Catalog
Geology
Professors Eusden, Johnson, Retelle (chair); Assistant Professor Robert; Lecturer Saha
Located in the northern Appalachian mountains and one hour from the Maine coast, Bates affords students excellent opportunities for study and research in the geological and Earth sciences. The curriculum utilizes this setting by stressing field-oriented and laboratory-supported inquiry into bedrock, surficial, and environmental geology. The program leads students and faculty alike to a fuller understanding and appreciation of the geosciences.
Major Requirements
The major requirements include eight core courses, four elective courses, and a one- or two-semester thesis.Core Courses
One of the following:GEO 103. Earth Surface Environments and Environmental Change/Lab.
GEO 104. Plate Tectonics and Tectonic Hazards/Lab.
GEO 107. Katahdin to Acadia: Field Geology in Maine/Lab.
GEO 109. Global Change/Lab.
All of the following:
GEO 210. Sedimentary Processes and Environments/Lab.
GEO 223. Rock-Forming Minerals and Mineral Assemblages/Lab.
GEO 230. Earth Structure and Dynamics/Lab.
GEO 240. Environmental Geochemistry/Lab.
Two 300-level geology courses.
One geology Short Term course.
Elective Courses
Students must take two courses from List A and two courses from List B.List A:
ES/GE 217. Mapping and GIS/Lab.
ES/GE 226. Hydrogeology.
GEO 360. Independent Study.
GEO 458. Senior Thesis (taken in addition to GEO 457, creating a yearlong thesis).
A second Short Term geology course.
A third 300-level geology course
One or two 200- or 300-level courses maybe transferred from an off-campus study program with prior approval of the department.
List B:
BI/GE 112. Oceanography.
BI/GE 113. Marine Science.ENVR
BIO 190. Organismal Biology/Lab.
BIO 244. Biostatistics.
BIO 270. Ecology and Evolution/Lab.
CHEM 107A. Atomic and Molecular Structure/Lab.
CHEM 108A. Chemical Reactivity/Lab.
ENVR 203. Scientific Approaches to Environmental Issues.
ENVR 240. Water and Watersheds.
ENVR 310. Soils/Lab.
FYS 274. Physics in the Twentieth Century/Lab.
GE/PH 111. Polar Environment, Climate, Ecosystems.
MATH 105. Calculus I.
MATH 106. Calculus II.
PHYS 107. Classical Physics/Lab.
PHYS 108. Modern Physics/Lab.
Senior Thesis
Students may choose to complete a one-semester thesis (GEO 457) or a two-semester thesis (GEO 457 and 458). The two-semester option is normally reserved for honors candidates, those students who plan to pursue a career in the geological or environmental sciences, and/or those planning to attend graduate school in geological or environmental sciences.B.S. Degree for Geology Majors
Students planning careers in the geological or environmental sciences are encouraged to complete a two-semester thesis (GEO 457 and 458), and to complete the Bachelor of Science degree requirements, available in the Academic Program section of the catalog.Pass/Fail Grading Option
Pass/fail grading may not be elected for any course used to fulill the major requirements.Geology Minors
Students may complete a minor in geology by taking seven geology courses distributed as follows:One of the following:
FYS 190. The Changing Climate of Planet Earth.
FYS 284. Burning our Planet.
FYS 327. Katahdin to Acadia: Exploring Maine Geology.
FYS 441. Volcanic Science.
GEO 103. Earth Surface Environmental Change/Lab.
GEO 104. Plate Tectonics and Tectonic Hazards/Lab.
GEO 107. Katahdin to Acadia: Field Geology in Maine/Lab.
GEO 108. Global Environmental Change.
GEO 109. Global Change/Lab.
All of the following:
GEO 210. Sedimentary Processes and Environments.
GEO 223. Rock-Forming Minerals and Mineral Assemblages.
GEO 230. Earth Structure and Dynamics.
GEO 240. Environmental Geochemistry.
Two additional geology or geology cross-listed courses, including Short Term courses.
Environmental studies majors whose concentration in the major is geology may not minor in geology.
