2019-2020 University Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 University Catalog archived

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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.




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