Current Earth and Environmental Geoscience Courses
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- Spring 2023
- Winter 2023
- Fall 2022
Spring 2023▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
Earth Lab: SAND!
GEOL 105D - Harbor, David J.
Sand is everywhere. It is between our toes at the beach, sweeping beneath us in rivers, and blown against us in desert storms. This ubiquitous, ordinary substance also tells us incredible stories of plate tectonic upheavals, vast seas covering now-dry continents, and journeys through rivers into inland deserts and along ocean shores. This field-based seminar explores the origin and nature of sand, its journeys, and how geoscientists use observations in modern environments and detailed microscopic and field descriptions to define conditions of landscapes long past. Participation requires camping on eastern short barrier islands, travel to the Colorado Plateau of Utah, and a healthy imagination.
Earth Lab: Active Tectonics of the Western US
GEOL 105E - Lynch, Emerson
Earth’s tectonic plates move only as fast as our fingernails grow, but this motion created the lowest point in Death Valley all the way up to the highest peak in the Cascades. In this course, students will explore how we can use the landscape to learn about these tectonic processes. We will investigate changes happening in real-time, with a focus on past volcanic eruptions, records of fast motion during recent earthquakes and slow fault “creep”, as well as records of coastal change from marine terraces and “ghost forests”. This course will include local day trips to explore evidence of past tectonics, and a longer trip to California and Washington states from May 4 to May 12.
Environmental Field Methods
GEOL 231 - Hinkle, Margaret A.
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.
Regional Geology: Greece
GEOL 373A - Rahl, Jeffrey M.
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.
Winter 2023▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology
GEOL 101 - Lynch, Emerson
The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet. Topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; the origin of landforms; and the concept of deep time. Additional topics, with emphasis varying by instructor, include: climate change; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; energy resources; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment.
Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology
GEOL 101 - Connors, Christopher D. (Chris)
The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet. Topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; the origin of landforms; and the concept of deep time. Additional topics, with emphasis varying by instructor, include: climate change; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; energy resources; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment.
Sustainable Earth: Introductory Environmental Geology
GEOL 102 - Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)
The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on environmental science and sustainability. There is special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington. Depending on the instructor, various topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; climate change; the nature of the Earth's interior; the origin of landforms; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; energy resources; the concept of deep time; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment.
Global Climate Change
GEOL 141 - Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)
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.
Selected Topics: Asteroids, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes: The A to Z of Natural Disasters
GEOL 197B - Lynch, Emerson
Why do we have earthquakes? Can we predict volcanic eruptions? What is a 100-year flood? Learn about the geologic processes behind these natural (and not-so-natural!) disasters. We’ll learn how tectonic plates cause earthquakes and volcanoes in the Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean and how one of these volcanoes caused “The Year Without a Summer” in 1816. Explore archaeological records to learn about how past civilizations responded to environmental changes. Learn about the bolide impact that killed the dinosaurs and the crater closer to home beneath Chesapeake Bay. Explore how local communities are becoming more resilient by preparing for natural hazards and speak with scientists who study how coastal restoration can help protect communities from hurricanes. Learn about the economic impacts of disasters and investigate how different hazards may affect your hometown. This course satisfies the FDR SC requirement.
Special Topics: Regenerative Agriculture: Farming For the Health of Our Soil
GEOL 197C - Harbor, David J.
Interested in the environment? Want to learn about food and farming? Changing agriculture will help us out of the global carbon crisis, undo the damage to soil health and improve the food supply. Learn how soils form and function, why two centuries of agriculture has eroded and depleted so many of them, and why you should care about who grows your food. Then explore how regenerative agriculture can restore soil health, fix water quality problems, increase drought and pest resilience, and increase farm profits. Explore the scientific research that shows how soils can store carbon and how much might be sequestered by using new practices. Talk with farmers and soil professionals from your home area. Explore local soils and agriculture practices. Field trips to local farms will be scheduled. Students, voices and sources from geology, biology, history, anthropology, economics, and more are necessary and welcomed in this query. This course satisfies the FDR SC requirement.
