Plate tectonics, continental drift, climatic change and geological evolution. Geological materials, their origin, recognition and economic potential, use and location; oil and gas, coal, mineral deposits and aggregate resources. Environmental evaluation and land use from a geological perspective. Emphasis on local and North American examples. Computer aided tutoring (VITAL, COSY) is used. No previous computer experience is needed.

This course will provide a conceptual approach to the subject of earth science. The course will include a critical review of theories of the earth and their impact on society. This course is particularly suitable for students with little or no science background.

Same lectures as46-100, but with no laboratory. Suitable for those wishing a general knowledge of earth sciences, including processes, materials and landscapes, but who do not require practical experience. Computer aided tutoring (VITAL, COSY) is utilized. No previous computer experience is necessary. Also offered through in distance education format.

Principles of stratigraphy applied to geology and geomorphology. Brief summary of sediment identification, recognition of processes and environments. Section description and interpretation followed by principles of physical correlation and facies interpretation. Concepts of physical, biological and radiometric dating. Controls on stratigraphic sequence development - isostasy, eustasy and tectonics. Sedimentary basin development and interpretation. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Systematic study and geochemical interpretation of minerals with emphasis on their origin, distribution and properties. Lab work will be on the identification of minerals in hand specimen and thin section.

Study of the interaction of ice and the earth's crust. Principles of physical glaciology and movement of ice masses. Origin, environment of deposition and structure of glacial deposits. Periglacial phenomena with emphasis on cryoturbation. Elements of Pleistocene stratigraphy and the glacial sediments of the Great Lakes. Field trips will be scheduled.

Identical to 46-215 but without laboratory. Lectures taken with 46-215.

To obtain a general understanding of the physical and chemical processes that operate in the groundwater zone under natural and human-induced conditions. The interrelations between the groundwater regime and the other components of the hydrological cycle. Considerable emphasis is placed on the applied aspects of topics such as exploration, testing and development of aquifers for water supply, the chemical quality of groundwater, and the hydrogeological aspects of waste disposal.

Systematic study and geochemistry of igneous and metamorphic rocks with emphasis on their origin and distribution. Lab work will be on the identification and interpretation of genetic rock suites in hand specimen and thin section.

Concepts of plate tectonics and rock deformation based on study of North America and adjacent areas. Introduces ideas on the distribution, origin and structural development of the major landforms of America and theories on the formation, growth and movement of the continent and adjacent sea-floors. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Processes leading to formation and accumulation of principal mineral and fuel resources, such as gold, phosphate, copper, iron, oil, peat, coal, building materials; methods of exploration and extraction; environmental impact assessment and rehabilitation of mining sites; economy of various geologic resources. Field trips may be scheduled. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Basic principles of analysis of fossil communities (mostly marine). Students should already know the basic biology of common marine invertebrates. Sediment analysis and process interpretation to determine paleoenvironments. Analysis of fossil preservation, autecology and population structures of species; community paleoecology of selected fossil assemblages. Simple paleobiogeography and basics of community evolution through time. Stages in the evolution of marine and continental ecosystems possible causes including physical (sea-levels, meteorite impacts) and biological (predation, evolution) components. The last 5 labs are a field-based study of Lower Palaeozoic marine communities, involving COMPULSORY attendance of field trips. This is NOT a 'history of life' course.(Offered in even-numbered years.)

Identical to 46-311 but without laboratory. Lectures taken with 46-311. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

An examination of the chemical composition of both natural and contaminated waters at the earth's surface and the interaction of these waters with soils and sediments. The significance of these interactions will be studied with respect to the mobility of organic and metallic constituents in geochemical cycles and as contaminants in the environment.

Study of the fundamental chemistry of clay minerals and their significance to the properties of soils, sediments and sedimentary rocks. Laboratory exercises emphasize the application of X-ray diffraction to clay mineral investigations. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Origin, transport, deposition of sediments, and formation of sedimentary rocks. Emphasis will be on the interpretation of recent and ancient environments of deposition, and on the uses of sedimentology in the search for mineral and energy resources and in land use planning. Six or 7 laboratories will be scheduled as field trips. Some week-end field trips as necessary may be scheduled.

Lecture-discussion or seminar on selected topics in Earth Science to be conducted by faculty with expertise in the area. Students should check with the department to determine what topic, if any, will be offered during specific semesters. Field trips will be scheduled as required.