Pass/Fail Grading Option
Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses counting toward the minor.Interdisciplinary Interests
The departmental course offerings allow a maximum of flexibility to meet individual interests. Students with environmental interests are encouraged to choose a major in geology or environmental studies with a geology concentration or a double major involving geology and another natural science such as biology, chemistry, physics or math. Students contemplating a major in geology or an interdisciplinary major or double major must consult with the geology faculty during their second year to plan an appropriate program of study. All programs are subject to departmental approval.Guidelines for Geology Majors Regarding Off-Campus Study
1) The department expects that majors who wish to study abroad do so for only one semester.
2) The department expects that majors will have completed the following major requirements prior to the semester abroad: one 100-level courses; a minimum of two, but preferably three, 200-level courses; and one geology Short Term course.
3) The department expects that majors will have completed the following major requirements prior to their senior year: all four 200-level courses and one 300-level course.
4) The department normally accepts only two non-Bates courses toward the major. These two courses are counted as electives under list A in the major requirements.
5) All applications for off-campus study require approval of the major advisor and the department chair. Applications that involve exceptions to the above guidelines require review and approval by the department. Courses
GEO 103. Earth Surface Environments and Environmental Change/Lab.
The Earth's surface environments are in a constant state of change resulting from the interaction of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Changes on the surface occur on various time scales from brief, severe storms to glaciations lasting thousands of years and changes in continents and ocean basin environments occurring over millions of years due to tectonic processes. Studies of surficial processes and materials illustrate the dynamic nature of the Earth and provide a key to understanding past and future environmental change. The lectures are complemented with field and laboratory study. Field experiences include day trips to the Maine coast, or the White Mountains. Enrollment limited to 52. Normally offered every year. [L] [Q] [S] M. Retelle.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 104. Plate Tectonics and Tectonic Hazards/Lab.
Volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis are examples of tectonic hazards that directly affect human populations. Yet the processes responsible for such natural hazards are an integral part of the global tectonic cycle that over millions of years results in the formation of ocean basins, mountain ranges, and the global-scale motion of continents. Study of active and ancient tectonic activity is key to forecasting future volcanic eruptions and earthquakes as well as global environment change. The laboratory component emphasizes understanding global tectonic processes and reconstructing the tectonic history of southwestern Maine through field studies. Enrollment limited to 52. Normally offered every year. [L] [Q] [S] G. Robert.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 107. Katahdin to Acadia: Field Geology in Maine/Lab.
The rocky coast and glaciated bedrock mountains of Maine have a rich 500-million-year geologic history. This hands-on, outdoor-oriented course on Maine's geologic history includes weekly half-day field trips to local geologic settings, two required day-long field trips to the Presidential Range and a Maine island, and one or two required weekend trips to Acadia National Park or Baxter State Park. Reading and making maps, recording field observations, writing papers, giving talks, and making posters about the variety of geologic environments are the major features of the course. The required trips involve strenuous hiking and sea kayaking. Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear is needed. Not open to students who have received credit for FYS 327. Enrollment limited to 30. Normally offered every year. [L] [Q] [S] J. Eusden.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 108. Global Environmental Change.
Earth's system is comprised of the dynamic interactions between its various components: the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and the atmosphere. Currently, humans are perturbing these components at unprecedented rates, resulting in environmental change on regional and global scales. In this course, students examine the Earth system on multiple timescales and investigate current topics in global change, including the impact of greenhouse gases on global climate, sea level, El Niño, global dimming, and ocean acidification. Two required day-long field trips to the Maine coast take place on weekends. Not open to students who have received credit for GEO 109. Enrollment limited to 44. [Q] [S] B. Johnson.ConcentrationsInterdisciplinary Programs
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
This course counts toward the following Interdisciplinary Program(s)
GEO 109. Global Change/Lab.
The Earth's system is comprised of the dynamic interactions between its various components: the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and the atmosphere. Humans are perturbing these components at unprecedented rates, resulting in environmental change on regional and global scales. In this laboratory course, students examine the Earth system on multiple timescales and investigate current topics in global change, including the impact of greenhouse gases on global climate, sea level, El Niño, global dimming, and ocean acidification. Laboratories include field trips to sites that illustrate environmental change on local and regional scales. Not open to students who have received credit for GEO 108. Enrollment limited to 30. Normally offered every year. [L] [Q] [S] B. Johnson.ConcentrationsInterdisciplinary Programs
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
This course counts toward the following Interdisciplinary Program(s)
GE/PH 111. Polar Environment, Climate, and Ecosystems.
