printer friendly pageGS 1: Introduction to Geology (EARTHSYS 11)
Why are earthquakes, volcanoes, and natural resources located at specific spots on the Earth surface? Why are there rolling hills to the west behind Stanford, and soaring granite walls to the east in Yosemite? What was the Earth like in the past, and what will it be like in the future? Lectures, hands-on laboratories, in-class activities, and one field trip will help you see the Earth through the eyes of a geologist. Topics include plate tectonics, the cycling and formation of different types of rocks, and how geologists use rocks to understand Earth's history.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Gooley, J. (PI)
;
Hodgskiss, M. (PI)
;
Hoiland, C. (PI)
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Instructors:
Gooley, J. (PI)
;
Hodgskiss, M. (PI)
;
Hoiland, C. (PI)
;
Ritzer, S. (PI)
;
Sperling, E. (PI)
;
White, C. (PI)
;
Stockey, R. (TA)
GS 4: Coevolution of Earth and Life (EARTHSYS 4)
Earth is the only planet in the universe currently known to harbor life. When and how did Earth become inhabited? How have biological activities altered the planet? How have environmental changes affected the evolution of life? Are we living in a sixth mass extinction? In this course, we will develop and use the tools of geology, paleontology, geochemistry, and modeling that allow us to reconstruct Earth¿s 4.5 billion year history and to reconstruct the interactions between life and its host planet over the past 4 billion years. We will also ask what this long history can tell us about life¿s likely future on Earth. We will also use One half-day field trip.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GS 5: Living on the Edge (EARTH 15)
A weekend field trip along the Pacific Coast. Tour local beaches, geology, and landforms with expert guides from the School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and stay overnight in tents along the Santa Cruz coast. Get to know faculty and graduate students in Stanford Earth. Requirements: Two campus meetings and weekend field trip (Spring Quarter: section 01, April 7-8 OR section 02, April 14-15) to Pacific Coast. Enrollment limited to 25. Freshman have priority. If you are interested in signing up for the course, complete this form:
https://goo.gl/forms/ZrhaOfOhRvZ9tekB2. The form will open February 11, 2018.
Terms: Aut, Spr
| Units: 1
Instructors:
Grove, M. (PI)
;
Miller, E. (PI)
;
Petterson, R. (PI)
;
Hoiland, C. (TA)
;
Raftrey, M. (TA)
GS 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.
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
GS 14: Our National Parks (EARTH 14, EARTH 114A, GS 114A)
Explore the history and natural science of three national parks proximal to Stanford. Under the guidance of instructors, students will work in teams to learn about chosen aspects of these parks, develop dynamic self-guided tours for public consumption, and implement (and publish) these tours using the XibitEd app for iPhones. Students will learn how to present their findings to a general, non-scientific audience, delineate physical locations at which storytelling will take place through the XibitEd system, and create and configure the content for the system. The course will culminate in the publishing of the experiential learning tours, as well as a weekend-long field trip to the Pinnacles National Park
Terms: Win
| Units: 2
Instructors:
Hilley, G. (PI)
;
Steelquist, A. (TA)
GS 38N: The Worst Journey in the World: The Science, Literature, and History of Polar Exploration (EARTHSYS 38N, ESS 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)
;
Tangri, N. (TA)
GS 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.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
GS 42: Landscapes and Tectonics of the San Francisco Bay Area (EARTH 42)
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
Instructors:
Baden, C. (PI)
;
Hilley, G. (PI)
GS 46Q: Environmental Impact of Energy Systems: What are the Risks? (EARTHSYS 46Q)
In order to reduce CO2 emissions and meet growing energy demands during the 21st Century, the world can expect to experience major shifts in the types and proportions of energy-producing systems. These decisions will depend on considerations of cost per energy unit, resource availability, and unique national policy needs. Less often considered is the environmental impact of the different energy producing systems: fossil fuels, nuclear, wind, solar, and other alternatives. One of the challenges has been not only to evaluate the environmental impact but also to develop a systematic basis for comparison of environmental impact among the energy sources. The course will consider fossil fuels (natural gas, petroleum and coal), nuclear power, wind and solar and consider the impact of resource extraction, refining and production, transmission and utilization for each energy source.
Last offered: Winter 2016
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR
GS 59N: Earthquake 9.0: The Heritage of Fukushima Daiichi 6 Years Later
We will consider the case for nuclear power as an energy source through the lens of the Fukushima disaster. Specific topics will include the cause of the earthquake and tsunami, the causes for the nuclear power plant failure, the mechanisms for the release of radioactivity at the time of the accident and today, and the ongoing human impact of this tragedy. In addition to the details of the accident and the release of radioactivity, class discussions and readings will explore the health and economic impacts of nuclear power and examine how the accident has affected the future prospects of nuclear power in Japan, the U.S., and around the world.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR
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