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Geophysical Sciences

Departmental Counselor: Douglas R. MacAyeal, HGS 413, 702-8027

Departmental Office: HGS 161, 702-8101

Program of Study

The Department of the Geophysical Sciences offers unique programs of study in the earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences. Topics include the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the atmosphere, oceans, and ice sheets; past and present climate change; the origin and history of the earth, moon, and meteorites; properties of the deep interior of the earth and the dynamics of crustal movements; the evolution and geography of life and earth's surface environments through geologic time. These multidisciplinary topics require an integrated approach founded on mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

Both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs prepare students for careers that draw upon the earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences. However, the B.S. degree provides a more focused and intensive program of study for students who intend to pursue graduate work in these disciplines. The B.A. degree also offers thorough study in the geophysical sciences, but it provides a wide opportunity for elective freedom to pursue interdisciplinary interests, such as environmental policy, law, medicine, business, and precollege education.

Program Requirements

The principle distinction between the B.A. and B.S. programs involves the number of courses required in geophysical sciences and their distribution among subdisciplines.

Program Requirements - B.A.: The B.A. requires a minimum of six Geophysical Sciences courses beyond the introductory sequence Geophysical Sciences 131-133 (which should be taken first), at least two of which must be from the earth sciences and at least two of which must be from atmospheres/oceans (as defined in List A below).

Program Requirements - B.S.: The B.S. requires a minimum of eight courses beyond Geophysical Sciences 131-133 (which should be taken first), at least four of which should be drawn from either the earth sciences or atmospheres/oceans (as defined in List A below). Because of the interdisciplinary nature of these fields, up to four of the eight courses can be taken from other departments (chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, statistics; as defined in List B below), subject to approval by the Departmental Advisor.

Summary of Requirements

Common Core 3 Chem 111-112-113 or higher

Education 2 Math 131-132, 151-152, or 161-162

Concentration 3 GeoSci 131-132-133

3 Phys 121-122-123 or higher

plus the following requirements:

B.A. Requirements:

1 Math 133, 153, 163 or Stat 220, 240.

6 200-level GeoSci courses. (At least two of these must be in the Earth Sciences and at least 2 in the Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences. See List A below).

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Total of 13 courses beyond the core requirement.

B.S. Requirements:

2 Math or Stat courses. (One of these must be Math 133, 153, or 163. The remaining course can be selected from Math or Stat offerings in List B).

8 200-level GeoSci courses (At least 4 of the 8 courses from List B must be substituted for GeoSci courses).

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Total of 16 courses beyond the core requirement.

List A. Courses in the Geophysical Sciences categorized as Earth Sciences and Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences.

Earth Sciences

GeoSci 203/303. Thermodynamics and Phase Change.

GeoSci 205. Shape, Form, and Symmetry.

GeoSci 206. Statistical Thermodynamics and Transport.

GeoSci 212. Physics of the Earth.

GeoSci 213. Origin and Evolution of the Solar System.

GeoSci 214. The Physics of Stars and Stellar Systems.

GeoSci 215. The Physical Universe.

GeoSci 217. Introduction to Mineralogy.

GeoSci 218. Introduction to Petrology.

GeoSci 222. Principles of Stratigraphy.

GeoSci 223. Introduction to Paleontology.

GeoSci 235. Introduction to Inverse Methods.

GeoSci 238. Biogeochemistry and Global Change.

GeoSci 219. Structural Geology.

GeoSci 297. Reading and Research.

Field Courses in Earth Sciences

GeoSci 228. Field Course in Geology and Geophysics.

GeoSci 229. Field Course in Modern Carbonate Environments.

GeoSci 230. Field Course in Structural Geology, Petrology, and Statigraphy.

GeoSci 240. Field Course in Stratigraphy.

Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences

GeoSci 203/303. Thermodynamics and Phase Change.

GeoSci 214. The Physics of Stars and Stellar Systems.

GeoSci 215. The Physical Universe.

GeoSci 231. Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere.

GeoSci 232. Dynamics and Phenomenology of Planetary Atmospheres.

GeoSci 233. Physical Oceanography.

GeoSci 234. Chemical Oceanography.

