2019-2020 University Catalog archived
Geology (GEOL)
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Students interested in environmental science, geophysics, or engineering geology should consult with a geology faculty member to ensure that the proper courses are selected for advanced study or the pursuit of a particular career path.
Students interested in a career in secondary science education should consult with faculty in geology and the teacher education program as early as possible.
Honors: An Honors Program in geology is offered for qualified students; see department head for details.
Department Head: Jeffrey M. Rahl
Faculty
First date is the year in which the faculty member began service as regular faculty at the University. Second date is the year of appointment to the present rank.
Christopher D. Connors, Ph.D.—(1999)-2012
William E. Pritchard III ‘80 Professor of Geology
Ph.D., Princeton University
Mary Lisa Greer, Ph.D.—(2003)-2015
Professor of Geology
Ph.D., University of Miami
David Jorgensen Harbor, Ph.D.—(1992)-2004
Professor of Geology
Ph.D., Colorado State University
Margaret Anne Hinkle, Ph.D.—(2017)-2017
Assistant Professor of Geology
Ph.D., Washington University, St. Louis
Elizabeth P. Knapp, Ph.D.—(1997)-2014
Professor of Geology
Ph.D., University of Virginia
Jeffrey M. Rahl, Ph.D.—(2006)-2018
Professor of Geology
Ph.D., Yale University
Major
GEOL 100 - General Geology with Field Emphasis
FDR: SL
Credits: 4
For GEOL 100A section: First-Year Seminar. Prerequisite: First-year class standing only
For GEOL 100 sections: Preference given to first-years and sophomores. No credit for students who have completed GEOL 101. This course involves moderate hiking and other physical activities outside in all types of weather. The study of our physical environment and the processes shaping it. The materials and structure of the Earth’s crust, the origin of the landforms, the concept of geologic time, and the nature of the Earth’s interior are considered, with special emphasis on field study in the region near Lexington. Laboratory course. Lab fee required. Staff.
GEOL 101 - General Geology
FDR: SL
Credits: 4
Preference given to first-years and sophomores. The study of our physical environment and the processes shaping it. The materials and structure of the Earth’s crust, the origin of the landforms, the concept of geologic time, and the nature of the Earth’s interior are considered. No credit for students who have completed GEOL 100. Laboratory course. Lab fee required. Staff.
GEOL 104 - Planetary Geology
FDR: SC
Credits: 3
Large-scale geological features of the Earth are examined and compared with surface features visible on images of other planets and planetary satellites of the solar system. Features examined include those resulting from volcanism, impact cratering, and structure; eolian, fluvial, glacial and periglacial processes; and mass movement. The composition of terrestrial and lunar rocks and extraterrestrial objects is examined. Models of the origin and evolution of planets and their satellites are discussed. Staff.
GEOL 105 - Earth Lab
FDR: SL
Credits: 4
Additional course fee required, for which the student is responsible after Friday of the 7th week of winter term. Preference given to first-years and sophomores. The emphasis and location of the study area differs from year to year. Most course activity involves outside field work with a series of multi-day to multi-week field trips. The primary goal of this course is an in-depth introduction to a particular region or field of geological study for introductory level science students. Information about the course is made available prior to the end of the fall term. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different but only four credits may be used toward major requirements. Lab fee required.
Spring 2020, GEOL 105-01: Earth Lab: Dam It! An Environmental Exploration of Dams (4). An exploration of the impacts of dams from an environmental, hydrologic, geologic, and historical perspective. Dams are used for a variety of purposes–storing water provided by rivers to secure a water supply, mitigating flooding, producing electric power, operating mills. As we look to the future of our energy sector, interest in hydroelectric power is increasing. However, damming rivers can have substantial impacts on rivers, affecting ecosystems and environmental systems up- and down-stream of the dam. The hydrologic and geomorphological changes induced by dams are explored in detail as a basis for learning foundational concepts in geoscience. (SL) Hinkle.
