GES 1A:
Introduction to Geology: The Physical Science of the Earth
For non-majors or prospective majors in the Earth Sciences. Lectures, hands-on laboratories, and three one-day weekend field trips. Focus is on the physical and chemical processes of heat and mass transfer within the earth and its fluid envelopes, including deep-earth, crustal, surface, and atmospheric processes. Topics include the dynamics of and interactions between the inner earth, plate tectonics, surface processes, and atmospheric processes such as climate change and global warming. Only one of GES 1A, 1B, or 1C may be taken for credit. Prerequisites: MATH 19 or equivalent.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
GES 1B:
Introduction to Geology: California Desert Geology
For non-majors and prospective majors or minors in the Earth Sciences. The landscapes and rock formations of California's Death Valley and Owens Valley are used as natural laboratories for studying active geologic processes that shape Earth's surface (earthquakes, mountain building, volcanoes, glaciers) and for tracing a billion years of Earth history, climate change, and historic human impacts. Lectures on these topics and hands-on laboratory exercises involving rock identification and interpreting topographic and geologic maps and satellite imagery provide an introduction to physical geology and the background necessary to appreciate an optional 6-day field trip to these desert areas during the Thanksgiving recess, which can be taken separately as GES183. Only one of GES 1A, 1B, or 1C may be taken for credit. Recommended: high school chemistry.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
GES 1C:
Introduction to Geology: Dynamic Earth
For non-majors or prospective majors in the Earth Sciences. Integrated lecture-lab includes hands-on activities and local field trips. Focus is on reading the dynamic geological landscape, with an emphasis on California-primarily Bay Area-geology. Topics include plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, Earth materials, geologic time, stream processes, and climate change over geologic time. Only one of GES 1A, 1B, or 1C may be taken for credit.
Last offered: Spring 2013
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GES 4:
Evolution and Extinction: Introduction to Historical Geology (EARTHSYS 4)
Introduction to the basic tools and principles geologists and paleontologists use to reconstruct the history of the Earth. Principles of stratigraphy, correlation, the geological timescale, the history of biodiversity, and the interpretation of fossils. The use of data from sedimentary geology, geochemistry, and paleontology to test theories for critical events in Earth history such as mass extinctions. Two half-day field trips.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GES 5:
Living on the Edge
A weekend field trip along the Pacific Coast. Tour local beaches, geology, and landforms with expert guides from the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and stay overnight in cabins along the Santa Cruz coast. Get to know faculty and graduate students in the Earth Sciences. Requirements: Two campus meeting and weekend field trip to Pacific Coast. Enrollment limited to 25. Freshman have first choice.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
GES 7A:
An Introduction to Wilderness Skills
Living, traveling, and working in the wilderness for those planning fieldwork in the back country. Local geology, environmental ethics, trip planning, first aid, and leadership techniques. Four mandatory weekend outings focus on back country travel, minimum impact camping, equipment use and maintenance, rock climbing, and navigation. 7A emphasizes wilderness travel and climbing. 7B emphasizes winter camping skills and back country skiing. Food, group, and major personal gear provided. Guest speakers. Fee. See http://www.stanford.edu/class/ges7, or email oep-teachers@lists.stanford.edu.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
GES 7B:
An Introduction to Wilderness Skills
Living, traveling, and working in the wilderness for those planning fieldwork in the backcountry. Local geology, environmental ethics, trip planning, first aid, and leadership techniques. Four mandatory weekend outings focus on backcountry travel, minimum impact camping, equipment use and maintenance, rock climbing, and navigation. 7A emphasizes wilderness travel and climbing. 7B emphasizes winter camping skills and backcountry skiing. Food, group, and major personal gear provided. Guest speakers. Fee. See http://www.stanford.edu/class/ges7, or email oep-teachers@lists.stanford.edu.
Terms: Win
| Units: 1
GES 7C:
Advanced Wilderness Skills
For students with prior backcountry experience. Backcountry skiing, mountaineering, climbing, first aid, and trip planning. Focus is on outdoor leadership experience and trip management techniques. Food, group, and major personal gear provided. Four mandatory weekend trips. Fee. See http://www.stanford.edu/class/ges7/ for information or contact oep-teachers@lists.stanford.edu. Prerequisite: application.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1
GES 8:
Oceanography: An Introduction to the Marine Environment
For non-majors and earth science and environmental majors. Topics: topography and geology of the sea floor; evolution of ocean basins; circulation of ocean and atmosphere; nature of sea water, waves, and tides; and the history of the major ocean basins. The interface between continents and ocean basins, emphasizing estuaries, beaches, and continental shelves with California margin examples. Relationships among the distribution of inorganic constituents, ocean circulation, biologic productivity, and marine environments from deep sea to the coast. One-day field trip to measure and analyze waves and currents.
Terms: Sum
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 12SC:
Environmental and Geological Field Studies in the Rocky Mountains (EARTHSYS 12SC, EESS 12SC)
The Rocky Mountain area, ecologically and geologically diverse, is being strongly impacted by changing land-use patterns, global and regional environmental change, and societal demands for energy and natural resources. This three-week field program emphasizes coupled environmental and geological problems in the Rocky Mountains and will cover a broad range of topics including the geologic origin of the American West from three billion years ago to the recent; paleoclimatology and the glacial history of this mountainous region; the long- and short-term carbon cycle and global climate change; and environmental issues in the American West that are related to changing land-use patterns and increased demand for its abundant natural resources. These broad topics are integrated into a coherent field study by examining earth/environmental science-related questions in three different settings: 1) the three-billion-year-old rocks and the modern glaciers of the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming; 2) the sediments in the adjacent Wind River basin that host abundant gas and oil reserves and also contain the long-term climate history of this region; and 3) the volcanic center of Yellowstone National Park and mountainous region of Teton National Park, and the economic and environmental problems associated with gold mining and extraction of oil and gas in areas adjoining these national parks. Students will complete six assignments based upon field exercises, working in small groups to analyze data and prepare reports and maps. Lectures will be held in the field prior to and after fieldwork. Note: This course involves one week of backpacking in the Wind Rivers and hiking while staying in cabins near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and horseback riding in the Dubois area of Wyoming. Students must arrive in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 1. (Hotel lodging will be provided for the night of Sept. 1, and thereafter students will travel as a Sophomore College group.) We will return to campus on Sunday, Sept. 21. Sophomore College Course: Application required, due noon, April 7, 2015. Apply at http://soco.stanford.edu.
