Geological and Planetary Sciences
Geology, Geobiology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Planetary Science

Ge 1. Earth and Environment. 9 units (3-3-3); third term. An introduction to the ideas and approaches of earth and environmental sciences, including both the special challenges and viewpoints of this kind of science as well as the ways in which basic physics, chemistry, and biology relate to these sciences. In addition to a wide-ranging lecture-oriented component, there will be a required field trip component (two weekend days), and a special research topic (often lab-oriented) chosen from many alternatives and to be carried out in small groups each led by a professor. The lectures and topics cover such issues as solid earth structure and evolution, plate tectonics, oceans and atmospheres, climate change, and the relationship between geological and biological evolution. Not offered on a pass/fail basis. Instructor: M. Brown. Satisfies the menu requirement of the Caltech core curriculum.

Ge 10. Frontiers in Geological and Planetary Sciences. 3 units (2-0-1); second term. The course may be taken multiple times. Weekly seminar by a member of the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences or a visitor to discuss a topic of his or her current research at an introductory level. The course is designed to introduce students to research and research opportunities in the division and to help students find faculty sponsors for individual research projects. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Farley, Rossman.

Ge 11 abcd. Introduction to Earth and Planetary Sciences. 9 units each term. Comprehensive, integrated overview of Earth and planets. Although designed as a sequence, any one term can be taken as a stand-alone course. Biologists are particularly welcome in Ge 11 b, as are physicists and astronomers in Ge/Ay 11 c.

a. Earth as a Planet. (3-3-3); first term. Systematic introduction to the physical and chemical processes that have shaped Earth as a planet over geological time, and the observable products of these processes—rock materials, minerals, land forms. Geophysics of Earth. Plate tectonics; earthquakes; igneous activity. Weathering, erosion, and sedimentary rocks. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks. Rock deformation and mountain building. Role of aqueous, atmospheric, glacial, and tectonic processes in shaping Earth’s surface and our environment. Earth resources. Field trips, interpretation of geological maps, and laboratory study of Earth materials (minerals and rocks). Instructor: Eiler.

b. Earth and the Biosphere. (3-3-3); second term. Prerequisite: Ch 1 a. Systematic analysis of the origin and evolution of life in the solar system, and its impact on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and climate of Earth. Archean surface environments and production of oxygen. Bacterial evolution, photosynthesis, genes as fossils. Banded iron stones, algal mats, stromatolites, global glaciation, and molecular evolution. Biological fractionation of stable isotopes. Numerical calibration of the geological timescale, the Cambrian evolutionary explosion, mass extinction events, and human evolution. The course usually includes one major field trip, and laboratory studies of fossils, Precambrian rocks, and geological processes. Instructor: Kirschvink.

Ge/Ay 11 c. Planetary Sciences. (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisites: Ma 1 ab, Ph 1 ab. A broad introduction to what is known about the origin, evolution, and present state of the solar system. Observations of young solar-mass stars, disks, and extrasolar planets, as well as meteorite properties and planet-formation models, are the constraints on solar-system origin. Based on data from Earth-based observations, planetary spacecraft, and extraterrestrial materials, the evolution and present states of planetary objects are addressed systematically by considering small bodies (comets and asteroids), the terrestrial planets, the giant planets, and finally, the icy bodies of the outer solar system. Instructor: Ingersoll.

d. Geophysics. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisites: Ch 1, Ma 2 a, Ph 2 a. An introduction to the geophysics of the solid earth; formation of planets; structure and composition of Earth; interactions between crust, mantle, and core; surface and internal dynamics; mantle convection; imaging of the interior; seismic tomography. Instructor: Stevenson.

Ge 13. Scientific Writing Tutorial in the Geological and Planetary Sciences. 3 units (1-0-2); third term. This class provides the opportunity for students to gain experience in writing a substantial paper in the style typical of peer-reviewed journals, such as Annual Reviews of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Geology, Science, or Nature. Grading will be evaluated jointly by each student’s adviser and the course instructor. Fulfills the Institute scientific writing requirement. Instructor: Kirschvink.

