2014-2015 Catalog

GEOS 13100. Physical Geology. 100 Units.

This course introduces plate tectonics; the geologic cycle; and the internal and surface processes that make minerals and rocks, as well as that shape the scenery. (L)

Instructor(s): A. Campbell     Terms Offered: Autumn

GEOS 13200. Earth History. 100 Units.

This course covers the paleogeographic, biotic, and climatic development of the Earth. (L)

Instructor(s): M. Foote     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100 or consent of instructor

GEOS 13300. The Atmosphere. 100 Units.

This course introduces the physics, chemistry, and phenomenology of the Earth's atmosphere, with an emphasis on the fundamental science that underlies atmospheric behavior and climate. Topics include (1) atmospheric composition, evolution, and structure; (2) solar and terrestrial radiation in the atmospheric energy balance; (3) the role of water in determining atmospheric structure; and (4) wind systems, including the global circulation, and weather systems.

Instructor(s): D. Abbot     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): MATH 13200 or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): ENST 13300

GEOS 13400. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast. 100 Units.

This course presents the science behind the forecast of global warming to enable the student 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. (L)

Instructor(s): D. Archer, D. MacAyeal     Terms Offered: Autumn, Spring
Prerequisite(s): MATH 10500, or placement in MATH 13100 or higher, or consent of instructor required; some knowledge of chemistry or physics helpful.
Equivalent Course(s): PHSC 13400,ENST 12300

GEOS 21000. Introduction to Mineralogy. 100 Units.

This course covers structure, chemical composition, stability, and occurrence of major rock-forming minerals. Labs concentrate on mineral identification with the optical microscope. (L)

Instructor(s): L. Grossman      Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 11100-11200-11300 or equivalent

GEOS 21005. Mineral Science. 100 Units.

This course examines the relationship between the structure of minerals, their chemistry, and their physical properties. Topics include crystallography, defect properties, phase transitions, and analytical tools, followed by detailed study of specific mineral groups.

Instructor(s): A. Campbell     Terms Offered: not offered 2014-2015
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 21000 or consent of instructor.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 31005

GEOS 21100. Introduction to Petrology. 100 Units.

Students in this course 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. Our 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. (L)

Instructor(s): N. Dauphas      Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 21000

GEOS 21200. Physics of the Earth. 100 Units.

This course considers geophysical evidence bearing on the internal makeup and dynamical behavior of the Earth, including seismology (i.e., properties of elastic waves and their interpretation, and internal structure of the Earth); mechanics of rock deformation (i.e., elastic properties, creep and flow of rocks, faulting, earthquakes); gravity (i.e., geoid, isostasy); geomagnetism (i.e., magnetic properties of rocks and history, origin of the magnetic field); heat flow (i.e., temperature within the Earth, sources of heat, thermal history of the Earth); and plate tectonics and the maintenance of plate motions. (L)

Instructor(s): A. Campbell, F. Richter     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): Prior calculus and college-level physics courses, or consent of instructor.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 31200

GEOS 21205. Introduction to Seismology, Earthquakes, and Near-Surface Earth Seismicity. 100 Units.

This course introduces the mechanics and phenomenology of elastic waves in the Earth and in the fluids near the Earth's surface (e.g., S and P waves in the solid earth, acoustic waves in the ocean and atmosphere). Topics include stress and strain, constitutive equations, elasticity, seismic waves, acoustic waves, theory of refraction/reflection, surface waves, dispersion, and normal modes of the Earth. Phenomenology addressed includes exploration geophysics (refraction/reflection seismology), earthquakes and earthquake source characterization, seismograms as signals, seismometers and seismological networks, and digital seismogram analysis.

Instructor(s): D. MacAyeal     Terms Offered: Autumn
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 31205

GEOS 21400. Thermodynamics and Phase Change. 100 Units.

This course develops the mathematical 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.

Instructor(s): A. Campbell     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): MATH 20000-20100-20200 and college-level chemistry and calculus, or consent of instructor.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 31400

GEOS 22000. Origin and Evolution of the Solar System. 100 Units.

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)

Instructor(s): L. Grossman      Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor required; knowledge of physical chemistry recommended
Note(s): This course is offered in alternate years.
Equivalent Course(s): ASTR 21300

GEOS 22040. Formation of Planetary Systems in Our Galaxy: From Dust to Planetesimals. 100 Units.