Spring 2020, GEOL 105-02: Earth Lab: The Geology of National Parks (4). (Adapted for virtual instruction due to COVID-19 global health pandemic.) A study of the processes that formed and are continuing to shape this continent through examples from some of our most scenic and special places: the national parks. With examples from throughout the national park system, we examine how different rock types form, the scale of geologic time, and earth-surface processes. Each park tells a story: some stories go back billions of years, but most of these stories are still being written, particularly as we consider the idea that we are “loving our parks to death”. Thus, we also think about how the parks are likely to respond to changing climate and other human impacts. The course includes short overnight field trips during the first three weeks and a week-long trip out west during the final week of class. (SL) Lyon.
Spring 2020, GEOL 105-03: FS: Earth Lab: Geology of Hawai’i (4). First-Year seminar. Prerequisite: First-year class standing only. Instructor consent required. (Adapted for virtual instruction due to COVID-19 global health pandemic.) Additional course fee required, for which the student is responsible after Friday of the 7th week of winter term. An introductory study of earth science and the geology of the Hawaiian Islands taught for two weeks in Hawai’i. Its purpose is to provide an unparalleled opportunity to observe a wide variety of geologic processes in action. This course entails close interaction with the faculty and intensive study amongst the students during the term. (SL) Knapp.
Spring 2020, GEOL 105-04: Earth Lab: Tectonics and Climate (4). Earth’s physical environment has continuously changed throughout the planet’s 4.5 billion-year old history. Plate tectonics, driven by the internal energy of the Earth, moves continents across the globe and leads to the formation of mountains. Global climate, fueled by energy received from the Sun, also experiences dramatic variations, from episodes of global glaciation to times with tropical poles. Over the past few decades, geoscientists have documented surprising interconnections between these seemingly distinct processes. Through data-driven activities, students will explore Earth’s tectonic and climate systems, their complex interrelationships, and how they have evolved throughout Earth’s history. (SL) Rahl.
GEOL 141 - Global Climate Change
FDR: SC
Credits: 3
A study of Earth’s complex climate system and the impact of human activities on future climates. Through readings, discussions, data analyses and modeling exercises, the past and future changes in temperature, ocean circulation, rainfall, storminess, biogeochemistry, glacial ice extent and sea level are explored. Greer.
GEOL 144 - History of Geology
FDR: SC
Credits: 3
A history of geology, from the 17th century to today. Topics include: nature of geologic time (cyclical versus linear) and duration of geologic events (uniformitarianism versus catastrophism), development of the geologic time scale, debates about the age of the Earth, continental drift and its rejection by the scientific community, and the formulation and acceptance of plate tectonics. Developments in geology are discussed in the context of various philosophies of science, including ideas promoted by Bacon, Gilbert, Chamberlin, Popper, Kuhn, and others. Rahl.
GEOL 150 - Water Resources
FDR: SC
Credits: 3
An examination of the quality and quantity of water resources as a limiting factor for life on earth. Issues include resource depletion, pollution, historical use and over-use, remediation, habitat maintenance, and water supply mechanisms. Resource constraints are analyzed from a scientific perspective in order to understand water resource problems and envision solutions. Hinkle.
GEOL 155 - Oceanography
FDR: SC
Credits: 3
Introduction to physical oceanography and marine geology; tides, waves, currents, and the interaction of oceans and atmosphere; submarine landscapes; and sedimentary, volcanic, and tectonic activity in the ocean basins. Greer.
GEOL 195 - Selected Topics
Credits: 1
Selected topical coverage of various timely or general interest subject areas in geology. The topic selected varies from year to year and is announced in advance of the registration period. Topics have included impact and extinction of the dinosaurs; volcanoes and tectonics; geologic consideration in land-use planning; and the geology of national parks. May be repeated for a maximum of four credits if the topic is different.
GEOL 197 - Selected Topics
FDR: SC
Credits: 3
Selected topical coverage of various timely or general interest subject areas in geology. The topic selected varies from year to year and is announced in advance of the registration period. Topics have included impact and extinction of the dinosaurs; volcanoes and tectonics; geologic consideration in land-use planning; and the geology of national parks. May be repeated for a maximum of four credits if the topic is different.
GEOL 198 - Selected Topics
FDR: SL
Credits: 3
A laboratory course with a topical focus on a subject of timely or general interest in geology. The emphasis may differ year-to-year and is announced In advance of the registration period. The primary goal of this course is an in-depth introduction to a topic in geology for both science and non-science majors. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different but only four credits may be used toward major requirements.