Terms: Sum
| Units: 2
GES 38N:
The Worst Journey in the World: The Science, Literature, and History of Polar Exploration (EARTHSYS 38N, EESS 38N)
This course examines the motivations and experiences of polar explorers under the harshest conditions on Earth, as well as the chronicles of their explorations and hardships, dating to the 1500s for the Arctic and the 1700s for the Antarctic. Materials include The Worst Journey in the World by Aspley Cherry-Garrard who in 1911 participated in a midwinter Antarctic sledging trip to recover emperor penguin eggs. Optional field trip into the high Sierra in March.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 39N:
Forensic Geoscience: Stanford CSI
Preference to freshmen. Geological principles, materials, and techniques indispensable to modern criminal investigations. Basic earth materials, their origin and variability, and how they can be used as evidence in criminal cases and investigations such as artifact provenance and environmental pollution. Sources include case-based, simulated forensic exercises and the local environments of the Stanford campus and greater Bay Area. Local field trips; research presentation and paper.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
GES 40N:
Diamonds
Preference to freshmen. Topics include the history of diamonds as gemstones, prospecting and mining, and their often tragic politics. How diamond samples provide clues for geologists to understand the Earth's deep interior and the origins of the solar system. Diamond's unique materials properties and efforts in synthesizing diamonds.
Last offered: Spring 2011
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GES 42N:
Landscapes and Tectonics of the San Francisco Bay Area
Active faulting and erosion in the Bay Area, and its effects upon landscapes. Earth science concepts and skills through investigation of the valley, mountain, and coastal areas around Stanford. Faulting associated with the San Andreas Fault, coastal processes along the San Mateo coast, uplift of the mountains by plate tectonic processes, and landsliding in urban and mountainous areas. Field excursions; student projects.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
GES 43Q:
Environmental Problems
Preference to sophomores. Components of multidisciplinary environmental problems and ethical questions associated with decision making in the regulatory arena. Students lead discussions on environmental issues such as groundwater contamination from point and nonpoint sources, cumulative watershed effects related to timber and mining practices, acid rain, and subsurface disposal of nuclear waste.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 50Q:
The Coastal Zone Environment
Preference to sophomores. The oceanographic, geological, and biological character of coastal zone environments, including continental shelves, estuaries, and coastal wetlands, with emphasis on San Francisco Bay. Five required field trips examine estuarine and coastal environments, and agencies and facilities that manage these resources. Students present original research. Prerequisite: beginning course in Biology such as BIOSCI 51, Chemistry such as CHEM 30 or 31, Earth Sciences such as GES 1 or 2, or Earth Systems such as EARTHSYS 10.
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 55Q:
The California Gold Rush: Geologic Background and Environmental Impact
Preference to sophomores. Topics include: geologic processes that led to the concentration of gold in the river gravels and rocks of the Mother Lode region of California; and environmental impact of the Gold Rush due to population increase, mining operations, and high concentrations of arsenic and mercury in sediments from hard rock mining and milling operations. Recommended: introductory geology.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA, Writing 2
GES 90:
Introduction to Geochemistry
The chemistry of the solid earth and its atmosphere and oceans, emphasizing the processes that control the distribution of the elements in the earth over geological time and at present, and on the conceptual and analytical tools needed to explore these questions. The basics of geochemical thermodynamics and isotope geochemistry. The formation of the elements, crust, atmosphere and oceans, global geochemical cycles, and the interaction of geochemistry, biological evolution, and climate. Recommended: introductory chemistry.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GES 101:
Environmental and Geological Field Studies in the Rocky Mountains (EARTHSYS 100, EESS 101)
Three-week, field-based program in the Greater Yellowstone/Teton and Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. Field-based exercises covering topics including: basics of structural geology and petrology; glacial geology; western cordillera geology; paleoclimatology; chemical weathering; aqueous geochemistry; and environmental issues such as acid mine drainage and changing land-use patterns.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
GES 102:
Earth Materials: Introduction to Mineralogy
The minerals and materials that comprise the earth and their uses in modern society. How to identify, classify, and interpret rock-forming minerals. Emphasis is on information provided by common minerals about the nature of the Earth's interior and processes such as magmatism and metamorphism that operate there, as well as the major processes of weathering and erosion that link plate tectonics to earth cycles. Required lab section. Prerequisite: introductory geology course. Recommended: introductory chemistry.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GES 103:
Earth Materials: Rocks in Thin Section
Use of petrographic microscope to identify minerals and common mineral associations in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Crystallization histories, mineral growth and reaction relations, deformation textures in metamorphic rocks, and provenance of siliciclastic rocks. Prerequisite 102.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
GES 105:
Introduction to Field Methods
Two-week, field-based course in the White Mountains of eastern California. Introduction to the techniques for geologic mapping and geologic investigation in the field: systematic observations and data collection for lithologic columns and structural cross-sections. Interpretation of field relationships and data to determine the stratigraphic and deformational history of the region. Prerequisite: GES 1, recommended: GES 102.
Terms: Aut, Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
GES 107:
Journey to the Center of the Earth (GEOPHYS 184, GEOPHYS 274, GES 207)
The interconnected set of dynamic systems that make up the Earth. Focus is on fundamental geophysical observations of the Earth and the laboratory experiments to understand and interpret them. What earthquakes, volcanoes, gravity, magnetic fields, and rocks reveal about the Earth's formation and evolution. Offered every other year, winter quarter. Next offering Winter 2013-14.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
GES 110:
Structural Geology and Tectonics
Theory, principles, and practical techniques to measure, describe, analyze, and interpret deformation-related structures on Earth. Collection of fault and fold data in the field followed by lab and computer analysis; interpretation of geologic maps and methods of cross-section construction; structural analysis of fault zone and metamorphic rocks; measuring deformation; regional structural styles and associated landforms related to plate tectonic convergence, rifting, and strike-slip faulting; the evolution of mountain belts and formation of sedimentary basins. Prerequisite: GES 1, calculus. Recommended: 102.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 111:
Fundamentals of Structural Geology (CEE 195)
Techniques for mapping using GPS and differential geometry to characterize structures; dimensional analysis and scaling relations; kinematics of deformation and flow; measurement and analysis of stress; elastic deformation and properties of rock; brittle deformation including fracture and faulting; linear viscous flow including folding and magma dynamics; model development and methodology. Models of tectonic processes are constructed and solutions visualized using MATLAB. Prerequisites: GES 1, MATH 51
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
GES 115:
Engineering Geology and Global Change (CEE 196)
The application of geology and global change to the planning, design, and operation of engineering projects. Case histories taught in a seminar setting and field trips emphasize the impact of geology and global change on both individual engineering works and the built environment by considering Quaternary history and tectonics, anthropogenic sea level rise, active geologic processes, engineering properties of geologic deposits, site exploration, and professional ethics. Prerequisite: GES 1 or consent of instructor.