GeoSci 235. Introduction to Inverse Methods.

GeoSci 237. Cumulus Physics.

GeoSci 238. Biogeochemistry and Global Change.

GeoSci 260/360. Atmospheric Chemistry.

GeoSci 297. Reading and Research.

List B. Courses which, with the approval of the departmental advisor, may be substituted in place of Geophysical Science courses in the B.S. concentration are as follows:

Chemistry

Chem 201, 202. Inorganic Chemistry I, II.

Chem 217, 218, 219 or 220, 221, 222. Organic Chemistry (Variant A or B).

Chem 261, 262, 263. Physical Chemistry I, II, III.

Physics

Phys 185, 186. Intermediate Mechanics.

Phys 197. Thermal Physics.

Phys 225, 227. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism.

Phys 226. Electronics.

Biology

BioSci 193-194. Ecology, Genetics, and Evolution.

BioSci 234. Chordate Biology.

BioSci 236. Evolution and Paleobiology.

BioSci 238. Invertebrate Biology.

BioSci 240. Biology and Evolution of Plants.

BioSci 250. Evolutionary Ecology.

BioSci 251. Conservation Biology.

BioSci 254. Systematic Biology.

BioSci 255. Biogeography.

BioSci 260. Mammal Evolution.

Mathematics

One of the following courses can serve as the additional required math or statistics course in the B.S. degree. Courses beyond this one can serve as substitutes for Geophysical Sciences courses.

Math 200, 201, 202. Mathematical Methods for Physical Sciences I, II, III.

Math 203, 204, 205. Analysis in Rn I, II, III.

Math 211. Basic Numerical Analysis.

Math 250. Elementary Linear Algebra.

Math 270. Basic Complex Variables.

Math 273. Basic Theory of Ordinary Differential Equations.

Math 275. Basic Theory of Partial Differential Equations.

Statistics

Stat 220. Statistical Methods and Their Applications.

Stat 240. Probability and Statistics for the Natural Sciences.

Grading. Students concentrating in geophysical sciences must receive letter grades in all courses meeting the requirements of the degree program. In order to qualify for the B.A. or B.S. degree, a grade point average of 2.0 or better is needed in required courses, that is, 200-level courses in geophysical sciences or in courses that have been substituted for geophysical sciences.

Honors Program. The B.A. or B.S. degree with honors is awarded to students who meet the following requirements: (1) minimum grade pint average of 3.0 in all Physical Sciences Collegiate Division courses and (2) completion of a paper based on original research, supervised and approved by a faculty member in geophysical sciences. The paper can be done via GeoSci 297, Readings and Research.

Field Trips and Field Courses. The department normally sponsors about a dozen trips each year, ranging in length from one day to five weeks and including areas as far afield as Newfoundland, the Canadian Rockies, Baja California, the Caribbean, and Iceland. The longer trips are designed as undergraduate field courses (GeoSci 228, 229, 230 and 240), and the shorter trips are mostly run in connection with undergraduate and graduate lecture courses (GeoSci 131, 222, 314, 315, 333). However, all students and faculty are welcome to participate if there is room.

Sample B.S. Program. A wide range of B.S. programs, focusing on various subdiciplines, can be created by the student after satisfying the requirements common to all concentrators in Geophysical Sciences. Some sample programs appear below; in consultation with the departmental advisor other programs can be designed. Each of these contains 9 courses, one of which satisfies the mathematics or statistics requirement beyond three quarters of calculus while the remaining 8 courses are in Geophysical Sciences or approved substitutions for Geophysical Sciences.

Chemistry of Atmosphere and Oceans. GeoSci 231, 232, 234, 260.; Chem 261, 262, 263.; Math 200, 201.

Physics of Climate and Circulation. GeoSci 231, 232, 233, 235 (or 237).; Math 200, 201 (or 202, 211, 250).; Phys 185, 186, 225.

Paleontology/Stratigraphy. GeoSci 217, 218, 219, 222, 223, 238.; Stat 240.; BioSci 193, 194.

Environmental Geology. GeoSci 218, 218, 222, 238, 260.; Stat 240. For emphasis on Chemistry: Chem 217, 218, 219 or Chem 220, 221, 222. For emphasis on Biology: BioSci 193, 194, 251.

