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IENV 1910 - Environmental Seminar This seminar is designed to introduce students to important environmental issues facing us today. We will cover a number of topical issues in environmental sciences in a seminar and discussion format. There will be a series of guest speakers from academics, industry, non-profits, and government who are experts in an array of environment-related fields. There will be weekly reading and short writing assignments associated with each seminar. In addition, each student is expected to participate in discussions and to write a research paper. 2 credit hours Taught Spring semester, every year |
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ERTH 4070 - Sedimentology/Stratigraphy Sediments and sedimentary rocks make up the majority of materials found at Earth’s surface. Sedimentological properties and characteristics provide clues that allow scientists to reconstruct ancient environments and climates. In addition, sediments and sedimentary rocks are important components of economic geology deposits and reservoirs, and a knowledge of them is fundamental to environmental consulting and remediation. The classroom, laboratory, and field components of this course will focus on sedimentary materials and processes relevant to geological applications in related fields. ERTH 4070 will provide students with the basic principles and properties of sedimentary particles, starting with formation via weathering and erosion, and progressing to transport via various mechanisms, and finally to deposition in a wide range of environments. Fundamental clastic and chemical rock classification and identification will be covered, along with common fossil components of sedimentary rocks. Building on this knowledge, students will develop skills needed to interpret sedimentary sequences and learn how to reconstruct paleoenvironments and paleoclimates. This course will also cover stratigraphy and stratigraphic principles of correlation, a discipline that is fundamental to the “deep time” nature of Earth Sciences. Students will explore the various methods available to interpret subsurface units, including seismic reflection, biostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, borehole logging, lithostratigraphy, cyclostratigraphy, and chemostratigraphy. By the end of this semester, students will have completed a variety of lecture and lab exercises, and will have the fundamental tools necessary to identify, describe, interpret, and correlate sedimentary rock units. Students are expected to attend class, lab, and field trips. Several short field trips will be conducted during lab time. In addition, several 1 day field trips on weekends will be required. 4 credit hours Taught Fall semester, odd-numbered years |
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ERTH 4500 - Earth’s Climate (cross-listed as IENV-4500) Overview of physical components of Earth’s climate system; builds on this foundation by examining the roles of both natural Earth system processes and anthropogenic influences in determining Earth’s climate and climate changes in the past, present, and future. Initial focus is on recent and future climate change (1/3 of the semester). Remainder of course will emphasize the study and reconstruction of climates and climate change through geologic history. Prerequisite: junior, senior, or graduate student status. 4 credit hours Taught Spring semester, every year |