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 118:
Understanding Natural Hazards, Quantifying Risk, Increasing Resilience in Highly Urbanized Regions (EESS 118, EESS 218, GEOPHYS 118, GEOPHYS 218, GES 218)
Integrating the science of natural hazards, methods for quantitatively estimating the risks that these hazards pose to populations and property, engineering solutions that might best ameliorate these risks and increase resilience to future events, and policy and economic decision-making studies that may increase long-term resilience to future events. Panel discussions by outside experts exploring the science, engineering, policy, and economics that underly the hazards, risks, and strategies for increasing resilience. Group assignments to evaluate the way in which natural hazards, and human population and developing interact in megacities to produce risk, and what strategies might be adopted in each area to reduce risks posted by the specific hazards faced by these urban areas.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
GES 122:
Planetary Systems: Dynamics and Origins
(Students with a strong background in mathematics and the physical sciences should register for 222.) Motions of planets and smaller bodies, energy transport in planetary systems, composition, structure and dynamics of planetary atmospheres, cratering on planetary surfaces, properties of meteorites, asteroids and comets, extrasolar planets, and planetary formation. Prerequisite: some background in the physical sciences, especially astronomy, geophysics, or physics.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3-4
GES 123:
Paleobiology (EARTHSYS 122)
Introduction to the fossil record with emphasis on marine invertebrates. Major debates in paleontological research. The history of animal life in the oceans. Topics include the nature of the fossil record, evolutionary radiations, mass extinctions, and the relationship between biological evolution and environmental change. Fossil taxa through time. Exercises in phylogenetics, paleoecology, biostratigraphy, and statistical methods.
Last offered: Spring 2013
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GES 130:
Soil Physics and Hydrology
The occurrence, distribution, circulation, and reaction of water at the surface and within the near surface. Topics: precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration and vadose zone, groundwater, surface water and streamflow generation, and water balance estimates. Current and classic theory in soil physics and hydrology. Urban, rangeland, and forested environments.
Last offered: Autumn 2012
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GES 131:
Hydrologically-Driven Landscape Evolution
Materials of the Earth and hydrologically driven landscape processes. Topics: hillslope hydrology, weathering of rocks and soils, erosion, flow failures, mass wasting, and conceptual models of landscape evolution. Current and classic theory in geomorphology.
Last offered: Winter 2013
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GES 150:
Senior Seminar: Issues in Earth Sciences (GEOPHYS 199)
Focus is on written and oral communication in a topical context. Topics from current frontiers in earth science research and issues of concern to the public. Readings, oral presentations, written work, and peer review.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
GES 151:
Sedimentary Geology and Petrography: Depositional Systems
Topics: weathering, erosion and transportation, deposition, origins of sedimentary structures and textures, sediment composition, diagenesis, sedimentary facies, tectonics and sedimentation, and the characteristics of the major siliciclastic and carbonate depositional environments. Lab: methods of analysis of sediments in hand specimen and thin section. Field trips. Prerequisites: 1, 102, 103.
Last offered: Spring 2013
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 170:
Environmental Geochemistry (EARTHSYS 170, GES 270)
Solid, aqueous, and gaseous phases comprising the environment, their natural compositional variations, and chemical interactions. Contrast between natural sources of hazardous elements and compounds and types and sources of anthropogenic contaminants and pollutants. Chemical and physical processes of weathering and soil formation. Chemical factors that affect the stability of solids and aqueous species under earth surface conditions. The release, mobility, and fate of contaminants in natural waters and the roles that water and dissolved substances play in the physical behavior of rocks and soils. The impact of contaminants and design of remediation strategies. Case studies. Prerequisite: 90 or consent of instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 180:
Igneous Processes
For juniors, seniors and beginning graduate students in Earth Sciences. Structure and physical properties of magmas; use of phase equilibria and mineral barometers and thermometers to determine conditions of magmatic processes; melting and magmatic lineages as a function of tectonic setting; processes that control magma composition including fractional crystallization, partial melting, and assimilation; petrogenetic use of trace elements and isotopes. Labs emphasize identification of volcanic and plutonic rocks in thin section and interpretation of rock textures. Prerequisite 102, 103, or consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
GES 183:
California Desert Geologic Field Trip
Field seminar. Two class meetings during Autumn quarter followed by a 6-day field trip over Thanksgiving recess to Mojave Desert, Death Valley, and Owens Valley. Basin-and-range faulting, alluvial fans, playas, sand dunes, metamorphic rocks, granites of the Sierra Nevada, lava flows and and the deposits of supervolcanic eruptions, hot springs, ore deposits, and desert landscapes. Involves camping and moderate hiking. Recommended: introductory geology. Enrollment limited to 30 students; preference given to students taking GES1B concurrently, freshman and sophomores; additionally graduate students in the School of Earth Sciences.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
GES 184:
Field Seminar on Eastern Sierran Volcanism
For nonmajors and prospective majors in the earth sciences and archaeology. Four-day trip over Memorial Day weekend to study silicic and mafic volcanism in the eastern Sierra Nevada: basaltic lavas and cinder cones erupted along normal faults bounding Owens Valley, Long Valley caldera, postcaldera rhyolite lavas, hydrothermal alteration and hot springs, Holocene rhyolite lavas of the Inyo and Mono craters, subaqueous basaltic and silicic eruptions of Mono Basin, floating pumice blocks. If snow-level permits, silicic volcanism associated with the Bodie gold district. Recommended: 1 or equivalent.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1
GES 185:
Volcanology
For juniors, seniors, and beginning graduate students in earth sciences. Eruptive processes that create volcanic deposits and landforms; relation to physical properties of magmas. Volcanic hazards and the effects of eruptions on climate; volcanic-hosted geothermal systems and mineral resources. Required 4-day field trip over Memorial Day weekend to study silicic and mafic volcanism in the eastern Sierra Nevada. Those taking the class for 4 units will complete a 3-hour weekly lab involving hand specimen and thin section identification and interpretation, which emphasizes recognizing types of lavas and products of explosive eruptions. Prerequisite: 1, for those taking the course for 3 units; 103 and 104 or equivalent for those taking the course for 4 units.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 190:
Research in the Field
Two to three-week long courses that provide students with the opportunity to collect data in the field as part of a team-based investigation of research questions or topics under the expert guidance of knowledgeable faculty and graduate students. Topics and locations vary. May be taken multiple times for credit. Prerequisites: GES 1, GES 102, GES 105.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 2
| Repeatable
3 times
(up to 12 units total)
GES 191:
GES Field Trips (EARTHSCI 191)
Four- to seven-day field trips to locations of geologic and environmental interest. Includes trips offered during Thanksgiving and Spring breaks. May be repeated for credit. See http://pangea.stanford.edu/GES/undergraduates/courses/.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 192:
Undergraduate Research in Geological and Environmental Sciences
Field-, lab-, or literature-based. Faculty supervision. Written reports. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Egger, A. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Nevle, R. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 197:
Senior Thesis
For seniors who wish to write a thesis based on research in 192 or as a summer research fellow. May not be repeated for credit; may not be taken if enrolled in 199.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 3-5
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Switzer, P. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 198:
Special Problems in Geological and Environmental Sciences
Reading and instruction under faculty supervision. Written reports. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Egger, A. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 199:
Honors Program
Research on a topic of special interest. See "Undergraduate Honors Program" above.nnMay be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hadly, E. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 207:
Journey to the Center of the Earth (GEOPHYS 184, GEOPHYS 274, GES 107)
The interconnected set of dynamic systems that make up the Earth. Focus is on fundamental geophysical observations of the Earth and the laboratory experiments to understand and interpret them. What earthquakes, volcanoes, gravity, magnetic fields, and rocks reveal about the Earth's formation and evolution. Offered every other year, winter quarter. Next offering Winter 2013-14.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
GES 208:
Topics in Geobiology (EESS 208)
Reading and discussion of classic and recent papers in the field of Geobiology. Co-evolution of Earth and life; critical intervals of environmental and biological change; geomicrobiology; paleobiology; global biogeochemical cycles; scaling of geobiological processes in space and time.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
3 times
(up to 3 units total)
GES 210:
Geologic Evolution of the Western U.S. Cordillera
The geologic and tectonic evolution of the U.S. Cordillera based on its rock record through time. This region provides good examples of large-scale structures and magmatic activity generated during crustal shortening, extension, and strike-slip faulting and affords opportunity to study crustal-scale processes involved in mountain building in context of plate tectonic motions.