This course explores the global importance of the polar environment and ecosystem, and how they are affected by climate change. Topics include the physical environment of the polar regions, feedbacks on the global climate, the past history of glaciations, the polar ecosystem, and the change occuring now. Ice volume and sea level rise are estimated. Basic algebra and geometry are used throughout. Recommended background: basic algebra and geometry. Enrollment limited to 60. [Q] [S] R. Saha.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
BI/GE 113. Marine Science.
An integrated, interdisciplinary overview of the chemistry, physics, geology, and biology of the world's oceans. Topics include chemical and physical properties of sea water, ocean circulation, evolution of the ocean basins, coastal geomorphology, the distribution and abundance of organisms in the major marine communities, the status of the world's major fisheries, and the role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle. Lectures are supplemented by demonstrations and occasional laboratory exercises, though the course does not fulfill the General Education laboratory requirement. Not open to students who have received credit for BI/GE 112. Enrollment limited to 40. [Q] [S] W. Ambrose.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 210. Sedimentary Processes and Environments/Lab.
The study of modern sedimentary processes and environments provides geologists with a basis for comparison with ancient deposits preserved in the rock record. The analysis of modern sedimentary environments and reconstruction of ancient environments permit stratigraphic reconstructions at regional and global scales. Laboratory work includes field studies of processes and interpretation of modern and ancient depositional systems. Prerequisite(s): one introductory geology course. [W2] Normally offered every year. [L] [Q] [S] M. Retelle.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
ES/GE 217. Mapping and GIS/Lab.
Geographical information systems (GIS) are computer-based systems for geographical data presentation and analysis. They allow rapid development of high-quality maps, and enable sophisticated examination of spatial patterns and interrelationships. In this course students learn the principles of GIS through extensive computer use of ArcGIS (ESRI). Geological and environmental projects introduce students to cartography, common sources of geographic data, methods for collecting novel spatial data, and data quality. Finally, students learn to extend the capabilities of GIS software to tackle more advanced spatial analysis tasks by completing an independent project. Lectures supplement the laboratory component of the course. Prerequisite: one 200-level course in environmental studies or one 100-level course in geology. Not open to students who have received credit for ENVR 220. Enrollment limited to 20. [L] [Q] [S] J. Eusden.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GE/PH 220. Climate Change and Modeling.
A quantitative introduction to the science of climate change and climate modeling that explores the impact of both human activities and natural variability on climate. Simple conceptual models are developed, with the goal of understanding the role of feedbacks, stability, and abrupt changes. Topics include the basic physics of climate, El Niño/La Niña, climate models, the greenhouse effect and global warming, and glacial cycles. Prerequisite(s): MATH 106 and PHYS 108 or FYS 274. Not open to students who have received credit for PHYS 220. [Q] [S] R. Saha.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 223. Rock-Forming Minerals and Mineral Assemblages/Lab.
Many geochemical processes that occur within the lithosphere, such as crystallization of magmas, metamorphism, and weathering, are understood through the study of minerals and mineral assemblages. This course covers the occurrence, composition, and compositional variation of the common silicate minerals, the mineral reactions and assemblages typical of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments, and contemporary applications to a range of tectonic processes. The laboratory involves hand-specimen identification of minerals and the determination of mineral composition by optical microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. Prerequisite(s): one introductory geology course and CHEM 107A. [W2] Normally offered every year. [L] [Q] [S] G. Robert.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
ES/GE 226. Hydrogeology.
Hydrogeology is the study of the movement and interaction of underground fluids within rocks and sediments. This course uses hydrogeology as a disciplinary framework for learning about groundwater processes, contamination, supply, use, and management. Students engage in practical applications of hydrogeology via discussions, guest lectures, research projects, problem sets, and hands-on experience. Students learn field and laboratory methods for determining and analyzing groundwater flow, contamination, and aquifer properties by working at local sites of interest in central Maine. Prerequisite(s): ENVR 203 or one 100-level geology course. Enrollment limited to 22. [S] B. Johnson.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 230. Earth Structure and Dynamics/Lab.
