Explore Earth Science

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. Involves moderate hiking and other physical activities outside in all types of weather. No credit for students who have completed EEG 101 or 102. (4 credits, satisfies SL FDR)EEG 100A is the First-year Seminar section of EEG-100.

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. Laboratory course. Involves moderate hiking and other physical activities outside in all types of weather. Not open to students with credit for EEG 100 or 102. (4 credits, satisfies SL FDR)

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. Involves moderate hiking and other physical activities outside in all types of weather. Not open to students with credit for EEG 100 or 101. (4 credits, satisfies SL FDR)

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. (3 credits, satisfies SC FDR)

As part of an intensive introductory study of Earth Science and the Geology of the Hawaiian Islands, first-years will spend two weeks on the Big Island of Hawaii observing a wide variety of geologic processes in action. You will acquire an understanding of the fundamentals of the geology, including rock forming processes, plate tectonics, interior and surface processes. Hawaii provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe a wide variety of geologic processes in action, including active volcanism and related hazards, erosional and coastal processes, and island biogeography. Another important part of this course is gaining an increased appreciation for Pacific island culture, history, and the relationship between the land and its people. (4 credits, satisfies SL FDR) Taught by Professor Knapp. Instructor consent is required. Contact Professor Knapp and knappe@wlu.edu if interested.

SAND! A journey from mountains to beaches and western deserts. Students take a journey to follow sand's modern path, as it erodes from the high Blue Ridge Mountains into the James River and down toward our barrier island beaches, and then leap with sand grains through the air in western sand dunes and trace its ancient path from the Appalachians west to the stunning cliffs of Zion National Park on the Colorado Plateau of Utah. Where does sand originate? How does it get into rivers and eventually the sea, or the desert? Students explore these questions on local field trips and in the lab when they put some sand under a microscope to learn more about how geologists view these fascinating grains. They learn and camp on Assateague Island, where Appalachian sand is formed into the dunes, inlet bars and beaches of the barrier islands. They explore rocks from the ancient Appalachians to learn about long-ago seas, beaches, and rivers. Then they go west to camp in dunes on the Colorado Plateau to see how modern winds move sand in ripples and dunes, and explore Zion National Park to learn about the deposition of ancient sandy desert sand grains, including those that geologists know came from the ancient Appalachians! (4 credits, satisfies SL FDR) Taught by Professor Harbor. Instructor consent is required. Contact Professor Harbor at harbord@wlu.edu if you are interested.

Students in the Geology of National Parks Earth Lab study 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 travel to national parks out West. (4 credits, satisfies the SL FDR)

The 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. (3 credits, satisfies SC FDR)

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. (3 credits, satisfies SC FDR)

Despite estimates that there are billions of stars in the Universe (likely trillions of billions), Earth remains the only planetary body that we know has life (so far). This apparent paradox led the physicist Enrico Fermi to wonder: "where is everybody?" In this course, we explore modern thinking about the potential for extraterrestrial life, with particular focus on the concept of planetary habitability. What are the essential ingredients for the evolution of life like we know it? Our investigation focuses on relevant aspects of the planet we know best, Earth, including its formation, composition, climate, and tectonics. We also discuss the origin, history, and potential future of life on our planet. (3 credits, satisfies SC FDR)

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. (3 credits, satisfies SC FDR)

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.

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.

We offer at least one section of EEG 105: Earth Lab each Spring, and we usually offer two or three sections. Each Earth Lab satisfied the SL FDR and focuses on a topic -- the geology of Hawai'i, Sand, Is the Earth Worth Saving? to name a few. See the link to read about and see pictures from Earth Labs from previous years.

Guest speakers, department events, or events on campus that we think might be of interest to you. Keep checking back for updates and additional entries!

Studying Earth and Environmental Geoscience offers a highly relevant, integrative, scientific avenue for managing our interactions with the environment, providing adequate resources, ensuring the safety of the built environment in the face of natural hazards, and solving the complex history of earth and its continuing evolution. We make extensive use of the extraordinary geology of the Appalachians and other locales around the globe. You can earn a BS or a BA in Earth and Environmental Geoscience. Some students interested in minoring will do the BA.

The Integrated Engineering degree offered through the Physics and Engineering Department gives students the opportunity to apply their science to the disciplines of geoscience, chemistry, biology, or computer science. Students are required to take four geoscience courses, an Introductory course and three courses that are 200 level or above, all of which is easy to fit into one's schedule. Talk to a Earth and Environmental Geoscience professor and an engineering professor about your interests.