Terms: Win
| Units: 1-3
GES 211:
Topics in Regional Geology and Tectonics
May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 2-3
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 213:
Topics in Sedimentary Geology
For upper division undergraduates and graduate students. Topics vary each year but the focus is on current developments and problems in sedimentary geology, sedimentology, and basin analysis. These include issues in deep-water sediments, their origin, facies, and architecture; sedimentary systems on the early Earth; and relationships among tectonics, basin development, and basin fill. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win
| Units: 2
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 215:
Structural Geology and Rock Mechanics (CEE 297R, GEOPHYS 251)
Quantitative field and laboratory data integrated with solutions to boundary value problems of continuum mechanics to understand tectonic processes in Earth's crust that lead to the development of geological structures including folds, faults, fractures and fabrics. Topics include: techniques and tools for structural mapping¿ differential geometry to characterize structures¿ dimensional analysis and scaling relations¿ kinematics of deformation and flow¿ traction and stress analysis, conservation of mass and momentum in a deformable continuum¿ linear elastic deformation and elastic properties¿ brittle deformation including fracture and faulting¿ model development and methodology. Data sets analyzed using MATLAB. Prerequisites: GES 1, MATH 53, MATLAB or equivalent.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
GES 216:
Rock Fracture Mechanics
Principles and tools of elasticity theory and fracture mechanics are applied to the origins and physical behaviors of faults, dikes, joints, veins, solution surfaces, and other natural structures in rock. Field observations, engineering rock fracture mechanics, and the elastic theory of cracks. The role of natural fractures in brittle rock deformation, and fluid flow in the earth's crust with applications to crustal deformation, structural geology, petroleum geology, engineering, and hydrogeology. Prerequisite: 215 or equivalent.
Last offered: Spring 2013
| Units: 3
GES 218:
Understanding Natural Hazards, Quantifying Risk, Increasing Resilience in Highly Urbanized Regions (EESS 118, EESS 218, GEOPHYS 118, GEOPHYS 218, GES 118)
Integrating the science of natural hazards, methods for quantitatively estimating the risks that these hazards pose to populations and property, engineering solutions that might best ameliorate these risks and increase resilience to future events, and policy and economic decision-making studies that may increase long-term resilience to future events. Panel discussions by outside experts exploring the science, engineering, policy, and economics that underly the hazards, risks, and strategies for increasing resilience. Group assignments to evaluate the way in which natural hazards, and human population and developing interact in megacities to produce risk, and what strategies might be adopted in each area to reduce risks posted by the specific hazards faced by these urban areas.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
GES 222:
Planetary Systems: Dynamics and Origins
(For students with a strong background in mathematics and the physical sciences; other should register for 122.) Motions of planets, moons, and small bodies; energy transport in planetary systems; meteorites and the constraints they provide on the formation of the solar system; asteroids and Kuiper belt objects; comets; planetary rings; planet formation; and extrasolar planets. In-class presentation of student papers.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3-4
GES 223:
Reflection Seismology Interpretation (GEOPHYS 183, GEOPHYS 223)
The structural and stratigraphic interpretation of seismic reflection data, emphasizing hydrocarbon traps in two and three dimensions on industry data, including workstation-based interpretation. Lectures only, 1 unit. Prerequisite: 222, or consent of instructor. Offered Spring quarter 2013-14
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1-4
GES 224:
Modeling Transport and Transformations in the Environment
An introduction to geochemical and reactive transport modeling using Geochemist's Workbench and other appropriate models. Working knowledge of geochemical and hydrologic principles is assumed. Throughout the quarter the students will use the principles and tools to develop and analyze an environmental problems as part of a simulated consulting exercise. Topics covered include contaminant transport, mineral dissolution/precipitation and aquifer microbiology. An additional focus of the course will be to develop presentation skills through practice, feedback and discussions. Prerequisites: Either EESS 221 (CEE 260C) or EESS 220 (CEE 260A) and either GES 90, 170, or 171, or permission from instructors.
Terms: Win
| Units: 2-3
GES 226:
At the intersection of geochemistry, sedimentary geology, and paleobiology
Recent work in geochemistry, sedimentary geology, and paleobiology increasingly supports the notion that common geological factors control long-term biogeochemical cycles, the erosion and deposition of sedimentary rocks, and the evolution of the marine biosphere. During this course students will read and discuss recent primary literature addressing the possible mechanisms underlying these patterns. Questions addressed will include: Why do sedimentary rock area and biodiversity covary? How are these records linked to biogeochemical cycles, as inferred from the stable isotope compositions of elements such as carbon and sulfur? What are the relative roles of biotic interactions vs. physical environmental changes in shaping the macroevolutionary history of life?
