Courses

Courses

Fall 2007 Courses

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101. Investigating Earth
Clara Chan T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Druckenmiller-004
Dynamic processes, such as earthquakes and volcanoes, shape the earth on which we live. In-class lectures and exercises examine these processes from the framework of plate tectonics. Weekly field trips explore rocks exposed along the Maine coast. By the end of the course, students complete a research project on Casco Bay geology.

103. Marine Environmental Geology
Edward Laine M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Druckenmiller-020
An introduction to the aspects of marine geology and oceanography that affect the environment and marine resources. Topics include estuarine oceanography and sediments, eutrophication of coastal waters, primary productivity, waves and tides, sea level history, glacial geology of coastal Maine, and an introduction to plate tectonics. Weekly field trips and labs examine local environmental problems affecting Casco Bay and the Maine coast. A one-day weekend field excursion is required.

262. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Rachel Beane M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 Druckenmiller-210
Rocks contain many clues about the processes of their formation. This course uses these clues to explore the processes by which igneous rocks solidify from magma, and metamorphic rocks form in response to pressure, temperature, and chemical changes. Laboratory work emphasizes field observations, microscopic examination of thin sections, and computer-based geochemical modeling. Class projects introduce students to aspects of geologic research.

272. Glacial Processes and Landforms
Peter Lea M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25 Druckenmiller-110
During recent ice ages, glaciers covered a third of the world's land area and had profound impacts on earth's landscapes and climates. Uses lectures, labs, field trips, and reading of the primary literature, to examine the controls of current and former glacier distribution and movement, landforms, and landscapes of glacial and meltwater systems, and the interaction of glaciers and the earth's climate system.

276. Watershed Hydrology
Peter Lea T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55 Druckenmiller-210
Everyone lives in a watershed, but how do watersheds function, both naturally and increasingly as impacted by humans? Examines the movement and modification of water through the landscape, emphasizing such topics as natural and human controls of water quality, streamflow generation and surface-groundwater interactions, watershed modeling, and approaches to watershed management. Students perform an integrated investigation of a local watershed, examining natural and human controls on hydrologic processes.