Ge 40. Special Problems for Undergraduates. Units to be arranged; any term. This course provides a mechanism for undergraduates to undertake honors-type work in the geologic sciences. By arrangement with individual members of the staff. Graded pass/fail.

Ge 41 abc. Undergraduate Research and Bachelor’s Thesis. Units to be arranged; first, second, third terms. Guidance in seeking research opportunities and in formulating a research plan leading to preparation of a bachelor’s thesis is available from the division undergraduate research counselors, Professors Rossman and Kirschvink. Graded pass/fail.

Ge 100 abc. Geology Club. 1 unit; first, second, third terms. Presentation of papers on research in geological and planetary sciences by guest speakers. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Kirschvink.

Ge 101. Introduction to Geology and Geochemistry. 12 units (4-0-8); first term. Prerequisite: graduate standing or instructor’s permission. Historical deduction in the geological and planetary sciences. Plate tectonics as a unifying theory of geology. Igneous and metamorphic processes, structural geology and geomorphology; weathering and sedimentary processes. Nucleosynthesis and chemical history of the solar system; distribution of the elements in the earth; isotopic systems as tracers and clocks; evolution of the biosphere; global geochemical and biogeochemical cycles; geochemical constraints on deep Earth structure. Instructor: Asimow.

Ge 102. Introduction to Geophysics. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisites: Ma 2, Ph 2, or Ge 108, or equivalents. An introduction to the physics of the earth. The present internal structure and dynamics of the earth are considered in light of constraints from the gravitational and magnetic fields, seismology, and mineral physics. The fundamentals of wave propagation in earth materials are developed and applied to inferring Earth structure. The earthquake source is described in terms of seismic and geodetic signals. The following are also considered: the contributions that heat-flow, gravity, paleomagnetic, and earthquake mechanism data have made to our understanding of plate tectonics, the driving mechanism of plate tectonics, and the energy sources of mantle convection and the geodynamo. Instructors: Clayton, Gurnis.

Ge 103. Introduction to the Solar System. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Formation and evolution of the solar system. Interiors, surfaces, atmospheres of the sun, planets, and satellites. Orbital dynamics, chaos, and tidal friction. Cratering. Comets and asteroids. Magnetic fields, dynamos, solar wind, heliosphere, magnetospheres. Extrasolar planetary systems. Instructor: Ingersoll.

Ge 104. Introduction to Geobiology. 9 units (3-1-5); first term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Lectures about the coevolution of life and Earth. Basic concepts in geology and biology are presented in the context of significant events in Earth’s history. The course provides a brief introduction to essential concepts in biology and geology to provide a common foundation for all students. Important geobiological processes and major events are discussed, including fossilization, the earliest records of life, evolution of photosynthesis and the oxygenation of Earth’s environment, origin of animals at the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary, extinction of invertebrates at the Permian-Triassic boundary, and the Eocene-Paleocene thermal crisis. A weekend field trip to modern and ancient geobiological sites. Instructors: Grotzinger, Orphan.

Ge 106. Introduction to Field and Structural Geology. 12 units (3-6-3) or 6 units (1-4-1); third term. Prerequisite: Ge 11 ab. The 6-unit option introduces methods of geologic mapping, intended for students outside the geology option who desire a practical introduction to the documentation of Earth history; required for all students planning to take Ge 120. Geology majors must enroll in the 12-unit option, which additionally introduces continuum mechanics, interpretation of deformed rocks, and the tectonics of mountain belts. Instructor: Wernicke.

Ge 108. Applications of Physics to the Earth Sciences. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisites: Ph 2 and Ma 2 or equivalent. An intermediate course in the application of the basic principles of classical physics to the earth sciences. Topics will be selected from: mechanics of rotating bodies, the two-body problem, tidal theory, oscillations and normal modes, diffusion and heat transfer, wave propagation, electro- and magneto-statics, Maxwell’s equations, and elements of statistical and fluid mechanics. Instructor: Brown.