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
GES 240:
Geostatistics (ENERGY 240)
Geostatistical theory and practical methodologies for quantifying and simulating spatial and spatio-temporal patterns for the Earth Sciences. Real case development of models of spatial continuity, including variograms, Boolean models and training images. Estimation versus simulation of spatial patterns. Loss functions. Estimation by kriging, co-kriging with secondary data. Dealing with data on various scales. Unconditional and conditional Boolean simulation, sequential simulation for continuous and categorical variables. Multi-variate geostatistical simulation. Probabilistic and pattern-based approaches to multiple-point simulation. Trend, secondary variable, auxiliary variable and probability-type constraints. Quality control techniques on generated models. Workflows for practical geostatistical applications in mining, petroleum, hydrogeology, remote sensing and environmental sciences. prerequisites: Energy 160/260 or basic course in data analysis/statistics
Terms: Spr
| Units: 2-3
GES 246:
Reservoir Characterization and Flow Modeling with Outcrop Data (ENERGY 146, ENERGY 246)
Project addressing a reservoir management problem by studying an outcrop analog, constructing geostatistical reservoir models, and performing flow simulation. How to use outcrop observations in quantitative geological modeling and flow simulation. Relationships between disciplines. Weekend field trip.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
GES 251:
Sedimentary Basins
Analysis of the depositional framework and tectonic evolution of sedimentary basins. Topics: tectonic and environmental controls on facies relations, synthesis of basin development through time in terms of depositional systems and tectonic settings. Weekend field trip required. Prerequisites: 110, 151.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
GES 252:
Sedimentary Petrography
Siliciclastic sediments and sedimentary rocks. Research in modern sedimentary mineralogy and petrography and the relationship between the composition and texture of sediments and their provenance, tectonic settings, and diagenetic histories. Topics vary yearly. Prerequisite: 151 or equivalent.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
GES 256:
Quantitative Methods in Basin and Petroleum System Modeling (ENERGY 275)
Examine the physical processes operating in sedimentary basins by deriving the basic equations of fundamental, coupled geologic processes such as fluid flow and heat flow, deposition, compaction, mass conservation, and chemical reactions. Through hands-on computational exercises and instructor-provided "recipes," students will deconstruct the black box of basin modeling software. Students write their own codes (Matlab) as well as gain expertise in modern finite-element modeling software (PetroMod, COMSOL).
Terms: Win
| Units: 1-3
GES 257:
Clastic Sequence Stratigraphy
Sequence stratigraphy facilitates integration of all sources of geologic data, including seismic, log, core, and paleontological, into a time-stratigraphic model of sediment architecture. Tools applicable to regional and field scales. Emphasis is on practical applications and integration of seismic and well data to exploration and field reservoir problems. Examples from industry data; hands-on exercises.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
GES 259:
Stratigraphic Architecture
The stratigraphic architecture of deposits associated with a spectrum of depositional environments, using outcrop and subsurface data. Participants read and discuss selected literature.
Terms: Aut, Spr
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 260:
Laboratory Methods in Organic Geochemistry
Knowledge of components in geochemical mixtures to understand geological and environmental samples. The presence and relative abundance of these compounds provides information on the biological source, depositional environment, burial history, biodegradation, and toxicity of organic materials. Laboratory methods to detect and quantify components of these mixtures. Methods for separation and analysis of organic compounds in geologic samples: extraction, liquid chromatography, absorption by zeolites, gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Student samples considered as material for analysis. Prerequisite: GES 249 or consent of instructor.
Last offered: Spring 2010
| Units: 2-3
GES 261:
Physics and Chemistry of Minerals and Mineral Surfaces
The concepts of symmetry and periodicity in crystals; the physical properties of crystals and their relationship to atomic-level structure; basic structure types; crystal chemistry and bonding in solids and their relative stability; the interaction of x-rays with solids and liquids (scattering and spectroscopy); structural variations in silicate glasses and liquids; UV-visible spectroscopy and the color of minerals; review of the mineralogy, crystal chemistry, and structures of selected rock-forming silicates and oxides; mineral surface and interface geochemistry.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
GES 264:
Mathematical Modeling in Biogeochemistry
The basics of translating a conceptual model into a numerical model is presented. Emphasis on building models, box modeling, methods of solving models. Lab exercises draw from examples in biogeochemistry, including modeling global biogeochemical cycles, sediment biogeochemistry, and microbial processes.
Last offered: Winter 2011
| Units: 3
GES 267:
Solution-Mineral Equilibria: Theory
Procedures for calculating and evaluating the thermodynamic properties of reversible and irreversible reactions among rock-forming minerals and aqueous solutions in geologic systems. Emphasis is on the generation and utility of phase diagrams depicting solution-mineral interaction relevant to phase relations associated with weathering diagenetic, hydrothermal, and metamorphic processes, and the prediction of temperature, pressure, and the chemical potential of thermodynamic components compatible with observed mineralogic phase relations in geologic outcrops. Individual research topics. Prerequisite: 171.
Last offered: Winter 2008
| Units: 3
GES 270:
Environmental Geochemistry (EARTHSYS 170, GES 170)
Solid, aqueous, and gaseous phases comprising the environment, their natural compositional variations, and chemical interactions. Contrast between natural sources of hazardous elements and compounds and types and sources of anthropogenic contaminants and pollutants. Chemical and physical processes of weathering and soil formation. Chemical factors that affect the stability of solids and aqueous species under earth surface conditions. The release, mobility, and fate of contaminants in natural waters and the roles that water and dissolved substances play in the physical behavior of rocks and soils. The impact of contaminants and design of remediation strategies. Case studies. Prerequisite: 90 or consent of instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
GES 275:
Electron Probe Microanalytical Techniques
The practical and theoretical aspects of x-ray generation and detection, and the behavior of electron beams and x-rays in solids. The basic principles needed to quantitatively analyze chemically complex geological materials. Operation of the JEOL 733 electron microprobe and associated computer software for quantitatively analyzing materials. X-ray chemical mapping. Enrollment limited to 8.
Terms: Win
| Units: 2-3
GES 277:
Flood Basalts and Mass Extinctions
Recent work in geochronology and paleobiology supports the temporal coincidence of the eruption of continental flood basalts with mass extinction in the marine and terrestrial realms. The mechanisms and timescale of flood basalt eruptions, their likely environmental and biological consequences, and the evidence for flood basalt eruptions as the triggers of many mass extinction events. Sources include recent primary literature.