Structure/Tectonics. GeoSci 203, 212, 217, 218, 219, 222.; Phys 185, 186.; Math 200.

Geochemistry. GeoSci 203, 212 (or 213), 217, 218.; Chem 261, 262, 263.; Math 200, 201.

Geophysics. GeoSci 203, 212, 217, 235.; Phys 185, 186 (or 225, 227).; Math 200, 201, 202.

Autumn Winter Spring Summer

First year GeoSci 131 GeoSci 132 GeoSci 133 General chemistry General chemistry General chemistry

Calculus Calculus Calculus

Second year GeoSci 228

Phys 121 Phys 122 Phys 123 GeoSci 240

Math 200 Math 201 Math 202

Third year GeoSci elective GeoSci elective GeoSci elective GeoSci 228

(if not taken

in second yr.)

Fourth year GeoSci elective GeoSci elective GeoSci elective

Faculty

JONATHAN P. D. ABBATT, Assistant Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

ALFRED T. ANDERSON, JR., Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

DAVID ARCHER, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

VICTOR BARCILON, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

ROBERT N. CLAYTON, Enrico Fermi Distinguished Service Professor, Departments of Chemistry and the Geophysical Sciences, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

PETER R. CRANE, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences; Lecturer, Committee on Evolutionary Biology and the College

MICHAEL J. FOOTE, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, and the College

JOHN E. FREDERICK, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

LAWRENCE GROSSMAN, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

DION L. HEINZ, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, James Franck Institute, and the College

MUNIR HUMAYUN, Assistant Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

DAVID JABLONSKI, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, and the College

SUSAN M. KIDWELL, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, and the College

MICHAEL C. LABARBERA, Professor, Departments of Organismal Biology & Anatomy and the Geophysical Sciences and the College

DOUGLAS R. MACAYEAL, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

GREGORY H. MILLER, Assistant Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

PAUL B. MOORE, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences

NOBORU NAKAMURA, Assistant Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

ROBERT C. NEWTON, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

EDWARD J. OLSEN, Research Associate (Professor), Department of the Geophysical Sciences

RAYMOND T. PIERREHUMBERT, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

FRANK M. RICHTER, Sewell Avery Distinguished Service Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

DAVID B. ROWLEY, Associate Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

J. JOHN SEPKOSKI, JR., Professor, Departments of the Geophysical Sciences and Organismal Biology & Anatomy, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, and the College

JOSEPH V. SMITH, Louis Block Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

RAMESH C. SRIVASTAVA, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

ALFRED M. ZIEGLER, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the College

Courses

In the following course descriptions, L refers to courses with laboratory.

131. Physical Geology. An introduction to plate tectonics, the geologic cycle, and the internal and surface processes that make minerals and rocks and shape the scenery. D. Rowley. Autumn. L.

132. Earth History. PQ: GeoSci 131 or consent of instructor. This course covers the paleogeographic, biotic, and climatic development of the earth. A. Ziegler. Winter. L.

133. The Atmosphere (=EnvStd 133, GeoSci 133). PQ: Math 102, 106, or consent of instructor. This course provides an introduction to the physics, chemistry, and phenomenology of the earth's atmosphere with an emphasis on the role of the atmosphere as a component of the planet's life support system. Topics include (1) atmospheric composition, evolution, and structure, (2) solar and terrestrial radiation, (3) the role of water in atmospheric processes, (4) winds, the global circulation, and weather systems, and (5) atmospheric chemistry and pollution. We focus on the mechanisms by which human activity can influence the atmosphere and on interactions between atmosphere and biosphere. J. Frederick. Spring.

134. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast (=EnvStd 134, GeoSci 134, PhySci 134). PQ: Math 102, 106, or consent of instructor; some knowledge of chemistry or physics helpful. This course presents the science behind the forecast of global warming to enable the student to evaluate the likelihood and potential severity of anthropogenic climate change in the coming centuries. It includes an overview of the physics of the greenhouse effect, including comparisons with Venus and Mars; an overview of the carbon cycle in its role as a global thermostat; predictions and reliability of climate model forecasts of the greenhouse world; and an examination of the records of recent and past climates, such as the glacial world and Eocene and Oligocene warm periods. D. Archer. Spring.