Ge 109. Oral Presentation. 3 units (1-0-2); third term. Practice in the effective organization and delivery of reports before groups. Successful completion of this course is required of all candidates for degrees in the division. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Bikle, staff.

Ge 110. Geographic Information System for Geology and Planetary Sciences. 3 units (0-3-0); first term. Formal introduction to modern computer-based geospatial analysis. Covers methods and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Earth and planetary sciences in the form of practical lab exercises using the ArcGIS software package and a variety of geo-referenced data (Digital Elevation Models, geodetic measurements, satellite images, geological maps). Instructor: Avouac.

Ge 111 ab. Applied Geophysics Seminar and Field Course. An introduction to the theory and application of basic geophysical field techniques consisting of a comprehensive survey of a particular field area using a variety of methods (e.g., gravity, magnetic, electrical, GPS, seismic studies, and satellite remote sensing). The course will consist of a seminar held in the third term, which will discuss the scientific background for the chosen field area, along with the theoretical basis and implementation of the various measurement techniques. The 6–10 day field/data analysis component is covered in Ge 111 b. May be repeated for credit with an instructor’s permission. Instructors: Simons, Clayton, Stock.

a. Applied Geophysics Seminar. 6 units (3-3-0); third term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission.

b. Applied Geophysics Field Course. 9 units (0-3-6); summer. Prerequisite: Ge 111 a.

Ge 112 ab. Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, and Geomorphology.

a. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 12 units (3-5-4); first term. Prerequisite: Ge 11 ab. Systematic analysis of transport and deposition in sedimentary environments and the resulting composition, texture, and structure of both clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks. The nature and genesis of sequence architecture of sedimentary basins and cyclic aspects of sedimentary accumulation will be introduced. Covers the formal and practical principles of definition of stratigraphic units, correlation, and the construction of a geologic timescale. Field trip and laboratory exercises. Instructor: Grotzinger.

b. Geomorphology and Environmental Stratigraphy. 12 units (3-5-4); third term. Prerequisite: Ge 112 a. An introduction to Earth’s landscapes and strata. Development and interpretation of fluvial, lacustrine, glacial, volcanic, tectonic, and coastal environments. Emphasis is on the relationship between the development of particular landforms and their associated strata; in particular, modern, active systems and the interpretation of recent paleoenvironments and paleoclimates of the past million years. Field trip and laboratory exercises. Instructor: Sieh. Not offered 2007–08.

Ge 114 ab. Mineralogy.

a. 9 units (3-4-2); first term. Atomic structure, composition, physical properties, occurrence, and identifying characteristics of the major mineral groups. The laboratory work involves the characterization and identification of important minerals by their physical and optical properties. Instructor: Rossman.

b. 3 units (0-2-1); first term. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Ge 114 a or instructor’s permission. Additional laboratory studies of optical crystallography and the use of the petrographic microscope. Instructor: Rossman.

Ge 115 abc. Petrology and Petrography. Systematic study of rocks and rock-forming minerals with emphasis on use of the petrographic microscope and megascopic identification; interpretation of mineral assemblages, textures, and structures; problems of genesis.

a. Igneous Petrology. 6 units (3-0-3); second term. Prerequisite: Ge 114 ab. The mineralogical and chemical composition, origin, occurrence, and classification of igneous rocks, considered mainly in the light of chemical equilibrium and of experimental studies. Detailed consideration of the structures, phase relations, and identification of the major igneous minerals. Instructor: Stolper.

b. Metamorphic Petrology. 6 units (3-0-3); third term. Prerequisite: Ge 115 a. The mineralogic and chemical composition, occurrence, and classification of metamorphic rocks; interpretation of mineral assemblages in the light of chemical equilibrium and experimental studies. Detailed consideration of structure, phase relations, composition, and determination of the major metamorphic minerals. Instructor: Eiler.

c. Petrography Laboratory. 6 units (0-4-2); third term. Prerequisite: Ge 115 a and concurrent enrollment in Ge 115 b. Laboratory exercises dealing with examination of igneous and metamorphic rocks with the petrographic microscope. Instructor: Staff.