Last offered: Autumn 2008
| Units: 3
GES 281:
Principles of 40Ar/39Ar Thermochronometry
The 40Ar/39Ar method is based upon the K-Ar decay scheme and allows high precision geochronology and thermochronology to be performed with K-bearing minerals. Provides a detailed exploration of the method including all practical considerations and laboratory procedures for standardization and instrument calibration. A laboratory component allows practical experience in making measurements and interpreting results.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-4
GES 286:
Secondary Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Secondary ionization mass spectrometry (SIMS) is a versatile method capable of performing elemental and isotopic analysis in the solid-state at the nanogram to picogram scale. SIMS offers the most favorable combination of high spatial resolution, sensitivity, and mass resolving power. This course explores the ion optics of the primary and secondary columns of SIMS instruments and explains instrumental mass fractionation and standardization methods for both positive and negative secondary ions. Ion imaging and depth profiling approaches are also covered. Practical experience using Stanford's SHRIMP-RG and NanoSIMS instruments is provided.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
GES 287:
Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry
This course explains ion creation, mass separation, and ion detection in mass spectrometry methods commonly used in the Earth Sciences. Gas source (C-O-H-S stable isotope, 40Ar/39Ar, and (U-Th)-He), secondary ionization (SIMS), laser ablation and solution-based mass inductively coupled (ICP-MS) and thermal ionization (TIMS) mass spectrometry techniques are also explored. Additional topics include ion optics, vacuum generation, and pressure measurement, instrument calibration, data reduction, and error propagation methods.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
GES 290:
Departmental Seminar in Geological and Environmental Sciences
Current research topics. Presentations by guest speakers from Stanford and elsewhere. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 291:
GES Field Trips
Field trips for teaching and research purposes. Trips average 5-10 days. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Cina, S. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Mix, H. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 292:
Directed Reading with Geological and Environmental Sciences Faculty
May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Boyce, C. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Egger, A. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Paytan, A. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Scheirer, A. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 299:
Field Research
Two-three week field research projects. Written report required. May be repeated three times.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 2-4
| Repeatable
3 times
(up to 12 units total)
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Borella, M. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Egger, A. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Saltzman, J. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 310:
Climate Change, Climate Variability, and Landscape Development
The impact of long-term climate change on erosional processes and the evolution of Cenozoic landscapes. Climate data that highlight recurring climate variability on inter-annual to decadal timescales. The behavior of climate on multi-decadal to tectonic timescales over which significant changes in topography take place. The effects of climate change and variability on landscape development, sedimentary environments, and the deposits of these events. May be repeated for credit.
Last offered: Autumn 2007
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 311:
Interpretation of Tectonically Active Landscapes
Focuses on interpreting various topographic attributes in terms of horizontal and vertical tectonic motions. Topics include identification, mapping, and dating of geomorphic markers, deducing tectonic motions from spatial changes in landscape steepness, understanding processes that give rise to different landscape elements, interrogating the role of climate and lithology in producing these landscape elements, and understanding relationships between tectonic motions, surface topography, and the spatial distribution of erosion. Consists of two one hour lectures per week and one laboratory section that help students gain proficiency in Quaternary mapping and interpretation of topographic metrics.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
GES 312:
Analysis of Landforms
Quantitative methods to analyze digital topography and to interpret rates of tectonic and geomorphic processes from topographic metrics. Topics include analysis of digital topography using local and neighborhood-based methods, spectral methods, and wavelet methods. Course consists of two one hour lectures per week and one laboratory section that will help students gain proficiency in calculating topographic metrics using ArcGIS and Matlab.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
GES 313:
Modeling of Landforms
Geomorphic-transport-rule-based, as well as mass- and momentum-conservation based models to understand the evolution of Earth¿s topography. Topics include formulation of land-sculpting processes as geomorphic transport rules, coupling this mass-conservation approach with mechanical models of crustal deformation, and analysis of landscape forms in terms of events for which mass and momentum of fluid and sediment can be conserved. Both analytical, as well as numerical (finite-volume) treatments of particular problems in tectonic geomorphology will be covered. The specific problems addressed as part of the course will be tailored to those currently investigated by class participants.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
GES 315:
Literature of Structural Geology
Classic studies and current journal articles. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 325:
The Evolution of Body Size (BIO 325)
Preference to graduate students and upper-division undergraduates in GES and Biology. The influence of organism size on evolutionary and ecological patterns and processes. Focus is on integration of theoretical principles, observations of living organisms, and data from the fossil record. What are the physiological and ecological correlates of body size? Is there an optimum size? Do organisms tend to evolve to larger size? Does productivity control the size distribution of consumers? Does size affect the likelihood of extinction or speciation? How does size scale from the genome to the phenotype? How is metabolic rate involved in evolution of body size? What is the influence of geographic area on maximum body size?
| Units: 2
GES 336:
Stanford Alpine Project Seminar
Seminar on the geology of Italy. Weekly student presentations on continental collision tectonics, sedimentology, petrology, geomorphology, climate, culture, and other topics of interest. Students create a guidebook of geologic stops in advance of field trip. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
for credit
(up to 99 units total)
GES 355:
Advanced Stratigraphy Seminar and Field Course
Student-led presentations; poster-sized display on assigned topic; field trip.
Last offered: Spring 2005
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 381:
Igneous Petrology and Petrogenesis Seminar
Topics vary by quarter. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Win
| Units: 1-2
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 384:
Volcanology Seminar
Specialized and advanced topics vary by offering. May be repeated for credit.
Last offered: Spring 2010
| Units: 1-2
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 385:
Practical Experience in the Geosciences
On-the-job training in the geosciences. May include summer internship; emphasizes training in applied aspects of the geosciences, and technical, organizational, and communication dimensions. Meets USCIS requirements for F-1 curricular practical training.nn (Staff)
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 399:
Advanced Projects
Graduate research projects that lead to reports, papers, or other products during the quarter taken. On registration, students designate faculty member and agreed-upon units.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Boyce, C. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 400:
Graduate Research
Faculty supervision. On registration, students designate faculty member and agreed-upon units.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-15
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Boyce, C. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Ewing, R. (PI);
Gorelick, S. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Journel, A. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Matson, P. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Saltzman, J. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 0
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Gorelick, S. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Journel, A. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Paytan, A. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 802:
TGR Dissertation
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 0
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Aydin, A. (PI);
Bird, D. (PI);
Brown, G. (PI);
Dunbar, R. (PI);
Gorelick, S. (PI);
Graham, S. (PI);
Grove, M. (PI);
Hilley, G. (PI);
Journel, A. (PI);
Liou, J. (PI);
Loague, K. (PI);
Lowe, D. (PI);
Maher, K. (PI);
Mahood, G. (PI);
Mao, W. (PI);
Miller, E. (PI);
Moldowan, J. (PI);
Payne, J. (PI);
Paytan, A. (PI);
Pollard, D. (PI);
Stebbins, J. (PI);
Warren, J. (PI)
GES 104:
Earth Materials: Introduction to Petrology
The origin of different rock types as a function of geologic and plate tectonic setting. How to identify rocks and interpret their conditions of formation. Required lab section. Prerequisite: introductory geology course; GES102.
| Units: 4
GES 119:
A Solar System Odyssey: Introduction to Planetary Geology
How could planetary bodies such as Earth, Moon and Mars form so close together, with such similar starting products have such drastically different outcomes? Did Mars ever have standing water? Does Europa have a subsurface ocean teeming with life? In this course, you will study the formation and evolution of planets and moons, and how differences such as mass and composition have led to a diverse selection of terrain. Through our exploration of selected topics in planetary geology (volcanism, cratering, tectonics), we will actively debate contemporary controversies in planetary geology. GES 1 required or permission of the instructor.