203/303. Thermodynamics and Phase Change. PQ: College chemistry and calculus, or consent of instructor. This course systematically develops the mathematical structure of thermodynamics with emphasis on relations between thermodynamic variables and equations of state. These concepts are then applied to homogeneous and heterogeneous phase equilibrium, culminating in the construction of representative binary and ternary phase diagrams of petrological significance. College students may register for GeoSci 303 only with consent of instructor; a term project is required. G. Miller. Autumn.

205. Shape, Form, and Symmetry. PQ: Calculus and Chem 111-112-113 or higher. This class covers packing of spheres in historical context with application to inorganic chemistry and dense minerals; topology of polyhedra and nets in historical context with application to inorganic chemistry, light minerals, and biological species; lattices, point-, rod-, and plane-group symmetries; space-group symmetry and use in crystallography and solid-state physics and chemistry; and helices and other mathematical forms important for polymers and biological organisms. Students use computer graphics for construction of stereo diagrams of crystal structures. J. V. Smith. Winter. L.

206/306. Statistical Thermodynamics and Transport. PQ: Physical chemistry, calculus, and thermodynamics (GeoSci 203 or 303), or consent of instructor. Students in the college are required to register for 206 unless consent of the instructor is obtained in advance. This course covers ensembles and the statistical mechanical formulation of thermodynamics, interatomic and intermolecular potentials, molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo techniques, lattice dynamics, vibrational spectroscopies and neutron diffraction, the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, and Onsager's reciprocity theorem. These ideas and methods are related to topics in mineral physics and the properties of silicate melts. A term project is required for GeoSci 306 only. G. Miller. Winter.

212. Physics of the Earth. PQ: Prior calculus and college-level physics courses, or consent of instructor. Geophysical evidence bearing on the internal makeup and dynamical behavior of the earth is considered, including seismology (properties of elastic waves and their interpretation, and internal structure of the earth); mechanics of rock deformation (elastic properties, creep and flow of rocks, faulting, and earthquakes); gravity (the geoid and isostasy); geomagnetism (magnetic properties of rocks and history and origin of the magnetic field); heat flow (temperature within the earth, sources of heat, and thermal history of the earth); and plate tectonics and models for the maintenance of plate motions. D. Heinz. Spring. L.

213. Origin and Evolution of the Solar System (=Astron 213, GeoSci 213). PQ: Consent of instructor. Knowledge of physical chemistry helpful. Representative topics include abundance and origin of the elements; formation, condensation, and age of the solar system; meteorites and the historical record of the solar system they preserve; comets and asteroids; the planets and their satellites; temperatures and atmospheres of the planets; and the origin of the earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. L. Grossman. Winter. L.

214. The Physics of Stars and Stellar Systems (=Astron 214, GeoSci 214). PQ: Phys 123, 133, or 143; or consent of instructor. This course introduces the astrophysics of stars and stellar systems. A discussion of the tools of astronomy is followed by the study of the physical nature of stars. Topics are observational and theoretical Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams, structure and evolution of stars, binary stars, star clusters, and end states of stars such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. L. Hobbs. Autumn.

215. The Physical Universe (=Astron 215, GeoSci 215). PQ: Astron 214 or consent of instructor. The laws of physics are applied on the scales of time and distance that are required in astronomy. Physical laws are applied in attempts to understand the structures and evolution of galaxies, quasars, clusters of galaxies, and the universe at large. D. Q. Lamb. Spring.

217. Introduction to Mineralogy. PQ: Chem 111-112-113 or higher. This class covers structure, chemical composition, stability, and occurrence of major rock-forming minerals. Labs concentrate on mineral identification with the optical microscope. A. Anderson. L. Not offered 1997-98; will be offered 1998-99.

218. Introduction to Petrology. PQ: GeoSci 217. We learn how to interpret observable geological associations, structures, textures, and mineralogical and chemical compositions of rocks so as to develop concepts of how they form and evolve. The course theme is the origin of granitic continental crust on the only planet known to have oceans and life. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; ores; and waste disposal sites are reviewed. A. Anderson, R. Newton. Spring. L.