GEOL 205 - History and Evolution of the Earth
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. An introductory examination of the origin and physical evolution of the Earth as inferred from the rock record. Areas of particular emphasis include: (1) the origin of the solar system and differentiation of the planets; (2) the evolution of the terrestrial atmosphere and hydrosphere; (3) explanations for the development of life; (4) organic evolution and interpretations of “mass extinctions;” (5) the changing configuration of continental blocks and ocean basins by continental drift, seafloor spreading, and plate tectonics; and (6) the growth of continental blocks and their mountain systems. Greer.
GEOL 209 - Laboratory Study of the Fossil Record
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. Examination of the fossilized remains of representative species of major groups of organisms. Emphasis is given to those organisms which, due to uneven distribution in the record, are particularly useful in interpreting the age and setting of ancient rocks. Staff.
GEOL 211 - Earth Materials
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. A laboratory course introducing Earth materials, including minerals and rocks, with an emphasis on a hands-on approach to identifying and interpreting minerals and their associations in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Students learn the techniques and principles of hand sample identification, optical mineralogy and petrography, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Rahl.
GEOL 230 - Field Methods in the Appalachians
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 101. Open to Geology majors. An introduction to the study of geology in the field with special attention to the methods used by geologists to make, record, and interpret field observations. The course includes study of and field trips in the central Appalachian region. Connors.
GEOL 231 - Environmental Field Methods
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: Instructor consent and either GEOL 100 or 101. An introduction to the study of standard methods, equipment and tools used in environmental field investigations. Special attention is given to methods used by geologists to measure, record, and report field observations associated with groundwater, surface water, soil and air. Focus is given to the validity of data obtained using various investigative strategies as well as data handling and presentation. The course has an intensive field component using the local watershed as a model environmental system. Hinkle.
GEOL 240 - Hydrology
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. Systems and processes of water movement on and below the Earth’s surface. Encompasses the theoretical and applied aspects of soil moisture, runoff, flooding, groundwater movement, and water-well use. Numerical evaluation of flow properties from field and lab data describing water movement in soils, aquifers, and streams. Laboratory course. Hinkle.
GEOL 247 - Geomorphology
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. Investigation of landforms from maps, aerial photographs, digital data, and the analysis of the surficial processes by which they are formed. Laboratory activities include identification and interpretation of topography, field measurements of landscape form and process, and a required weekend field trip. Laboratory course. Harbor.
GEOL 250 - Structural Geology and Tectonics
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: MATH 101 and GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. Description and methods of analysis of large- and small-scale structural features of the Earth’s crust. Topics also include the analysis of geometry, strain and stress as they relate to deformation in the earth. Rock mechanics, application of structural geology in environmental engineering and resource exploration, geometric and computational techniques used in structural analysis, interpretation of geologic maps, and the structural development of mountain systems are also covered. Laboratory course. Connors.
GEOL 260 - GIS and Remote Sensing
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. For GEOL or ENV majors only, or by instructor consent. A laboratory course introducing the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing in geological/environmental analyses and decision making. Students use state-of-the-art software with a wide variety of spatial geologic, environmental, economic and topographic data derived from satellites; remote databases and published maps to evaluate geologic conditions; local landscape processes; environmental conditions; and hypothetical land-use cases. Harbor.
GEOL 275 - Introductory Geophysics
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 101; and PHYS 111 or 112 are recommended. A review of the geophysical methods used to study the interior of the Earth, the magnetic field, isostasy, and earthquake seismology. Attention is given to the methods used in geophysics to collect and analyze data. A gravimeter, a magnetometer, seismic refraction and electrical resistivity equipment are used to collect field data. The data, corrections, and interpretations are incorporated into a technical report for each of the four surveys. Laboratory course. Connors.
GEOL 311 - Earth and Environmental Geochemistry
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GEOL-100 or GEOL-101. GEOL 211 is NOT a prerequisite for this course. A laboratory course emphasizing the principles and tools of the chemical composition of Earth materials to interpret petrogenesis. The course focuses on processes occurring below and at the Earth’s surface. Topics include: crystal chemistry, magmatic and metamorphic processes, trace element and isotope geochemistry, oxidation and reduction, and water-rock interactions. The laboratory includes both a local field and laboratory component and focuses on using analytical techniques to evaluate chemical composition including electron microscopy, ion chromatography, X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Hinkle.
