A study of the interactions between global tectonic processes, continental growth and evolution, the formation and destruction of marine basins, and the history of life as revealed from the rock and fossil record of planet Earth. Student presentations and discussions about recent developments in geology are central to the course. Limited to students who have taken at least two GEO courses at 200 level or higher.

Students in this class will engage in detailed studies of the formation of carbonate sediments and rocks through participation in a required 7-10 day field trip to one of the modern tropical carbonate-producing environments (such as the Bahamas) during January interterm, followed by semester-long research projects based on the data and specimens collected in the field. Students will present their results at Celebrating Collaborations in April. Class discussion topics will include the history of carbonate rocks from the Precambrian to the present. Prerequisite: GEO 232 and/or 231.

This project-based course examines the geochemical reactions between water and the natural system. Water and soil samples collected from a weekend field trip will serve as the basis for understanding principles of pH, alkalinity, equilibrium thermodynamics, mineral solubility, soil chemistry, redox reactions, acid rain and acid mine drainage. The laboratory will emphasize wet-chemistry analytical techniques. Participants will prepare regular reports based on laboratory analyses, building to a final analysis of the project study area. One weekend field trip.

The study and interpretation of rock structures, with emphasis on the mechanics of deformation, behavior of rock materials, and methods of analysis. Prerequisite: 101, or 102, or 108, or FYS 103.

An examination of typical igneous and metamorphic rocks in the laboratory and in the field in search of clues to their formation. Lab work will emphasize the microscopic study of rocks in thin section. Weekend field trips to Cape Ann and Vermont are an important part of the course. Prerequisite: 221.

What makes a mineral or a rock particularly useful as a stone tool or attractive as a sculpture? Students in this course will explore this and other questions by applying geological approaches and techniques in studying various examples or rock art and stone artifacts to learn more about human behavior, ecology and cultures in the past.

An introduction to the global marine environment, with emphasis on the carbon cycle, seafloor dynamics, submarine topography and sediments, the nature and circulation of oceanic waters, ocean-atmosphere-climate interactions and global climate change, coastal processes, marine biologic productivity, and issues of ocean pollution and the sustainable utilization of marine resources by humans. At least one required field trip.

An introduction to the global marine environment, with emphasis on the carbon cycle, seafloor dynamics, submarine topography and sediments, the nature and circulation of oceanic waters, ocean-atmosphere-climate interactions and global climate change, coastal processes, marine biologic productivity, and issues of ocean pollution and the sustainable utilization of marine resources by humans. At least one required field trip.

An introduction to the global marine environment, with emphasis on the carbon cycle, seafloor dynamics, submarine topography and sediments, the nature and circulation of oceanic waters, ocean-atmosphere-climate interactions and global climate change, coastal processes, marine biologic productivity, and issues of ocean pollution and the sustainable utilization of marine resources by humans. At least one required field trip.

A journey through the 4.6 billion year history of global change focuses on the extraordinary events that shaped the evolution of the Earth and life. Some of these events include the origin of life, the buildup of oxygen in the atmosphere, mass extinctions of dinosaurs and other organisms, continental glaciations, profound changes in climate, and the evolution of humans. Discussion topics also include the changes that humans have been making to their environments, and the possible consequences and predictions for the future of our planet.