219. Magmatism in the Early Solar System. PQ: GeoSci 217 or consent of instructor. This course covers petrographic and mineralogic characteristics of the products of early melting and differentiation of planetesimals as represented by different classes of meteorites; magmatic processes on asteroids, including the physical conditions of asteroidal volcanism; volcanism on the moon and Mars. M. Wadhwa. Spring.

222. Principles of Stratigraphy. PQ: GeoSci 131-132 or equivalent; GeoSci 218 recommended. This course offers an introduction to the principles and methods of stratigraphy, including facies analysis, physical and biostratigraphic correlation, development and calibration of the geologic time scale, and controversy concerning the completeness of the stratigraphic record, origin of sedimentary cycles, and interactions between global sea level, tectonics, and sediment supply. S. Kidwell. L. Not offered 1997-98; will be offered 1998-99.

223. Introductory Paleontology (=BioSci 246, GeoSci 223). PQ: GeoSci 131-132; or PhySci 108-109-110; or BioSci 195 and 198; or Common Core biology; or consent of instructor. The focus of the course is on the nature of the fossil record, the information it provides on patterns and processes of evolution through geologic time, and how it can be used to solve geological and biological problems. Lectures cover the principles of paleontology (including fossilization, classification, morphologic analysis and interpretation, biostratigraphy, paleoecology, and macroevolution); labs are systematic, introducing major groups of fossil invertebrates. M. Foote. Winter. L.

228. Field Course in Geology and Geophysics. PQ: Consent of instructor. This is a summer field camp with emphasis on rocks, structure, stratigraphy, geodesy, and rates of erosion and deposition. The department provides field vehicles and camping equipment. A. Anderson. Summer.

229. Field Course in Modern Carbonate Environments. PQ: Consent of instructor. A week-long field trip during spring break visits areas in the Caribbean to examine modern coral reefs, as well as their geological antecedents. Discussion sessions are held during the winter quarter. A. Ziegler. Not offered 1997-98; will be offered 1998-99.

230. Field Course in Structural Geology, Petrology, and Stratigraphy. PQ: GeoSci 131-132 and consent of instructor. A week-long field trip during spring break visits classic locations to examine a wide variety of geological environments and processes, including active tectonics, ancient and modern sedimentary environments, and geomorphology. Discussion sessions are held during the winter quarter. A. Ziegler. Winter.

231. Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere. PQ: Chem 121-122-123, Phys 131-132-133, or consent of instructor. This course introduces atmospheric thermodynamics, solar and terrestrial radiation, and the heat budget of the earth atmosphere system. R. Srivastava. Autumn.

232. Dynamics and Phenomenology of Planetary Atmospheres. PQ: Physics (preferably 133 or 143) and knowledge of ordinary differential equations and basic vector calculus. This course presents an introduction to the fluid mechanics accounting for the large-scale circulations of planetary atmospheres. No previous knowledge of fluid mechanics or atmospheric science is required. The emphasis is on the principles common to the atmospheres of rapidly rotating planets such as earth, Mars, and Jupiter. Development of the theoretical material is supplemented by labs involving analysis of a forty-year optical disk data set of terrestrial flow patterns. R. Pierrehumbert. Winter. L.

233. Physical Oceanography. PQ: GeoSci 232 or consent of instructor. This course provides a conceptual understanding of the dynamics of ocean circulation and a background in physical oceanography for students interested in further study of climate dynamics, chemical oceanography, marine biology, and paleontology. Topics include geometry of map projections, hypsometry of ocean basins and the geoid, temperature and salinity structure, watermasses, geostrophy and geostrophic adjustment, Ekman layers, coastal upwelling, Sverdrup balance, vorticity balance and western intensification, and waves and tides. Macintosh computers and oceanographic databases are used for laboratory exercises. V. Barcilon. Spring. L.

234. Chemical Oceanography. PQ: Consent of instructor. An introduction to the geochemistry of the oceans with emphasis on topics relevant to global change, past and future. The role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle is discussed along with the interplay between ocean circulation, biology, and physical chemistry and its impact on the distributions of nutrients, carbon, and oxygen in the ocean. Also covered are sediment geochemistry and what sediments can tell us about oceans and climates of the past. D. Archer. Spring.