Ge 116. Analytical Techniques Laboratory. 6 units (1-4-1); second term. Methods of quantitative laboratory analysis of rocks, minerals, and fluids in geological and planetary sciences. Consists of five intensive two-week modules covering scanning electron microscopy (imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction); the electron microprobe (wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy); optical, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy; gas source mass spectrometry for stable isotope analysis; and plasma source mass spectrometry for elemental and radiogenic isotope analysis. Satisfies the Institute core requirement for an additional introductory laboratory course. Instructor: Asimow.

Ge 120. Summer Field Geology. 12 units (0-12-0); summer. Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab, Ge 106, or instructor’s permission. Intensive course in techniques of field observation and documentation. The course includes two and one-half weeks of mapping in a well-exposed area of the southwestern United States, and the preparation of a report in September prior to registration week. Instructor: Saleeby.

Ge 121 ab. Advanced Field and Structural Geology. 12 units (0-9-3); first, third terms. Prerequisites: Ge 120 or equivalent, or instructor’s permission. Field mapping and supporting laboratory studies in topical problems related to Southern California tectonics and petrogenesis. Each year the sequence offers a breadth of experience in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Instructors: Stock (first term), Saleeby (third term).

Ge 122. Geologic Hazard Assessment. 12 units (1-8-3); summer term. Prerequisites: Ge 120 or equivalent, or instructor’s permission. Two and one-half weeks of intensive GIS-lab- and field-based description and evaluation of the deposits and landforms related to a geologic hazard. Field location will vary from year to year, but will focus on a particular locale, either within the United States or abroad, where a seismic, volcanic, slope-stability, or other hazard can be documented and evaluated. In September, the field component will be held in the Mono Basin, eastern California. Instructor: Sieh.

Ge 124 ab. Paleomagnetism and Magnetostratigraphy. Application of paleomagnetism to the solution of problems in stratigraphic correlation and to the construction of a high-precision geological timescale. Instructor: Kirschvink. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

a. 6 units (0-0-6); third term. A field trip to the southwest United States or Mexico to study the physical stratigraphy and magnetic zonation, followed by lab analysis.

b. 9 units (3-3-3); third term. Prerequisite: Ge 11 ab. The principles of rock magnetism and physical stratigraphy; emphasis on the detailed application of paleomagnetic techniques to the determination of the history of the geomagnetic field.

Ge/Ch 127. Nuclear Chemistry. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. A survey course in the properties of nuclei, and in atomic phenomena associated with nuclear-particle detection. Topics include rates of production and decay of radioactive nuclei; interaction of radiation with matter; nuclear masses, shapes, spins, and moments; modes of radioactive decay; nuclear fission and energy generation. Instructor: Burnett. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Ge/Ch 128. Cosmochemistry. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Examination of the chemistry of the interstellar medium, of protostellar nebulae, and of primitive solar-system objects with a view toward establishing the relationship of the chemical evolution of atoms in the interstellar radiation field to complex molecules and aggregates in the early solar system. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the physical conditions in various objects, timescales for physical and chemical change, chemical processes leading to change, observational constraints, and various models that attempt to describe the chemical state and history of cosmological objects in general and the early solar system in particular. Instructor: Blake. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge 131. Planetary Structure and Evolution. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. A critical assessment of the physical and chemical processes that influence the initial condition, evolution, and current state of planets, including our planet and planetary satellites. Topics to be covered include a short survey of condensed-matter physics as it applies to planetary interiors, remote sensing of planetary interiors, planetary modeling, core formation, physics of ongoing differentiation, the role of mantle convection in thermal evolution, and generation of planetary magnetic fields. Instructor: Stevenson.