This course examines the physical and chemical processes that operate during the earliest stages of planet formation when dust in a protoplanetary disk aggregates into bodies 1 to 10 km in size. Topics include the physical and chemical evolution of protoplanetary disks, radial transport of dust particles, transient heating events, and the formation of planetesimals. We discuss the evidence of these processes found in meteorites and observed in disks around young stars. Chemical and physical models of dust evolution are introduced, including an overview of basic numerical modeling techniques.

Instructor(s): F. Ciesla     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): One year of college-level calculus and physics or chemistry, or consent of instructor.
Note(s): This course is offered in alternate years.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 32040

GEOS 22050. Formation of Planetary Systems in our Galaxy: From Planetesimals to Planets. 100 Units.

This course explores the stage of planet formation during which 1 to 10 km planetesimals accrete to form planets. Topics include heating of planetesimals, models of giant planet formation, the delivery of water to terrestrial planets, and the impact that stellar mass and external environment have on planet formation. We also discuss what processes determine the properties (mass, composition, and orbital parameters) of a planet and its potential for habitability. Basic modeling techniques and current research papers in peer-reviewed journals are also discussed.

Instructor(s): F. Ciesla     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor
Note(s): This course is offered in alternate years.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 32050

GEOS 22060. What Makes a Planet Habitable? 100 Units.

This course explores the factors that determine how habitable planets form and evolve. We will discuss a range of topics, from the formation of planets around stars and the delivery of water, to the formation of atmospheres, climate dynamics, and the conditions that allow for the development of life and the evolution of complex life. Students will be responsible for reading and discussing papers in peer-reviewed journals each meeting and for periodically preparing presentations and leading the discussion.

Instructor(s): D. Abbot, F. Ciesla     Terms Offered: Winter
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 32060,ASTR 45900

GEOS 22200. Geochronology. 100 Units.

This course covers the duration of planetary differentiation and the age of the Earth (i.e., extinct and extant chronometers); timescales for building a habitable planet (i.e., the late heavy bombardment, the origin of the atmosphere, the emergence of life, and continent extraction); dating mountains (i.e., absolute ages, exposure ages, and thermochronology); the climate record (i.e., dating layers in sediments and ice cores); and dating recent artifacts (e.g., the Shroud of Turin).

Instructor(s): N. Dauphas     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Background in college-level geology, physics, and mathematics.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 32200

GEOS 23200. Climate Dynamics of the Earth and Other Planets. 100 Units.

Prior programming experience helpful but not required. This course introduces the basic physics governing the climate of planets, the Earth in particular but with some consideration of other planets. Topics include atmospheric thermodynamics of wet and dry atmospheres, the hydrological cycle, blackbody radiation, molecular absorption in the atmosphere, the basic principles of radiation balance, and diurnal and seasonal cycles. Students solve problems of increasing complexity, moving from pencil-and-paper problems to programming exercises, to determine surface and atmospheric temperatures and how they evolve. An introduction to scientific programming is provided, but the fluid dynamics of planetary flows is not covered. (L)

Instructor(s): E. Moyer     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Prior physics course (preferably PHYS 13300 and 14300) and knowledge of calculus required; prior geophysical sciences course not required.
Note(s): Prior programming experience helpful but not required.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 33200

GEOS 23205. Introductory Glaciology. 100 Units.

The fundamentals of glacier and ice-sheet dynamics and phenomenology will be covered in this introductory course (snow and sea ice will be excluded from this course, however may be taken up in the future).  Emphasis will be placed on developing the foundation of continuum mechanics and viscous fluid flow as a means of developing the basic equations of glacier deformation, ice-sheet and -shelf flow, basal processes, glacier hydrology, and unstable modes of flow. This course is intended for advanced undergraduate students in physics, math, geophysical sciences and related fields as well as graduate students considering research in glaciology and climate dynamics. (L)

Instructor(s): D. MacAyeal     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of vector calculus, linear algebra, and computer programming.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 33205

GEOS 23400. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast. 100 Units.

This course presents the science behind the forecast of global warming to enable the student 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. Lectures are shared with PHSC 13400, but students enrolled in GEOS 23400 are required to write an individual research term paper. (L)

Instructor(s): D. Archer     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): MATH 10600, or placement in MATH 13100 or higher, or consent of instructor required.
Note(s): Some knowledge of chemistry or physics helpful.

GEOS 23800. Global Biogeochemical Cycles. 100 Units.

This survey course covers 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 the biogeochemistry of the Earth through geologic time is also presented.