GEOL 330 - Sedimentation and Stratigraphy
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. Properties, origins, and dynamics of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Correlation, organization, and historical interpretation of the sedimentary rock record. Field and laboratory analyses of sedimentary rocks. Laboratory course. Greer.
GEOL 335 - Petroleum Geology and Geophysics
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. Open to geology majors only. A survey of the theory and practice of petroleum geology and geophysics. Topics covered include the nature and origin of petroleum, a study of where oil and gas accumulate from the perspective of basin analysis, and the basic principles of reflection seismology and petrophysics. The key petroleum system elements of source, charge, seal, reservoir and trap are studied within the context of how a geologist or geophysicist goes about exploring for and developing petroleum accumulations. Emphasis is placed on the Geology use of industry software and data to analyze geologic features, deposits, and basins that are relevant to petroleum exploration and production. Laboratory course. Connors.
GEOL 360 - Tectonics and Thermochronology
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. An introduction to mountain belts and thermochronologic techniques used to quantify tectonic processes. Topics include: orogenic wedges, metamorphic core complexes, rifting, strike-slip systems, orogenic plateaus, the relationship between tectonics and climate, and the use of bedrock and detrital thermochronology to measure rates of faulting, erosion, and exhumation. Concepts are discussed in the context of natural examples, including the Appalachians, the European Alps, the Himalaya, the Andes, and the Basin and Range Province of the southwestern United States. Rahl.
GEOL 373 - Regional Geology
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: Open to geology majors. Instructor consent and two geology courses numbered 200 or above. The emphasis and location of the study area differs from year to year. Most course activity involves outside fieldwork with a series of multi-day to multi-week field trips. Information about the course is available prior to the end of the fall term. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different but only four credits may be used toward major requirements
GEOL 395 - Seminar
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: Open to geology majors only or by instructor consent. Topics vary by term.
GEOL 397 - Seminar
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Vary with topic. The title, term of meeting, and credits for seminars will be announced to all geology majors. May be repeated for degree credit with permission and if the topics are different.
Winter 2020, GEOL 397A-01: Topic: Regenerative Agriculture and Carbon Sequestration (3). Prerequisites: ENV 110 and either GEOL 100 or 101, or instructor consent. Student backgrounds and interest from science, history, anthropology, economics, and more are necessary and welcomed. Drawdown of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is necessary. Can regenerative agricultural practices, or “carbon farming” sequester carbon permanently in the soil? And how much? Students use the scientific literature and case studies to learn about soils and how they form and store carbon, examine agricultural practices historical and new, interact with the local farming community and discover potential side benefits to farm income and water quality.
Fall 2019, GEOL 397A-01: Seminar: Measure Earth through Geodesy (3). Prerequisite: Geology majors, or GEOL 100 or 101 with instructor consent. Geodesy is the science of accurately measuring the position, shape, mass, and orientation of geologic features ranging in size from a few millimeters to the entire Earth. This course explores modern geodesy in the context of societal issues. Topics include active tectonics, earthquake and volcano hazards, topography measurements, slope stability, water resources, ice mass loss, and sea level change. Through in-class activities and assignments, students gain experience with geodetic tools such as GPS positioning, satellite imaging, satellite gravity measurements, and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). Students build entry-level computational skills throughout the term. Jay Seymour.
GEOL 401 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Instructor consent required. Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor and meeting the special needs of advanced students. This course may be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Staff.
GEOL 402 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Instructor consent required. Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor and meeting the special needs of advanced students. This course may be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Staff.
GEOL 403 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Instructor consent required. Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor and meeting the special needs of advanced students. This course may be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Staff.
GEOL 472 - Senior Research Thesis
Credits: 2-2
Prerequisite: Instructor consent required. Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree in geology are urged to undertake research on a field or laboratory problem which can lead to the presentation of a senior thesis. Work on this project should be started in the spring term of the junior year. Interested students should consult members of the faculty who will help define the problem and provide guidance during research. Staff.
GEOL 493 - Honors Thesis
Credits: 3-3
Prerequisite: Honors candidacy and instructor consent required. Honors Thesis. Staff.
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