235. Introduction to Inverse Methods. PQ: Knowledge of calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra. This course provides a general introduction to the formulation and solution of various inverse problems in geochemistry, geophysics, and fluid dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on control methods as a means to solve inverse problems that have differential equations imposed as constraints. Students are expected to perform weekly homework assignments, which may involve use of a Macintosh computing lab. D. MacAyeal. Spring.

237. Cumulus Physics. PQ: GeoSci 231 or 232, or consent of instructor. This course introduces microphysical processes attendant on the formation of rain and snow and introduces cloud dynamics, especially the dynamics of convective clouds. R. Srivastava. Spring.

238. Global Biogeochemical Cycles. PQ: Chem 111-112 or consent of instructor. This is a survey of the geochemistry of the surface of the earth, with emphasis on biological and geological processes, their assembly into self-regulating systems, and their potential sensitivity to anthropogenic or other perturbations. Budgets and cycles of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, sulfur, and silicon are discussed, as well as fundamentals of the processes of weathering, sediment diagenesis, and isotopic fractionation. What is known about earth biogeochemistry through geologic time is also presented. This course is offered in alternate years. D. Archer. Autumn.

240. Field Course in Stratigraphy (=EvBiol 331, GeoSci 240). PQ: GeoSci 131-132 or equivalent. This is a one-month excursion to the northwestern United States and/or eastern Canada to examine the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of the margin of North America from the Cambrian period to the present. The purpose of the course is to acquaint students with sedimentary and volcanic rocks deposited in a variety of environments and to examine the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of a complicated region. The trip takes place in late August or early September, with field vehicles and camping equipment provided. This course is offered in alternate years. A. Ziegler. Not offered 1997-98; will be offered 1998-99.

260/360. Atmospheric Chemistry. PQ: Prior chemistry and calculus courses. The course considers the chemical, physical, and radiative processes that establish the photochemical steady state of the earth's atmosphere. Particular attention is given to how the atmosphere responds to both anthropogenic and natural perturbations. Topics include stratospheric ozone, oxidative processes in the troposphere, air pollution, and biogeochemical cycles. J. Abbatt. Autumn.

299. Reading and Research in the Geophysical Sciences. PQ: Open by arrangement to selected College students, both concentrators and qualified nonconcentrators; students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. Normally taken for either P/N or P/F grading. Staff. Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.

304. High-Temperature Phase Equilibrium. PQ: GeoSci 303 or consent of instructor. This course builds on the material of GeoSci 303 through calculations of simple high-temperature and high-pressure phased equilibria. The starting point is geometrical, familiarizing the students with polycomponent P-T-X diagrams of petrological interest and applications of the phase rule. Calculations of phase equilibrium of increasing levels of difficulty introduce specific methods applicable to equilibria in different systems. A final section is devoted to advanced topics such as crystal-chemical prediction of thermodynamic properties, geothermometry and geobarometry, and P-T times cycles of petrogenesis. R. Newton. Winter.

310. Cosmochemistry. PQ: Consent of instructor. Chemical, mineralogical, and petrographic classifications of meteorites. Topics include abundance of the elements, origin of the elements and stellar evolution, the interstellar medium and formation of the solar nebula, condensation of the solar system, chemical fractionations in meteorites and planets, age of the solar system, extinct radionuclides in meteorites, and isotopic heterogeneity of the solar nebula. Emphasis is placed on current topics at the frontiers of research. Part of the course takes the form of seminars prepared by the students. L. Grossman. Winter.

311. Geochemistry. PQ: Knowledge of physical chemistry. Radioactive and stable isotope studies, distributions of rare earths and transition metals, and geochemistry of the noble gases. This course is offered in alternate years. R. Clayton. Not offered 1997-98; will be offered 1998-99.

312. Mineral Physics. PQ: GeoSci 203/303 and 217, and knowledge of calculus and physical chemistry. This course examines the theory behind those properties of minerals relevant to the study of the earth's deep interior. Topics include elasticity, electrical and thermal conductivity, anharmonicity, lattice defects, solid state diffusion, and creep. G. Miller. Spring.