Instructor(s): D. Archer, J. Waldbauer     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 11100-11200 or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 33800

GEOS 23805. Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry. 100 Units.

Stable isotopes of H, C, O, N, and S are valuable tools for understanding the biological and geochemical processes that have shaped the composition of Earth's atmosphere and oceans throughout our planet's history. This course examines basic thermodynamic and kinetic theory to describe the behavior of isotopes in chemical and biological systems. We then examine the stable isotope systematics of localized environmental processes, and see how local processes contribute to global isotopic signals that are preserved in ice, sediment, rock, and fossils. Special emphasis is placed on the global carbon cycle, the history of atmospheric oxygen levels, and paleoclimate.

Instructor(s): A. Colman     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 11100-11200-11300 or equivalent; 13100-13200-13300 or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 33805

GEOS 23900. Environmental Chemistry. 100 Units.

The focus of this course is 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 include urban air quality, water quality, long-lived organic toxins, heavy metals, and indoor air pollution. Control measures are also considered. (L)

Instructor(s): A. Colman, D. Archer     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 11101-11201 or equivalent, and prior calculus course
Equivalent Course(s): ENST 23900,GEOS 33900

GEOS 24200. Fundamentals of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. 100 Units.

This course is an introduction to geophysical fluid dynamics for upper-level undergraduates and starting graduate students. The topics covered will be the equations of motion, the effects of rotation and stratification, shallow water systems and isentropic coordinates, vorticity and potential vorticity, and simplified equations for the ocean and atmosphere.

Instructor(s): D. Abbot     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of vector calculus, linear algebra, or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 34200

GEOS 24500. The Atmosphere and Ocean in Motion. 100 Units.

The motion of the atmosphere and ocean not only affects daily weather conditions but is also critical in maintaining the habitable climate of our planet. This course teaches: (1) observed patterns of large-scale circulation of the atmosphere and ocean; (2) physical principles that drive the observed circulation; (3) transport of heat, angular momentum, and other quantities; and (4) climate variability and predictability. The lectures are supplemented by problem sets and a computer lab project.

Instructor(s): N. Nakamura     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13300 or equivalent, and calculus
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 34500

GEOS 24600. Laboratory Course on Weather and Climate. 100 Units.

Working in groups, students gain hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and analyzing experiments concerning the principles of rotating fluids that underlie weather and climate.

Instructor(s): N. Nakamura     Terms Offered: Spring
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 34600

GEOS 24705. Energy: Science, Technology, and Human Usage. 100 Units.

This course covers the technologies by which humans appropriate energy for industrial and societal use, from steam turbines to internal combustion engines to photovoltaics. We also discuss the physics and economics of the resulting human energy system: fuel sources and relationship to energy flows in the Earth system; and modeling and simulation of energy production and use. Our goal is to provide a technical foundation for students interested in careers in the energy industry or in energy policy. Field trips required to major energy converters (e.g., coal-fired and nuclear power plants, oil refinery, biogas digester) and users (e.g., steel, fertilizer production).

Instructor(s): E. Moyer     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of physics or consent of instructor
Equivalent Course(s): ENST 24705,GEOS 34705

GEOS 25400. Introduction to Numerical Techniques for the Geophysical Sciences. 100 Units.

This class provides an introduction to different types of numerical techniques used in developing models used in geophysical science research. Topics will include how to interpolate and extrapolate functions, develop functional fits to data, integrate a function, or solve partial differential equations. Students are expected to have some familiarity with computers and programming—programming methods will not be discussed in detail. While techniques will be the focus of the class, we will also discuss the planning needed in developing a model as well as the limitations inherent in such models.

Instructor(s): F. Ciesla     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with a computer programming language such as C, Fortran, or IDL, or a mathematical computing environment like Mathematica or Matlab. Spreadsheets such as Excel or Numbers can also be used for many problems.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 35400

GEOS 26300. Invertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution. 100 Units.

This course provides a detailed overview of the morphology, paleobiology, evolutionary history, and practical uses of the invertebrate and microfossil groups commonly found in the fossil record. Emphasis is placed on understanding key anatomical and ecological innovations within each group and interactions among groups responsible for producing the observed changes in diversity, dominance, and ecological community structure through evolutionary time. Labs supplement lecture material with specimen-based and practical application sections. An optional field trip offers experience in the collection of specimens and raw paleontological data. Several "Hot Topics" lectures introduce important, exciting, and often controversial aspects of current paleontological research linked to particular invertebrate groups. (L)

Instructor(s): M. Webster     Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100 and 13200, or equivalent. Students majoring in biological sciences only; Completion of the general education requirement in the biological sciences, or consent of instructor.
Note(s): Not offered 2014-2015
Equivalent Course(s): BIOS 23261,EVOL 32400,GEOS 36300

GEOS 26600. Geobiology. 100 Units.