| Units: 3
GES 120:
Planetary and Early Biological Evolution Seminar (GES 220)
Interdisciplinary. For upper division science undergraduates and graduate students. Synthesis of biology, geology, physics, and chemistry. Recent approaches for identifying traces of past life on Earth. How to look for life on other planets such as Mars, Europa, and Titan. May be repeated for credit.
| Units: 2-3
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 121:
What Makes a Habitable Planet? (GES 221)
Physical processes affecting habitability such as large impacts and the atmospheric greenhouse effect, comets, geochemistry, the rise of oxygen, climate controls, and impact cratering. Detecting and interpreting the spectra of extrasolar terrestrial planets. Student-led discussions of readings from the scientific literature. Team taught by planetary scientists from NASA Ames Research Center.
| Units: 3
GES 163:
Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry (GES 263)
Stable, cosmogenic, and radiogenic isotopes; processes that govern isotopic variations. Application of isotopes to geologic, biologic, and hydrologic questions. Major isotopic systems and their applications. Simple modeling techniques used in isotope geochemistry.
| Units: 3
GES 171:
Geochemical Thermodynamics
Introduction to the application of chemical principles and concepts to geologic systems. The chemical behavior of fluids, minerals, and gases using simple equilibrium approaches to modeling the geochemical consequences of diagenetic, hydrothermal, metamorphic, and igneous processes. Topics: reversible thermodynamics, solution chemistry, mineral-solution equilibria, reaction kinetics, and the distribution and transport of elements by geologic processes. Prerequisite: GES 102.
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 181:
Metamorphic Processes
For juniors, seniors, and beginning graduate students in Earth Sciences. Thermodynamics and phase equilibria of multiple component systems; use of phase equilibria to determine pressure and temperature of metamorphic assemblages; geochronology of metamorphic rocks; heat flow in the lithosphere; links between tectonics and metamorphism; and the role of heat and mass transfer in the Earth's crust and mantle. Labs emphasize identification of metamorphic rocks and minerals for common pelitic and basic rocks and interpretation of rock textures. May be taken for 3 units without lab. Prerequisites: 102, 103, or consent of instructor.
| Units: 3-5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GES 212:
Topics in Tectonic Geomorphology
For upper-division undergraduates and graduate students. Topics vary and may include coupling among erosional, tectonic, and chemical weathering processes at the scale of orogens; historical review of tectonic geomorphology; hillslope and fluvial process response to active uplift; measures of landscape form and their relationship to tectonic uplift and bedrock lithology. May be repeated for credit.
| Units: 2
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 214:
Topics in Paleobiology
For upper division undergraduates and graduate students. Topics vary each year; focus is on paleontological, sedimentological, and geochemical approaches to the history of life. Topics may include: mass extinction events; evolutionary radiations; the history of global biodiversity; links between evolutionary histories of primary producers and consumers; and the quality of the fossil record. Term paper. May be repeated for credit.
| Units: 2
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 217:
Faults, Fractures, and Fluid Flow
Process-based approach to rock failure; the microstructures and overall architectures of the failure products including faults, joints, solution seams, and types of deformation bands. Fluid flow properties of these structures are characterized with emphasis on sealing and transmitting of faults and their role in hydrocarbon flow, migration, and entrapment. Case studies of fracture characterization experiments in aquifers, oil and gas reservoirs, and waste repository sites. Guest speakers; weekend field trip. Prerequisite: first-year graduate student in Earth Sciences.
| Units: 3
GES 220:
Planetary and Early Biological Evolution Seminar (GES 120)
Interdisciplinary. For upper division science undergraduates and graduate students. Synthesis of biology, geology, physics, and chemistry. Recent approaches for identifying traces of past life on Earth. How to look for life on other planets such as Mars, Europa, and Titan. May be repeated for credit.
| Units: 2-3
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 221:
What Makes a Habitable Planet? (GES 121)
Physical processes affecting habitability such as large impacts and the atmospheric greenhouse effect, comets, geochemistry, the rise of oxygen, climate controls, and impact cratering. Detecting and interpreting the spectra of extrasolar terrestrial planets. Student-led discussions of readings from the scientific literature. Team taught by planetary scientists from NASA Ames Research Center.
| Units: 3
GES 225:
Contaminant Hydrogeology and Reactive Transport (CEE 260C, EESS 221)
For earth scientists and engineers. Environmental, geologic, and water resource problems involving migration of contaminated groundwater through porous media and associated biogeochemical and fluid-rock reactions. Conceptual and quantitative treatment of advective-dispersive transport with reacting solutes. Predictive models of contaminant behavior controlled by local equilibrium and kinetics. Modern methods of contaminant transport simulation and reactive transport modeling using geochemical transport software. Some Matlab programming / program modification required. Prerequisite: Physical Hydrogeology EESS 220 / CEE 260A (Gorelick) or equivalent. Recommended: course work in environmental chemistry or geochemistry (e.g., one or more of the following: EESS 155, EESS 156/256 GES 90, GES 170/279, GES 171, CEE 177 or CEE 270).
| Units: 4
GES 237:
Surface and Near-Surface Hydrologic Response (CEE 260B)
Quantitative review of process-based hydrology and geomorphology. Introduction to finite-difference and finite-element methods of numerical analysis. Topics: biometeorology, unsaturated and saturated subsurface fluid flow, overland and open channel flow, and physically-based simulation of coupled surface and near-surface hydrologic response. Links hydrogeology, soil physics, and surface water hydrology.
| Units: 3
GES 238:
Soil Physics
Physical properties of the soil solid phase emphasizing the transport, retention, and transformation of water, heat, gases, and solutes in the unsaturated subsurface. Field experiments.
| Units: 3
GES 249:
Petroleum Geochemistry in Environmental and Earth Science
How molecular fossils in crude oils, oil spills, refinery products, and human artifacts identify their age, origin, and environment of formation. The origin and habitat of petroleum, technology for its analysis, and parameters for interpretation, including: origins of molecular fossils; function, biosynthesis, and precursors; tectonic history related to the evolution of life, mass extinctions, and molecular fossils; petroleum refinery processes and the kinds of molecular fossils that survive; environmental pollution from natural and anthropogenic sources including how to identify genetic relationships among crude oil or oil spill samples; applications of molecular fossils to archaeology; worldwide petroleum systems through geologic time.
| Units: 3
GES 250:
Sedimentation Mechanics
The mechanics of sediment transport and deposition and the origins of sedimentary structures and textures as applied to interpreting ancient rock sequences. Dimensional analysis, fluid flow, drag, boundary layers, open channel flow, particle settling, erosion, sediment transport, sediment gravity flows, soft sediment deformation, and fluid escape. Field trip required.