The processes of mountain building and plate tectonics are understood by observing the structure and architecture of rocks. This course explores the nature and types of structures present in rocks that make up the Earth's crust. Fundamental concepts and principles of deformation are examined in a variety of field settings. The laboratory introduces the techniques used in descriptive and kinematic structural analysis. Several one-day excursions and one weekend field trip take place throughout Maine and the mountains of the northern Appalachians. Prerequisite(s): any introductory-level geology course. [W2] Normally offered every year. [L] [Q] [S] J. Eusden.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 240. Environmental Geochemistry/Lab.
An introduction to the chemistry of geological processes that occur at the Earth's surface. Basic concepts of rock-water interactions, chemical equilibria, and biogeochemical cycling are presented in the context of natural settings as well as those influenced by anthropogenic activity. Students work on local environmental problems, which may include surface and groundwater contamination by salt, arsenic, nutrients, and/or heavy metals; acid mine drainage; and the history of lead deposition. The laboratory includes fieldwork and GIS, chemical analysis of environmental samples using inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, and stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry and modeling using STELLA. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level geology course and CHEM 107A. Enrollment limited to 20. [W2] Normally offered every year. [L] [Q] [S] B. Johnson.ConcentrationsInterdisciplinary Programs
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
This course counts toward the following Interdisciplinary Program(s)
GEO 310. Quaternary Geology/Lab.
The Quaternary Period, representing the last 1.6 million years of geologic history, is characterized by extreme climatic fluctuations with effects ranging from globally synchronous glacier expansions to periods warmer than present. Records of the climatic fluctuations are contained in sediments on land and in the oceans and lakes and also in the stratigraphy of ice caps. This course examines various climate proxy records and the dating methods used to constrain them. Fieldwork focuses on the recovery of sediment cores from local lakes, while in-class labs emphasize physical, chemical, and paleontological analyses of the sediment cores. Prerequisite(s): any 200-level geology course. Not open to students who have received credit for GEO 311. [L] [Q] [S] M. Retelle.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 311. Quaternary Geology.
The Quaternary Period, representing the last 1.6 million years of geologic history, is characterized by extreme climatic fluctuations with effects ranging from globally synchronous glacier expansions to periods warmer than present. Records of the climatic fluctuations are contained in sediments on land and in the oceans and lakes and also in the stratigraphy of ice caps. This course examines various climate proxy records and the dating methods used to constrain them. Fieldwork focuses on the recovery of sediment cores from local lakes, while in-class labs emphasize physical, chemical, and paleontological analyses of the sediment cores. Prerequisite(s): any 200-level geology course. Not open to students who have received credit for GEO 310. [Q] [S] M. Retelle.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 315. Glacial Geology/Lab.
Glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets are presently located in high-latitude and high-altitude areas of the globe. However, during the height of the last ice age, about 18,000 years ago, major ice sheets extended to mid-latitudes from the polar regions and to lower elevations in mountainous regions of low latitudes. Lectures investigate processes of modern glaciers, evidence for former extent, and the cause of climatic variability between glacial and interglacial periods. The laboratory introduces students to glaciogenic sediments, stratigraphic analysis, glacial landforms, and field mapping. Several one-day local field trips and one overnight field trip take students to sites in Maine and northern New England. Prerequisite(s): any 200-level geology course. [W2] [L] [Q] [S] M. Retelle.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 316. Glacial Geology.
Glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets are presently located in high-latitude and high-altitude areas of the globe. However, during the height of the last ice age, about 18,000 years ago, major ice sheets extended to mid-latitudes from the polar regions and to lower elevations in mountainous regions of low latitudes. Lectures investigate processes of modern glaciers, evidence for former extent, and the cause of climatic variability between glacial and interglacial periods. The in-class labs introduce students to glaciogenic sediments, stratigraphic analysis, glacial landforms, and field mapping. Several one-day local field trips and one overnight field trip take students to sites in Maine and northern New England. Prerequisite(s): any 200-level geology course. [W2] [Q] [S] M. Retelle.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 326. Igneous Petrology/Lab.
