printer friendly pageGES 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
| 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 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
Instructors:
Ingle, J. (PI)
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
Instructors:
Dunbar, R. (PI)
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: WAY-AQR, GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Maher, K. (PI)
;
Martin, V. (PI)
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
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, 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
Instructors:
Loague, K. (PI)
;
Thomas, M. (PI)
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.
| 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
Instructors:
LaComb, M. (PI)
;
Stebbins, J. (PI)
Filter Results: