Geology (GEOL)
An examination of concepts and theories in geology and their linkages to other disciplines such as environmental science, computer science, geographic information science, and education. Seminar themes may vary from year to year. May be repeated for credit but credit may be applied only once towards degree.
Investigations of the origin, character, and processes of coastal geoenvironments with an emphasis on tracking historical and projecting future changes. Involves examination of the interactions of geological and biological processes and impacts of human activities on coastal depositional systems. Includes applications of remote sensing, ground studies, and GIS for mapping geoenvironments and analyzing change. Readings in current literature, day field trips, and a project.
Advanced study of methods for restoring contaminated soil and groundwater by examining the factors and processes influencing the efficacy of remediation systems. An emphasis will be placed on the scientific principles upon which soil and groundwater remediation is based.
This graduate-level course is for coastal and marine system science and environmental science majors and professional petroleum geologists who would like a better understanding of advanced geophysical techniques and principles available to geoscientist working subsurface problems. The course will consist of an examination of current topics, techniques, and software. New techniques and topics will be presented by geology staff and visiting experts working in those fields.
Principles of the geochemistry of groundwater including chemical thermodynamics. Characterization of the chemistry of natural and contaminated groundwater. Chemical measurements, analyses, and calculations. Includes readings in current literature and research on a selected topic.
Prerequisite: GEOL 4444.
Principles of analytical and numerical modeling in hydrogeology. Use of available software for aquifer test solutions, aquifer simulation modeling, and mass transport. Completion of modeling projects. Includes readings in current literature.
Prerequisite: GEOL 4444.
Principles of numerical modeling of mass transport in groundwater systems. Use of software and computer systems for numerical simulations. Laboratory time devoted to completion of modeling projects. Includes readings in current literature.
Prerequisite: GEOL 4444.
Subject varies. Advanced topics including current literature research. May be repeated for credit when topics are sufficiently different.
Study in areas of current interest.
The Geographic Information System (GIS) provides a vehicle for capturing, storing, querying, analyzing, and displaying multidimensional geospatial datasets. This course is designed to introduce students to advanced concepts of GIS and their applications to manage, analyze, and display of multidimensional environmental, geological, and geophysical datasets.
Advanced study of methods for restoring contaminated soil and groundwater by examining the factors and processes influencing the efficacy of remediation systems. An emphasis will be placed on the scientific principles upon which soil and groundwater remediation is based. Cross listed with ESCI 6321.
Advanced study of the Earth processes using principles of chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, isotope geochemistry and organic geochemistry. Applications of low-temperature geochemistry to geologic problems.
Advanced techniques to assess physical properties and processes of the Earth. Topics include earthquake seismology, refraction and reflection seismology, gravimetry, magnetism, electrical methods, and radioactivity of Earth materials. Application of geophysical methods to the study of the Earth, in oil and gas exploration, and in economic and environmental geology.
Advanced methods for the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of 2D and 3D seismic data. Lectures and field exercises are covered. Topics include conceptual and historical foundations of modern reflection seismology; an overview of seismic wave phenomena in acoustic, elastic, and porous media; acquisition principles for land and marine seismic surveys; methods used to create 2D and 3D seismic images from field data; concepts of dip moveout, prestack migration, and depth migration; concepts and limitations of 3D seismic interpretation for structure, stratigraphy, and rock property estimation; and the interpretation role of attributes, impedance estimation, and AVO.
Prerequisite: GEOL 4422.
Advanced geophysical techniques for exploring the shallow subsurface for environmental and engineering purposes. Topics include seismic, resistivity, ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic, gravity, and magnetic methods. This course includes both lectures and labs (field exercises) components.
Advanced concepts of petroleum geology and techniques used in the exploration and production of hydrocarbon systems. Lectures will cover principles of stratigraphy, sedimentology, hydrocarbon generation, hydrocarbon-trapping mechanisms, reservoir characterization, seismic interpretation, well-log interpretation, and geologic risk analysis.
Prerequisite: GEOL 4411.
Advanced study of hydrogeology concepts necessary to understand and question the hydrologic cycle, and specifically, surface water flow; groundwater flow; groundwater-surface water interaction; groundwater sources, occurrence, movement, contamination, and resources; and environmental topics of interest related to water resources.