Igneous processes have led to the formation of the Earth's core and have since recorded the crustal evolution of the planet. This course emphasizes the application of physical chemistry to the understanding of crystallization processes in magmas and the importance of melt physical properties for the emplacement of magma, the eruption of lava, and the textural evolution of igneous rocks. Key topics include the formation of magmas in different tectonic settings, the physical processes of volcanism, and fluid flow within the Earth. Laboratory work emphasizes petrologic modeling, the interpretation of igneous textures in hand sample and thin section, and field studies of igneous localities in Maine. Prerequisite(s): GEO 223. Enrollment limited to 15. [L] [Q] [S] G. Robert.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 340. Stable Isotope Geochemistry/Lab.
The stable isotope composition of modern and ancient waters and biological materials has revolutionized our understanding of biogeochemical cycling at the Earth's surface and of environmental change. This course focuses on the theory and applications of stable isotope fractionation in water and biological materials for modern and past environmental research. The laboratory includes fieldwork within the Androscoggin River watershed and the Maine coast and use of a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Students are engaged in projects that may include tracking changes in carbon cycling in lakes, salt marshes, and trees through time, and documenting changes in energy flow in modern and ancient marine food webs. The interdisciplinary nature of the subject material lends itself well to upper-level students from a variety of science majors. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 107A and any 200-level geology course. Recommended background: GEO 240. Enrollment limited to 10. [L] [Q] [S] B. Johnson.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 341. Stable Isotope Geochemistry.
The stable isotope composition of modern and ancient waters and biological materials has revolutionized our understanding of biogeochemical cycling at the Earth's surface and of environmental change. This course focuses on the theory and applications of stable isotope fractionation in water and biological materials for modern and past environmental research. The course may include fieldwork within the Androscoggin River watershed and the Maine coast and use of a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Students are engaged in projects that may include tracking changes in carbon cycling in lakes, salt marshes, and trees through time, and documenting changes in energy flow in modern and ancient marine food webs. The interdisciplinary nature of the subject material lends itself well to upper-level students from a variety of science majors. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 107A and any 200-level geology course. Recommended background: GEO 240. Enrollment limited to 10. [Q] [S] B. Johnson.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 360. Independent Study.
Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair are required. Students may register for no more than one independent study per semester. Normally offered every semester. Staff.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 365. Special Topics.
A course reserved for a special topic selected by the department. Instructor permission is required.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 391. Seminar in Appalachian Geology/Lab.
A study of the Appalachian Mountain Belt. The purpose of the course is to understand the tectonic evolution of the Appalachian Mountains. Plate tectonic models that are particularly helpful are discussed in detail. Students are expected to conduct independent work and give oral and written reports. Fieldwork includes several day trips and an overnight traverse through the northern Appalachians of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Prerequisite(s): any 200-level geology course. [L] [Q] [S] J. Eusden.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 457. Senior Thesis.
The thesis is a program of independent research conducted by the student, on a field and/or laboratory problem, under the direction of a faculty mentor. Seniors participate in the regularly scheduled weekly seminar. Such participation includes preparation of a thesis proposal and a thesis outline, timely submission of written results, and oral progress reports of thesis research. Students are responsible for scheduling individual meetings with their faculty committee. A public presentation and an oral defense are scheduled during the final week of the semester. Students conducting a one-semester thesis register for GEO 457 in the fall semester. Students conducting a two-semester thesis must register for both 457 and 458. [W3] Normally offered every year. Staff.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO 458. Senior Thesis.
Senior Thesis
The thesis is a program of independent research conducted by the student, on a field and/or laboratory problem, under the direction of a faculty mentor. Seniors participate in the regularly scheduled weekly seminar. Such participation includes preparation of a thesis proposal and a thesis outline, timely submission of written results, and oral progress reports of thesis research. Students are responsible for scheduling individual meetings with their faculty committee. A public presentation and an oral defense are scheduled the during the final week of the winter semester. Students register for GEO 458 in the winter semester. [W3] Normally offered every year. M. Retelle.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO s10. Tetons, Yellowstone, and Craters of the Moon: Geology of the Northern Rockies and Columbia Plateau.
This course focuses on developing students’ geologic field skills in variety of geologic settings in the Northern Rockies of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The course includes two detailed mapping projects and regional geology studies of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks with additional emphasis placed on structural and economic geology. Field locations include the Craters of the Moon lava field, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. Two week-long mapping activities allow the students to learn and practice a variety of geological field methods culminating in a geologic map. For the regional geology studies, students synthesize the geological history of the Northern Rockies, prepare and present a field guide for specific geologic localities, and practice their observation skills. Economic geology is explored at the Berkeley Copper Mine in Butte, and the Imerys talc mine near Ennis, both in Montana. This course includes camping in tents, some overnights in dorms, and communal meals prepared by the group. Recommended background: one introductory level geology or cross-listed geology class. Enrollment limited to 16. Instructor permission is required. [L] [S] J. Eusden, G. Robert.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
ES/GE s21. Field Studies in Geology.