Geobiology seeks to elucidate the interactions between life and its environments that have shaped the coevolution of the Earth and the biosphere. The course will explore the ways in which biological processes affect the environment and how the evolutionary trajectories of organisms have in turn been influenced by environmental change. In order to reconstruct the history of these processes, we will examine the imprints they leave on both the rock record and on the genomic makeup of living organisms. The metabolism and evolution of microorganisms, and the biogeochemistry they drive, will be a major emphasis.

Instructor(s): M. Coleman, J. Waldbauer     Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100-13200-13300 or college-level cell & molecular biology
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 36600

GEOS 27000. Evolutionary History of Terrestrial Ecosystems. 100 Units.

This seminar course covers the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems from their Paleozoic assembly through to the modern world. The fossil history of plant, vertebrate, invertebrate, and fungal lineages are covered, as well as the diversification of their ecological interactions. The influence of extinction events and important extrinsic factors (e.g., geography, climate, atmospheric composition) also are considered.

Instructor(s): C. K. Boyce     Terms Offered: Spring
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 37000,EVOL 32500

GEOS 28000. Introduction to Structural Geology. 100 Units.

This course explores the deformation of the 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.

Instructor(s): D. Rowley     Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100
Note(s): This course is offered in alternate years.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 38000

GEOS 28100. Global Tectonics. 100 Units.

This course reviews 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. (L)

Instructor(s): D. Rowley      Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100 or consent of instructor
Note(s): This course is offered in alternate years.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 38100

GEOS 28300. Principles of Stratigraphy. 100 Units.

This course introduces principles and methods of stratigraphy. Topics include facies analysis, physical and biostratigraphic correlation, and development and calibration of the geologic time scale. We also discuss controversies concerning the completeness of the stratigraphic record; origin of sedimentary cycles; and interactions between global sea level, tectonics, and sediment supply. (L)

Instructor(s): S. Kidwell      Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100-13200 or equivalent required; GEOS 23500 and/or 28200 recommended
Note(s): This course is offered in alternate years.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 38300

GEOS 29001. Field Course in Geology. 100 Units.

Students in this course visit classic locations to examine a wide variety of geological environments and processes, including active tectonics, ancient and modern sedimentary environments, and geomorphology.

Terms Offered: Summer, Autumn
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 13100-13200 and consent of instructor
Note(s): Interested students should contact the departmental counselor.

GEOS 29002. Field Course in Modern and Ancient Environments. 100 Units.

This course uses weekly seminars during Winter Quarter to prepare for a one-week field trip over spring break, where students acquire experience with sedimentary rocks and the modern processes responsible for them. Destinations vary; past trips have examined tropical carbonate systems of Jamaica and the Bahamas and subtropical coastal Gulf of California. We usually consider biological, as well as physical, processes of sediment production, dispersal, accumulation, and post-depositional modification.

Instructor(s): S. Kidwell, M. LaBarbera     Terms Offered: Winter
Note(s): Organizational meeting and deposit usually required in Autumn Quarter; interested students should contact an instructor in advance.
Equivalent Course(s): GEOS 39002

GEOS 29003. Field Course in Oceanography. 100 Units.

Students in this course spend roughly a week sailing a tall ship from the SEA education program, learning oceanographic sampling techniques and data interpretation as well as principles of navigation and seamanship.

Terms Offered: not offered 2014-2015
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor
Note(s): Interested students should contact the departmental counselor.

GEOS 29004. Field Course in Glaciology. 100 Units.

Instructor(s): D. MacAyeal     Terms Offered: not offered 2014-2015
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor
Note(s): Interested students should contact the departmental counselor.

GEOS 29005. Field Course in Environmental Science. 100 Units.

Terms Offered: not offered 2014-2015
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor
Note(s): Interested students should contact the departmental counselor.

GEOS 29700. Reading and Research in the Geophysical Sciences. 100 Units.

Terms Offered: Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor and departmental counselor
Note(s): Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. Available to nonmajors for P/F grading. Must be taken for a quality grade when used to meet a requirement in the major.