| Units: 3-4
GES 253:
Petroleum Geology and Exploration
The origin and occurrence of hydrocarbons. Topics: thermal maturation history in hydrocarbon generation, significance of sedimentary and tectonic structural setting, principles of accumulation, and exploration techniques. Prerequisites: 110, 151. Recommended: GEOPHYS 223.
| Units: 3
GES 255:
Basin and Petroleum System Modeling
For advanced undergraduates or graduate students. Students use stratigraphy, subsurface maps, and basic well log, lithologic, paleontologic, and geochemical data to construct 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D models of petroleum systems that predict the extent of source-rock thermal maturity, petroleum migration paths, and the volumes and compositions of accumulations through time (4-D). Recent software such as PetroMod designed to reconstruct basin geohistory. Recommended: 251 or 253.
| Units: 3
GES 262:
Thermodynamics and Disorder in Minerals and Melts
The thermodynamic properties of crystalline, glassy, and molten silicates and oxides in light of microscopic information about short range structure and ordering. Measurements of bulk properties such as enthalpy, density, and their pressure and temperature derivatives, and structural determination by spectroscopies such as nuclear magnetic resonance and Mössbauer. Basic formulations for configurational entropy, heats of mixing in solid solutions, activities; and the energetics of exsolution, phase transitions, and nucleation. Quantitative models of silicate melt thermodynamics are related to atomic-scale views of structure. A general view of geothermometry and geobarometry. Prerequisites: introductory mineralogy and thermodynamics.
| Units: 3
GES 263:
Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry (GES 163)
Stable, cosmogenic, and radiogenic isotopes; processes that govern isotopic variations. Application of isotopes to geologic, biologic, and hydrologic questions. Major isotopic systems and their applications. Simple modeling techniques used in isotope geochemistry.
| Units: 3
GES 272:
Biomineralization
The functional properties of many animal and plant skeletons are dependent largely on mineralization. The relationship between mineralization processes and adaptation for all the animal phyla is reviewed. The sedimentologic contribution of mineralized skeletons, especially in carbonate reefs and pelagic sedimenation is considered. Synthesis of organic matrix and the composite nature of many animal and plant skeletons, and their development and morphogenesis are described. The mechanisms of crystal nucleation and growth are considered. The macroeveolutiony history of biomineralization, and mass extinctions and the diversification of well skeletonized groups in the geologic record are considered.
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
2 times
(up to 6 units total)
GES 273:
Isotope Geochemistry Seminar
Current topics including new analytical techniques, advances in isotopic measurements, and new isotopic approaches and systems. May be repeat for credit for total completion of 5 and total unit allowed 15.
| Units: 1-3
| Repeatable
5 times
(up to 15 units total)
GES 276:
Earth's Weathering Engine
The complex interactions between the chemical, biological, hydrologic and tectonic process that control the chemical and isotopic flux of material to the oceans, and ultimately the long-term composition of both the atmosphere and the hydrosphere. Through a literature review and discussions students will identify key outstanding questions regarding global chemical weathering fluxes. Through data collection, data analysis, and application of appropriate modeling tools students will produce novel analyses and conclusions regarding the operation of the Earth¿s weathering engine. Permission of instructor required.
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 282:
Interpretative Methods in Detrital Geochronology
Over the past decade, the number of studies that make use of isotopic provenance data has sky-rocketed. This type of data is now routinely used throughout the geosciences to solve a broad range of geologic problems. This seminar examines the state-of-the-art of existing interpretative methods for detrital geo/thermochronology data in provenance studies and critically examines their strengths and weaknesses. While this course will touch upon sampling approaches analytical aspects of data collection, focus is primarily upon data interpretation.
| Units: 1-5
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 283:
Thermochronology and Crustal Evolution
Thermochronology analyzes the competition between radioactive in-growth and temperature-dependant loss of radiogenic isotopes within radioactive mineral hosts in terms of temperature-time history. Coupled with quantitative understanding of kinetic phenomena and crustal- or landscape-scale interpretational models, thermochronology provides an important source of data for the Earth Sciences, notably tectonics, geomorphology, and petrogenesis. Focus on recent developments in thermochronology, specifically analytical and interpretative innovations developed over the past decade. Integrates the latest thermochronology techniques with field work in a small-scale research project focused upon crustal evolution.
| Units: 4
GES 284:
Field Seminar on Eastern Sierran Volcanism
For graduate students in the earth sciences and archaeology. Four-day trip over Memorial Day weekend to study silicic and mafic volcanism in the eastern Sierra Nevada: basaltic lavas and cinder cones erupted along normal faults bounding Owens Valley, Long Valley caldera, postcaldera rhyolite lavas, hydrothermal alteration and hot springs, Holocene rhyolite lavas of the Inyo and Mono craters, subaqueous basaltic and silicic eruptions of Mono Basin, floating pumice blocks. If snow-level permits, silicic volcanism associated with the Bodie gold district. Recommended: 1 or equivalent.
| Units: 1
GES 285:
Igneous Petrogenesis of the Continents
Radiogenic isotopes, stable isotopes, and trace elements applied to igneous processes; interaction of magmas with mantle and crust; convergent-margin magmatism; magmatism in extensional terrains; origins of rhyolites; residence times of magmas and magma chamber processes; granites as imperfect mirrors of their source regions; trace element modeling of igneous processes; trace element discriminant diagrams in tectonic analysis; phase equilibria of partial melting of mantle and crust; geothermometry and geobarometry. Topics emphasize student interest. Prerequisite: 180 or equivalent.
| Units: 2-4
GES 328:
Seminar in Paleobiology
For graduate students. Current research topics including paleobotany, vertebrate and invertebrate evolution, paleoecology, and major events in the history of life on Earth.
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
for credit
GES 340:
Seminar on the Earth's Interior
Seminar to review and discuss current research in mineral physics, seismology, geochemistry and geodynamics on understanding the distribution, form, and role of volatiles in Earth's mantle.
| Units: 1
GES 373:
METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
Metamorphic petrology is concerned with the range of solid-state recrystallization and chemical mass transfer processes under physical conditions ranging from those prevalent at the Earth's surface to crustal melting. This course explores the phenomenology of these processes from mineralogic, textural, structural, geochemical, and geodynamic perspectives. The focus is on subduction, arc magmatic, rift magmatic and regional tectonic (collisional and extensional) settings. Important concepts and methods in phase equiibria, thermobarometry, geo/thermochronology, and fabric analysis are explored.
| Units: 3
GES 373L:
Metamorphic Petrology Laboratory
Teaches petrographic methods for characterizing recrystallization of common clastic and chemically precipitated sedimentary, mafic and felsic igneous, and ultramafic mantle rocks. Features suites from contact and regional metamorphic settings including arc magmatic, subduction, convergent , and extensional metamorphic settings.
| Units: 1
