The culmination of the Earth Science major. Students, while working with an advisor in their concentration, conduct research and write a thesis.

The culmination of the Earth Science major. Students, while working with an advisor in their concentration, conduct research and write a thesis.

Earth is constantly bombarded with primary cosmic rays, high energy charged particles that interact with atoms in the atmosphere, producing a cascade of secondary particles. These particles, in turn, interact and reduce their energies in many reactions as they pass through the atmosphere. By the time the cosmic ray cascade reaches the surface of the Earth, it is primarily composed of neutrons which produce nuclides in materials such as rocks and sediment at the Earth's surface. Most of these cosmogenic nuclides are produced by neutron spallation within the upper meter of mass. Using certain cosmogenic radionuclides, scientists can date how long a particular surface has been exposed, how long a certain piece of material has been buried, or how quickly a location or drainage basin is eroding. The basic principle is that these radionuclides are produced at a known rate, and also decay at a known rate. In this course, students will learn the details and history of cosmic ray production rate estimates over the globe and through geologic time. A primer to the various accepted scaling methods will be discussed as well as age and erosion rate calculations and advanced and new applications.

This course will cover the application of geophysical investigation techniques to problems of the earth's plantary structure, local subsurface structure and mineral prospecting. The topics will include principles of geophysical measurements and interpretation with emphasis on gravity measurement, isostasy, geomagnitism, sesmic refraction and reflection,electrical prospecting, electromagnetics and groung radar.

Chemistry, physics, phase equilibria, microscope study in igneous and metamorphic petrology.

Chemistry, physics, phase equilibria, microscope study in igneous and metamorphic petrology.

The purpose of this course is to better understand the interactions of humans and the environment through an examination of geologic processes and features as they influence, and are influenced, by human activities. the ultimate goal of such study is to make better land use decisions. Following a review of some basic geologic concepts, we will study hazardous geologic processes including; volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, river flooding,coastal flooding and erosion, landslides, and subsidence. Next, we will discuss environmental impacts associated with the use of fossil fuels, water, and soils. The course will conclude with student presentations of selected topics in environmental geology.

This seminar is designed to help Juniors prepare for the Senior Thesis research. Topic selection, advisor identification, funding options, and basic research methods will be discussed.

Occurrences and origins of igneous and metamorphic rocks; phase equilibria in heterogeneous systems. Laboratory study of rocks and thin sections as a tool ininterpretation of petrogenesis.