This course introduces students to field studies in geology. Three different geologic settings (bedrock geology, geomorphology, and hydrology) are the focus of three week-long field projects. Each project is followed by laboratory analysis and compilation of the field data in the form of maps, cross sections, and lab reports. Students learn how to map and analyze spatial datasets using mobile GIS field methods and ArcGIS techniques as well as methods in environmental sampling and modeling. Students examine exposures of bedrock on the Maine coast, glacial features in downeast Maine, and river systems in central Maine. This course provide students with a basic toolkit for fieldwork in geology and environmental studies. Prerequisite(s): one 100-level geology course. Enrollment limited to 30. B. Johnson, J. Eusden.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO s23. Melts, Glasses, and Magmas/Lab.
The Earth cools as magma transports heat from its interior to the surface, sometimes resulting in spectacular volcanic eruptions. This course explores the factors that control magma behavior in various geologic systems by studying fossil magma chambers in Maine, performing hands-on experiments with food analogs and molten rock in the laboratory at Bates, and working with industrial glass in the studios of the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level chemistry, geology, or physics courses. Enrollment limited to 18. [L] [Q] [S] G. Robert.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO s24. Geology of the Southwestern United States.
This course focuses on developing geologic field method and mapping skills in a variety of southwestern United States settings. Students work in a variety of rock types and structural styles to complete several field projects. Locations for projects include extension complexes of Death Valley, California; Proterozoic basement rocks of New Mexico; and fold-and-thrust and rift structures in the Franklin Mountains of Texas and New Mexico. Students also explore the tectonic history and development of the North American Cordillera. This course includes a camping experience, with accommodations in tents, with communal meals prepared by the group. Prerequisite(s): one introductory geology course. Enrollment limited to 8. Instructor permission is required. Staff.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO s31. Limnology and Paleolimnology of Lakes in Northern New England/Lab.
This course studies the present and past environmental conditions of lake basins in northern New England. Modern conditions such as thermal and chemical stratification and hydrologic and sedimentary inputs are monitored in local watersheds. Cores and acoustic profiles of bottom sediments are obtained to study the long-term climatic history. The course is project-oriented with several off campus, multi-day field trips. Students collect field data, perform laboratory analysis of core and water samples, and prepare a final report. Participants must be able to swim. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: GEO 103, 104, 107, or 109. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission is required. [L] [Q] [S] M. Retelle.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO s36. Coastal Hazards.
Humans have always lived along the world's coastlines. Constantly changing coastal landscapes, combined with increases in coastal populations, present a unique and challenging set of pressures for people living at the boundary between land and sea. In this course, students explore coastal processes (e.g., erosion, sea level rise, storm events, and tsunamis) and coastal features (e.g., beaches, salt marshes, and barrier islands) in a variety of geological settings. The first half of the course is spent studying sites in Maine; the second half of the course may be spent studying coastlines in Iceland and the Netherlands, two places where people have taken extreme measures to live by the sea and mitigate coastal hazards. Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geology course Enrollment limited to 14. [Q] [S] B. Johnson.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO s39. Geology of the Maine Coast by Sea Kayak.
Six hundred million years of geologic history are preserved in the spectacular rock exposures of the Maine coast. Students learn how to interpret this geologic history by completing four one-week bedrock mapping projects of coastal exposures on offshore islands. Islands in Casco Bay, Penobscot Bay, and Acadia National Park are used as both base camps and field sites for these projects. Students travel to and from these islands in sea kayaks. Students are trained in kayaking techniques, sea kayak rescue and safety, and low-impact camping by a certified kayak instructor who stays with the group for the entire Short Term. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. Participants must be able to swim. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level geology course. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 10. [L] [Q] [S] J. Eusden.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
GEO s50. Independent Study.
Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair are required. Students may register for no more than one independent study during a Short Term. Normally offered every year. Staff.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations