Department of Geological Sciences

• Department of Geological Sciences
  • FACULTY
  • ADJUNCT FACULTY
  • UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
    • Major Programs
    • Geological Sciences Major
    • Environmental Geology Major
    • Minor in Geological Sciences
  • GRADUATE PROGRAMS
  • FACILITIES
  • UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
  • GRADUATE COURSES
    • Minors in Geological Sciences

Department of Geological Sciences

112 A.W. Smith Building
Phone 368-3690; Fax 368-3691
Philip Banks

The geological sciences encompass a wide range of inquiries into the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the earth. Application of these inquiries to understanding the earth's history is a unique attribute that distinguishes geological investigations. What we learn of the past and present reveals the constraints of our environment and serves as a guide for the future.

In recent years major advances have been made in the understanding of plate tectonics, properties of the earth's interior, the nature of surface and near-surface processes, the history of the earth's climate, the ecology of living and ancient organisms, and the comparative geology of other planets. There also has been a growing awareness of the relevance of geologic knowledge to resource conservation, land use planning, environmental geochemistry, hydrology, engineering construction works, and other types of environmental concerns.

The Department of Geological Sciences offers programs leading to the B.A. and B.S. degrees in geological sciences, B.A. in environmental geology, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

FACULTY

Philip O. Banks, Ph.D. (California Institute of Technology)

James L. Aronson, Ph.D. (California Institute of Technology)

Gerald Matisoff, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University)

Peter L. McCall, Ph.D. (Yale University)

Samuel M. Savin, Ph.D. (California Institute of Technology)

Peter J. Whiting, Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley)

ADJUNCT FACULTY

Roger Burtner, Ph.D. (Harvard University)

Joseph T. Hannibal, Ph.D. (Kent State University)

Michael Ketterer, Ph.D. (University of Colorado)

Richard C. Schmidt, Ph.D. (McGill University, Canada)

Michael J. Tevesz, Ph.D. (Yale University)

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Major Programs

Students in the geological sciences obtain a solid background in basic science and mathematics as well as intensive training in the major. In addition, because of the wide variety of ways in which geologic knowledge can be applied, all students are encouraged to take electives in subjects appropriate to their personal objectives, which may be as diverse as the engineering applications of geology or the socioeconomic and legal systems bearing on environmental issues. The undergraduate programs stress practical experience as well as classroom study. A great deal of field work is included, and there is ample opportunity to participate in research. The environmental geology major combines courses in geological sciences with courses in basic and applied sciences to provide students with an understanding of environmental problems, with employable skills, and with a background for graduate study.

Geological Sciences Major

The minimum requirements set by the department include 8 hours each of chemistry, physics, and calculus, plus any one of GEOL 101, 110, 114, and 115, plus GEOL 119, 210, 215, 301, 315, 317, 341, 344, and 360. GEOL 360 provides comprehensive field training in the summer between the junior and senior years. (Note: This course necessitates transfer credit, which must be approved by the department).

Environmental Geology Major

The minimum requirements set by the department include 8 hours each of chemistry and calculus, plus BIOL 110, PHYS 115, and STAT 201, plus GEOL 110, 114, 119, 210, 220, 303, 305, 317, and 321. Students desiring information about or wishing to pursue programs leading to teacher certification in earth sciences should meet with Professor Tim Shuckerow, Office of Undergraduate Studies, 102 Baker Building, 368-2928.

In the above majors, the student and his or her advisor will design the remainder of the curriculum based on individual interests, consonant with departmental and college requirements.

An integrated undergraduate-graduate program leading to a master's degree in five years is available. Special programs, such as interdisciplinary majors, also may be arranged.

Minor in Geological Sciences

Students may complete a minor in geological sciences by taking up to three of GEOL 101, 110, 114, and 115, plus GEOL 119 and sufficient upper level GEOL courses to total 15 hours.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered. Both programs are flexible so as to meet the needs of the individual student, but general areas of study include aquatic systems, aquatic and groundwater chemistry, environmental geochemistry, benthic ecology, biostratigraphy and paleontology, environmental and urban geology, geochronology, geomorphology, limnology, paleoclimatology, petrology, sedimentary geochemistry, sedimentation and stratigraphy, and stable isotope studies. More specific information will be furnished upon request by the departmental office and the Office of Admission of the School of Graduate Studies.

FACILITIES

The department is housed in the Albert W. Smith Building. Research facilities include standard equipment for rock preparation, including thin sectioning and mineral separation facilities; laboratories for chemical analysis of water; alpha and gamma spectroscopic facilities for analysis of environmental nuclides; equipment for studying animal-sediment relations, including a scanning gamma spetrometer; a scanning electron microscope; a solid source mass spectrometer for U-Pb and Rb-Sr geochronology; a gas source mass spectrometer and associated facilities for K-Ar studies, and two double collecting gas source mass spectrometers and extraction equipment for stable isotope studies. Also housed in the department are laboratories for paleontological and micropaleontological investigations and for work in ecology and sedimentology. A well-field owned by the University is available for groundwater sampling and analysis. The department also contains a wide range of other equipment such as reflected and transmitted light microscopes, fluid inclusion microscope, cathodoluminescence microscope, submicron and clay-silt-sand particle size analyzers, high magnetic field mineral separator, X-ray diffractometer, and field equipment for groundwater and geophysical work.

Geological Sciences (GEOL)

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

GEOL 101, The Earth and Planets, 3

Application of mathematical and reasoning skills to such topics as the origin of the earth and planets, the nature of the interior of the earth, geological time, climate change and the nature of geological materials. Stress will be placed on considering how we know the things we know. Problem solving through homework exercises which entail writing of computer programs. Algebra and geometry required. No previous computer experience needed.

GEOL 110, Physical Geology, 3

Introduction to geologic processes and materials that shape the world we live in. Hydrologic cycle and evolution of landscapes. Earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, and geologic resources. Students desiring laboratory experience should enroll in GEOL 119 concurrently.

GEOL 114, Environment and Humankind, 3

The special nature of Planet Earth and its ability to cycle matter, including through living systems. Structure of natural ecosystems and what happens to these systems when altered by humans. Major factors discussed are human population, resources, agriculture and food production, industrial technology, and pollution. Required: Sunday field trip.

GEOL 115, Introduction to Oceanography, 3

The sciences of oceanography. Physical, chemical, biologic, and geologic features and process of the oceans. Difference and similarities between the oceans and large lakes including the Great Lakes.

GEOL 117, Weather and Climate, 3

Introduction to the study of weather and climate. Covers the basics of meteorology, climate zones, the hydrologic cycle, and weather prediction. Lectures address timely topics including greenhouse warming, past global climates, and recent advances in meteorology.

GEOL 119, Geology Laboratory, 1

Principles and techniques common to the geological sciences including rock and mineral identification, map interpretation, land form analysis, application of geological information to engineering works, and more. One three-hour laboratory or field trip weekly.

Prerequisite: GEOL 110

GEOL 196, Energy and Society, 3

(See PHYS 196)

GEOL 202, Global Environmental Problems, 3

Science, policy and ethics of environmental problems that affect the entire planet. Examination of problems of current interest, such as population growth, climate change, ozone depletion, and fisheries, from a variety of viewpoints. Construction of simple computer models of a global process using Stella II. No previous computer experience or knowledge of numerical methods is required.

GEOL 210, Historical Geology/Paleontology, 3

History of life as recorded in sedimentary rocks. Case histories of important basins of deposition; the interrelationships of paleogeography, plate tectonics, and evolution. Two lectures and one laboratory weekly.

GEOL 215, Field Methods/Spring Field Course: Sedimentary Rocks and Deformation, 2

Field procedures, recognition and testing of hypotheses in the field, and geologic mapping in the folded and faulted strata of the Appalachian mountains. Two Saturday sessions plus spring vacation field trip. Student will be required to pay for meals and lodging.

Prerequisite: GEOL 119

GEOL 220, Environmental Geology, 3

Geological attributes of environmental settings. Analysis of geologic conditions pertinent to engineering works. Site development, resource availability, urban planning, recognition and assessment of geologic hazards.

Prerequisite: GEOL 110 and GEOL 119

GEOL 301, Stratigraphy and Sedimentation, 3

Formation, distribution, and composition of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Modern depositional environments and their ancient analogues; principles of stratigraphic and biostratigraphic correlation. Two lectures and one laboratory per week.

GEOL 303, Environmental Law, 3

Problems in the environmental geosciences and the legal response. Types of pollution regulation, regulation of petroleum and coal exploration and development, water rights, wildlife and public lands management, common law remedies, and the role of scientific experts. Topics of current social interest.

GEOL 305, Geomorphology and Remote Sensing, 3

Recognition and interpretation of land forms and their significance in revealing present and past geologic processes. Introduction to acquisition and analysis of data through aerial photography and satellite imagery. Two lectures and one laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite: GEOL 110 and GEOL 119

GEOL 307, Evolutionary Biology and Paleobiology of Invertebrates, 3

Important events in the evolution of invertebrate life; structure, function, and phylogeny of major invertebrate groups.

GEOL 314, Economic Geology, 3

Distribution and mechanisms of formation of metallic ore deposits. Nature and origin of building and industrial materials. Exploration and mining techniques, and the problem of diminishing resources.

Prerequisite: GEOL 110

GEOL 315, Structural Geology, 3

Geometrical characteristics and theoretical analysis of deformation in earth materials, with illustrations of deformational styles in various tectonic settings. Two lectures and one laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite: GEOL 110

GEOL 317, Field Methods/Spring Field Course: Environmental Geology, 2

Practice in field procedures, geologic mapping, and environmental site analysis. Requires spring vacation field trip. Students will be required to pay for meals and lodging.

Prerequisite: GEOL 119

GEOL 321, Hydrogeology, 3

Basic and applied concepts pertaining to the occurrence and movement of groundwater. Definitions, basic equations, applications to a variety of geologic settings, wells.

GEOL 322, Hydrogeology and Laboratory, 4

Basic and applied concepts pertaining to the occurrence and movement of groundwater. Definitions basic equations, applications to a variety of geologic settings, wells. Requires students to make field measurements, analyze data, and prepare reports.

GEOL 330, Geophysical Field Methods and Laboratory, 4

Use of seismic refraction and reflection, gravity, electrical, magnetic, and electromagnetic methods to infer the earth's structure and composition. Application of inverse theory to estimate model parameters. Requires students to make field measurements, analyze data, and prepare a report. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory weekly.

GEOL 331, Geophysical Field Methods, 3

Same as GEOL 330 but without laboratory and field report.

GEOL 336, Aquatic Chemistry, 4

Chemical equilibria occurring in natural waters. Quantitative methods of describing acid-base, metal ion/ligand, precipitation/dissolution, and oxidation/reduction reactions. Geochemical cycling of trace metals and nutrients.

GEOL 341, Mineralogy, 4

Crystallography, hand specimen mineralogy and petrology, principles of crystal structure and crystal chemistry, and an introduction to the petrographic microscope. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite: GEOL 119

GEOL 344, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, 4

Composition, classification, and genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks, emphasizing physical and chemical principles governing their origin. Laboratory study of rocks in thin section. Two lectures and two three hour laboratories weekly.

Prerequisite: GEOL 341

GEOL 345, Planetary Materials, 1-3

An introduction to the materials that makes up the solid matter of the solar system. Student presentations will review our current understanding of accessible primitive materials such as meteorites, cosmic dust, lunar and ancient terrestrial rocks, and their relationship to modern natural materials and solar system processes.

GEOL 349, Geological Problems, 1-3

Special work arranged according to the qualifications of the student.

GEOL 352, Environmental Geochemistry, 3

The role of geochemistry in environmental problems. Basic principles and engineering techniques applied to local, regional and global problems such as acid mine drainage, landfills, septic tanks, leaky underground storage tanks, soil and groundwater contamination, hazardous waste remediation, nuclear wastes, water and wastewater treatment; smog, lake eutrophication, radon, oil spills, global warming, ozone depletion.

Prerequisite: CHEM 106 or CHEM 108

GEOL 360, Summer Field Camp, 6

Six week course in geologic field methods and mapping. Not offered at CWRU; must be taken at another college or university. Credits will be transferred.

GEOL 397, Honors Research, 1-3

Library, field or laboratory research. Thesis required for departmental honors. Limited to qualified seniors.

GEOL 398, Honors Research, 1-3

Library, field, or laboratory research. Thesis required for departmental honors. Limited to qualified seniors.

GRADUATE COURSES

GEOL 403, Clay Mineralogy, 3

Structure, composition, and identification techniques of the major clay groups. Origin of clays. Early and deep burial diagenesis of clays. Clays in the rock record.

GEOL 405, Geomorphology and Remote Sensing, 3

Recognition and interpretation of land forms and their significance in revealing present and past geologic processes. Introduction to acquisition and analysis of data through aerial photography and satellite imagery. Two lectures and one laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite: GEOL 110 and GEOL 119

GEOL 414, Economic Geology, 3

Distribution and mechanisms of formation of metallic ore deposits. Nature and origin of building and industrial materials. Exploration and mining techniques, and the problem of diminishing resources.

Prerequisite: GEOL 110

GEOL 416, Animal-sediment Relations, 3

Distribution, community structure, and adaptive strategies of marine and freshwater benthos; animal sediment relations and the influence of benthic animals on chemical and physical properties of the sea floor.

Prerequisite: GEOL 307 and BIOL 336

GEOL 420, Paleoecology, 3

Present-day ecological principles and paleoecological principles and techniques applied to problems of interpreting ancient environments.

Prerequisite: GEOL 416

GEOL 421, Hydrogeology, 3

Basic and applied concepts pertaining to the occurrence and movement of groundwater. Definitions, basic equations, applications to a variety of geologic settings, wells.

GEOL 422, Hydrogeology and Laboratory, 4

Basic and applied concepts pertaining to the occurrence and movement of groundwater. Definitions, basic equations, applications to a variety of geologic settings, wells. Requires students to make field measurements, analyze data, and prepare reports.

GEOL 425, Geotectonics, 3

Interpretation of the major crustal features of the earth in terms of plate tectonics and associated phenomena.

GEOL 436, Aquatic Chemistry, 4

Chemical equilibria occurring in natural waters. Quantitative methods of describing acid-base, metal ion/ligand, precipitation/dissolution, and oxidation/ reduction reactions. Geochemical cycling of trace metals and nutrients.

GEOL 437, Chemistry of Natural Waters, 3

Advanced topics in aquatic chemistry. Thermodynamics models for ion/ligand speciation in natural waters; origin and composition of seawater, chemical and mineralogical sequence during evaporation, chemical weathering, chemical cycling and global mass balances; perturbations on natural systems by man. Predictive capabilities of box models.

GEOL 444, Flow and Sediment Transport, 3

This course focuses on open channel flow and sediment transport mechanics. A mathematical framework for the description of free surface flow and various modes of particle transport is built. This framework is used in discussions of geomorphic and sedimentologic processes and features. specific topics covered include dimensional analysis, forces on settling particles, fluid flow, initiation of particle movement, bedload and suspended load transport and their calculation, and channel form.

GEOL 445, Planetary Materials, 1-3

An introduction to the materials that makes up the solid matter of the solar system. Student presentations will review our current understanding of accessible primitive materials such as meteorites, cosmic dust, lunar and ancient terrestrial rocks, and their relationship to modern natural materials and solar system processes.

GEOL 451, Isotope Geology, 3

Application of stable isotope studies in meteorology, hydrology, paleoclimatology, igneous and metamorphic, petrology, sedimentology, and economic geology.

GEOL 452, Geochronology, 3

Survey of methods for establishing absolute chronology of geologic events, with emphasis on principles and techniques of radiometric age determinations. Use of radiogenic isotopes as geologic tracers. Formation of the elements and early history of the solar system.

GEOL 504, Seminar: Geochemistry, 1

GEOL 601, Special Problems and Research, 1-36

(Credit as arranged)

GEOL 651, Thesis M.S., 1-36

(Credit as arranged)

GEOL 701, Dissertation Ph.D., 1-36

(Credit as arranged)

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
MAJOR IN GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES*

Minors in Geological Sciences

Up to three courses from GEOL 101, 110, 114, and 115, plus GEOL 119 and sufficient upper level GEOL courses to total at least 15 hours.

* Suggested outline only. Program is finalized in consultation with the departmental advisor.
GEOL 101, 114, or 115 may be substituted for GEOL 110.
GEOL 210 is offered even-numbered years.
GEOL 301 (3 credits) is offered even-numbered years, GEOL 341 (4 credits) odd-numbered years.
GEOL 315 (3 credits) is offered odd-numbered years, GEOL 344 (4 credits) even-numbered years.

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
MAJOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY *

* Suggested outline only. Program is finalized in consultation with the departmental advisor.
GEOL 210 is offered even-numbered years.
GEOL 202 may be substituted for GEOL 303.
GEOL 322 is offered odd-numbered years.
GEOL 305 and GEOL 317 are offered even-numbered years.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEGREE*

* Suggested outline only. Program is finalized in consultation with the departmental advisor.
a Another computer programming course may be substituted for CMPS 131.
b GEOL 101, 114, or 115 may be substituted for GEOL 110.
c GEOL 210 is offered in even-numbered years.
d Upper level Science course must be in a discipline other than geology.
e GEOL 301 is offered in even-numbered years; GEOL 341 in odd-numbered years.
f GEOL 315 is offered in odd-numbered years; GEOL 344 in even-numbered years.

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