319. Topics in Paleobiology. PQ: Consent of instructor. In this seminar we investigate paleobiological and sedimentological topics of current interest to students and faculty. Previous subjects have included benthic paleoecology and paleobiogeography. Staff. Autumn.

320. Physical Principles in Geology. PQ: Prior college-level chemistry and physics courses, and consent of instructor. In this class we study density, viscosity, rheology, and surface tension and their roles in volcanic and magmatic processes including convection and rock deformation. Crystal settling, bubble coalescence, neutral buoyancy, and eruption dynamics comparing observations with theoretical models are also explored. A. Anderson, F. Richter. Spring.

333. Plant Paleontology (=EvBiol 323, GeoSci 333). PQ: Consent of instructor. This course provides an introduction to all major groups of extant and fossil plants, ranging from green algae to angiosperms. Recent insights into large-scale patterns of plant phylogeny are reviewed, along with the history of plant diversification and major extinction events. The class also includes discussions of plant taphonomy, the use of fossil plants as indicators of paleoclimate, the fossil spore/pollen record, evolutionary and paleoclimatic applications of palynological data, and the history of terrestrial ecosystems. The course is divided approximately equally between lectures and discussions of selected literature. There are no formal laboratories, although the class includes examination of living and fossil material at the Garfield Park Conservatory and the Field Museum of Natural History. P. Crane. Spring.

337. Present and Paleoclimatology. PQ: Consent of instructor. A review of the earth's present atmospheric and oceanic circulation and an examination of the possibilities of reconstructing climates of the geologic past are the topics covered. This course is offered in alternate years. A. Ziegler. Not offered 1997-98; will be offered 1998-99.

342. Biomechanics (=Anat 342, GeoSci 342). PQ: Prior college-level chemistry and physics courses, and consent of instructor. Principles of fluid mechanics as applied to biological systems, including lift, drag, conservation laws, and high and low Reynolds number fluid mechanics. This course is offered in alternate years. M. LaBarbera. Winter. L.

351. Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics. PQ: Math 200, 201, 202, or equivalent. Topics covered are conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; kinematics; constitutive equations; ideal and viscous fluids; vorticity and circulation; and vortex dynamics. V. Barcilon. Autumn.

352. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. PQ: GeoSci 351 or equivalent; knowledge of vector calculus and Fourier transform. This course provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the large-scale flow patterns of the earth's atmosphere and ocean. Topics include governing equations of fluids on a rotating sphere under gravity, conservation properties, geostrophic adjustment and wave dynamics, quasi-geostrophic dynamics with Ekman friction, effects of isolated mountains on the general circulation of the atmosphere, two-layer model of baroclinic instability and storm dynamics, and wind-driven ocean circulation. N. Nakamura. Winter.

358. Dynamics of the Stratosphere. PQ: GeoSci 352, or equivalent, or consent of instructor. This course focuses on the vertical structure of the earth's atmosphere due to compressibility and radiative heating, and its consequences on the dynamics, particularly of the stratosphere. Emphasis is placed more on the underlying physics than on the mere phenomenology of the stratosphere. Topics include exponential atmosphere at rest; 1D model of radiative transfer and vertical temperature profile of the atmosphere; vertical propagation of Rossby and gravity waves; wave-mean flow interaction; tracer transport and mixing; and current issues such as ozone hole and sudden warming. N. Nakamura. Spring.

368. Radar Meteorology. PQ: Consent of instructor. This course covers principles of pulsed microwave radar (coherent and incoherent), scattering and extinction of electromagnetic waves by hydrometeors, effects of polarization on extinction and scattering, theory of the Doppler spectrum, and use of radar for meteorological observations. R. Srivastava. Not offered 1997-98; will be offered 1998-99.

373. Radiation Transfer Theory. PQ: Advanced college-level knowledge of electromagnetic theory, atomic structure, and differential equations; or consent of instructor. This course develops the theory of radiation emission, absorption, and scattering by planetary atmospheres. Emphasis is placed on the derivation and solution of the radiative transfer equation for plane parallel, horizontally homogeneous atmospheres. Cases analyzed include stellar radiation incident on an atmosphere from above and thermal emission by gases within an atmosphere. J. Frederick. Winter.