Hydrology
GEOL 240 - Chakraborty, Madhumita
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.
Structural Geology and Tectonics
GEOL 250 - Connors, Christopher D. (Chris)
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.
Tectonics and Thermochronology
GEOL 360 - Rahl, Jeffrey M.
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.
Directed Independent Research
GEOL 421 - Rahl, Jeffrey M.
Directed research in geology. Specific research activities will depend upon the project, but may involve literature research, field work, laboratory work, data analysis, and written or oral presentations.
Senior Research Thesis
GEOL 472 - Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)
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.
Senior Research Thesis
GEOL 472 - Hinkle, Margaret A.
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.
Honors Thesis
GEOL 493 - Rahl, Jeffrey M.
Honors Thesis.
Fall 2022▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology with Field Emphasis
GEOL 100 - Lynch, Emerson
The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington. Topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; the origin of landforms; and the concept of deep time. Additional topics, with emphasis varying by instructor, include: climate change; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; energy resources; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment.
Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology with Field Emphasis
GEOL 100 - Knapp, Elizabeth P.
The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington. Topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; the origin of landforms; and the concept of deep time. Additional topics, with emphasis varying by instructor, include: climate change; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; energy resources; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment.
Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology with Field Emphasis
GEOL 100 - Harbor, David J.
The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington. Topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; the origin of landforms; and the concept of deep time. Additional topics, with emphasis varying by instructor, include: climate change; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; energy resources; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment.
FS: Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology with Field Emphasis
GEOL 100A - Rahl, Jeffrey M.
Sustainable Earth: Introductory Environmental Geology
GEOL 102 - Hinkle, Margaret A.
The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on environmental science and sustainability. There is special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington. Depending on the instructor, various topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; climate change; the nature of the Earth's interior; the origin of landforms; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; energy resources; the concept of deep time; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment.
FS: Sustainable Earth: Introductory Environmental Geology
GEOL 102A - Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)
The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on environmental science and sustainability. There is special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington. Depending on the instructor, various topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; climate change; the nature of the Earth's interior; the origin of landforms; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; energy resources; the concept of deep time; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment. Laboratory course.
Water Resources
GEOL 150 - Chakraborty, Madhumita
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.
Geomorphology
GEOL 247 - Harbor, David J.
Investigation of earth-surface landforms and processes from maps, aerial photographs, and digital data. Includes numerical analysis and modeling of surface process systems and the deep history of our palimpsest Appalachian landscape. Laboratory activities include identification and interpretation of topography, field measurements of soil, unconsolidated materials, landform shapes, and erosional processes.
Introductory Geophysics
GEOL 275 - Connors, Christopher D. (Chris)
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.
Seminar: Past Climates and What They Tell Us About Our Future
GEOL 397A - Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)
Understanding climate change in the past informs how we navigate our future in a rapidly changing world. This course will focus on understanding what our climate and environment used to look like at key moments in the past, and investigating the world we might be inhabiting moving forward. The course will focus on readings about past and future climate change, learning how to analyze and evaluate real data, using data to visualize our future world, and communicating about climate and environmental change.
Directed Individual Study
GEOL 401 - Connors, Christopher D. (Chris)
Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor and meeting the special needs of advanced students.
Directed Individual Study
GEOL 401 - Harbor, David J.
Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor and meeting the special needs of advanced students.
Directed Independent Research
GEOL 421 - Rahl, Jeffrey M.
Directed research in geology. Specific research activities will depend upon the project, but may involve literature research, field work, laboratory work, data analysis, and written or oral presentations.
Directed Independent Research
GEOL 421 - Hinkle, Margaret A.
Directed research in geology. Specific research activities will depend upon the project, but may involve literature research, field work, laboratory work, data analysis, and written or oral presentations.
Senior Research Thesis
GEOL 472 - Hinkle, Margaret A.
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.
Senior Research Thesis
GEOL 472 - Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)
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.
Honors Thesis
GEOL 493 - Rahl, Jeffrey M.
Honors Thesis.