbean to examine modern coral reefs, as well as their geological antecedents. Discussion section required. A. Ziegler. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
230. Field Course in Structural Geology, Petrology, and Stratigraphy. PQ: GeoSci 131-132 and consent of instructor. On a week-long field trip (during spring break), we visit classic locations to examine a wide variety of geological environments and processes, including active tectonics, ancient and modern sedimentary environments, and geomorphology. Discussion section required. A. Ziegler. 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 microphysics, and radiation laws relevant to atmospheric sciences. R. Srivastava. Autumn.
232. Climate Dynamics of the Earth and Other Planets. PQ: Prior course in physics (preferably Phys 133 or 143) and knowledge of ordinary differential equations, or consent of instructor. This course serves as an introduction to the basic physical principles that determine the climate of the earth and similar planets. The emphasis is on atmospheric phenomena, but elementary aspects of glaciology and oceanography are also brought in as needed. Problem sets are supplemented by data labs involving computer analysis of extensive collections of earth climate data. Topics covered include survey of major issues in planetary climates and their evolution, properties of solar and infrared radiation, radiation balance, thermodynamics, grey-gas radiation models, one-dimensional radiative-convective models, runaway greenhouse effect, theories of the seasonal cycle, and of the pole-equator temperature gradient, and the Milankovic theory of the ice ages. 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 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 lab exercises. D. MacAyeal. Spring. L.
234. Chemical Oceanography. PQ: Consent of instructor. This course introduces the geochemistry of the oceans with an 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. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
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. Weekly homework assignments that may involve use of a Macintosh computing lab are required. D. MacAyeal. Winter.
237. Cumulus Physics. PQ: GeoSci 231 or 232, or consent of instructor. This course introduces microphysical processes attendant on the formation of rain and snow and introduces cloud dynamics, especially the dynamics of convective clouds. R. Srivastava. Spring.
238. Global Biogeochemical Cycles. 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. This course is offered in alternate years. D. Archer. Autumn.
239. Environmental Chemistry (=Chem 210, EnvStd 239, GeoSci 239). PQ: Chem 111 and 112, and prior calculus course. The focus of this course is on the fundamental science underlying issues of local and regional scale pollution. In particular, the lifetimes of important pollutants in the air, water, and soils are examined by considering the roles played by photochemistry, surface chemistry, biological processes, and dispersal into the surrounding environment. Specific topics to be examined include urban air quality, water quality, long-lived organic toxics, heavy metals, and indoor air pollution. Control measures are also considered. J. Abbatt. Spring.
240. Field Course in Stratigraphy (=EvBiol 331, GeoSci 240). 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 a complicated region. The trip takes place in late August or early September, with field vehicles and camping equipment provided. This course is offered in alternate years. A. Ziegler. Summer.
260/360. Atmospheric Chemistry. PQ: Prior chemistry and calculus courses. This 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. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
297. Reading and Research in the Geophysical Sciences. PQ: Consent of instructor and departmental counselor. Open by arrangement to selected 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.
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. A. T. Anderson. Winter.
308. Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry. PQ: GeoSci 310 or consent of instructor. This course covers the principles and applications of radiogenic isotopes in geochemistry and cosmochemistry. Topics include principles of radioactive decay; origin of the elements; use of radioactive elements in geochronology; chemical fractionation; long-lived radionuclides; short-lived radionuclides; extinct radionuclides; radioactive heat production in planets; use of radiogenic isotopes as tracers; mantle geochemistry of Sr, Nd, Os, and Pb systems; and surficial geochemical tracers and the chemical record in sediments. M. Humayun. Autumn.
310. Cosmochemistry. PQ: Consent of instructor. This course covers chemical, mineralogical, and petrographic classifications of meteorites. Topics include abundance 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: Knowledge of physical chemistry. This course covers radioactive and stable isotope studies, distributions of rare earths and transition metals, and geochemistry of the noble gases. M. Humayun. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
312. Mineral Physics. PQ: GeoSci 203/303 and 217, and knowledge of calculus and physical chemistry. This course examines the theory behind those properties of minerals relevant to the study of the earth's deep interior. Topics include elasticity, electrical and thermal conductivity, anharmonicity, lattice defects, solid state diffusion, and creep. G. Miller. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
319. Topics in Paleobiology. PQ: Consent of instructor. In this seminar we investigate paleobiological and historical geological topics of current interest to students and faculty. Previous subjects include benthic paleoecology, the Pleistocene, and classic papers in paleobiology. Staff. Autumn.
320. Physical Principles in Geology. PQ: Prior college-level chemistry and physics courses, and consent of instructor. We study density, viscosity, rheology, and surface tension and their roles in volcanic and magmatic processes including convection and rock deformation. Crystal settling, bubble coalescence, neutral buoyancy, and eruption dynamics comparing observations with theoretical models are also explored. F. Richter. 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 covered. A. Ziegler. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
342. Biomechanics (=BioSci 242, EvBiol 342, GeoSci 342, Orb/An 347. PQ: Prior college-level chemistry and physics courses, and consent of instructor. This course covers principles of fluid mechanics as applied to biological systems, including lift, drag, conservation laws, and high and low Reynolds number fluid mechanics. This course is offered in alternate years. M. LaBarbera. Winter. L.
352. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. PQ: GeoSci 351 or equivalent; knowledge of vector calculus and Fourier transform. This course provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the large-scale flow patterns of the earth's atmosphere and ocean. Topics include governing equations of fluids on a rotating sphere under gravity, conservation properties, geostrophic adjustment and wave dynamics, quasi-geostrophic dynamics with Ekman friction, effects of isolated mountains on the general circulation of the atmosphere, two-layer model of baroclinic instability and storm dynamics, and wind-driven ocean circulation. N. Nakamura. Winter.
358. Dynamics of the Stratosphere. PQ: GeoSci 352 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. Emphasis is placed more on the underlying physics than on the mere phenomenology of the stratosphere. Topics include exponential atmosphere at rest; 1D model of radiative transfer and vertical temperature profile of the atmosphere; vertical propagation of Rossby and gravity waves; wave-mean flow interaction; and tracer transport and mixing. We also discuss current issues such as ozone hole and sudden warming. N. Nakamura. Spring.
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. 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.