Ge/Ay 132. Atomic and Molecular Processes in Astronomy and Planetary Sciences. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Fundamental aspects of atomic and molecular spectra that enable one to infer physical conditions in astronomical, planetary, and terrestrial environments. Topics will include the structure and spectra of atoms, molecules, and solids; transition probabilities; photoionization and recombination; collisional processes; gas-phase chemical reactions; and isotopic fractionation. Each topic will be illustrated with applications in astronomy and planetary sciences, ranging from planetary atmospheres and dense interstellar clouds to the early universe. Instructor: Blake. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge/Ay 133. The Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Review current theoretical ideas and observations pertaining to the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Topics to be covered include low-mass star formation, the protoplan-etary disk, accretion and condensation in the solar nebula, the formation of gas giants, meteorites, the outer solar system, giant impacts, extrasolar planetary systems. Instructor: Blake.

Ge 135. Tectonics and Crustal Structure of Southern California. 9 units (3-3-3); first term. Prerequisite: Ge 11 ab or Ge 101, or equivalents. Development of the Southern California region basement and its disruption by Neogene to recent tectonics, the Neogene stratigraphic record of these tectonics, the structure and kinematics of the modern plate juncture system, and the geophysical expression of these features. Three one-day weekend local field trips spaced throughout the term. Alternates with Ge 147. Instructor: Saleeby. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge 136 abc. Regional Field Geology of the Southwestern United States. 3 units (1-0-2); first, second, third terms. Prerequisite: Ge 11 ab or Ge 101, or instructor’s permission. Includes approximately three days of weekend field trips into areas displaying highly varied geology. Each student is assigned the major responsibility of being the resident expert on a pertinent subject for each trip. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Kirschvink.

Ge/Ay 137. Planetary Physics. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisites: Ph 106 abc, ACM 95/100 abc. Solar-system dynamics, with emphasis on slow changes in the orbit and rotation rates of planets and satellites. Topics: tidal friction, resonant orbits and rotation rates, gravitational fields of planets and satellites, dynamics of polar wandering, continental drift, and planetary rings. Instructor: Sari. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge 140. Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. An introduction to the physics and chemistry of isotopes and a broad overview of the principles and conceptual techniques used in the stable isotope geochemistry of the lighter elements (H, C, O, N, Si, S) and the origin and evolution of radiogenic parent-daughter systems in nature. Instructors: Eiler, Farley.

Ge/ESE 143. Organic Geochemistry. 9 units (3-2-4); first term. Prerequisite: Ch 41 a or equivalent. Introduction to the properties and cycling of natural organic materials. The course is organized to follow the global cycle of organic matter, from production in living organisms to burial and decomposition in sediments to preservation in the rock record. Specific topics include lipid biochemistry, factors controlling preservation of organic matter, organic climate proxies, diagenetic alterations of carbon skeletons, fossil fuel production and degradation, life in the deep biosphere, and biomarkers for ancient life. Laboratory component teaches the identification and quantitation of modern and ancient organic biomarkers by GC/MS. Instructor: Sessions. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge/ESE 145. Isotopic Biogeochemistry Seminar. 6 units (3-0-3); first term. Prerequisite: Ge 140 or instructor’s permission. Advanced seminar to discuss research and papers in stable isotope biogeochemistry and geobiology. Topics will vary from year to year, and may be taken multiple times for credit. Instructor: Sessions. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Ge 147. Tectonics of Western North America. 9 units (4-0-5); second term. Prerequisite: Ge 11 ab. Major tectonic features of western North America, including adjacent craton and Pacific Ocean basin. Active plate junctures, igneous provinces, crustal uplift, and basin subsidence. Tectonic evolution from late Precambrian to recent time, and modern analogues for paleotectonic phenomena. Alternates with Ge 135.Instructor: Saleeby. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

ESE/Ge 148 abc. Global Environmental Science. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

Ge/ESE 149. Marine Geochemistry. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Introduction to chemical oceanography and sediment geochemistry. We will address the question “Why is the ocean salty?” by examining the processes that determine the major, minor, and trace element distributions of seawater and ocean sediments. Topics include river and estuarine chemistry, air/sea exchange, nutrient uptake by the biota, radioactive tracers, redox processes in the water column and sediments, carbonate chemistry, and ventilation. Not offered 2007–08.

Ge 150. Planetary Atmospheres. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisites: Ch 1, Ma 2, Ph 2, or equivalents. Origin of planetary atmospheres, escape, and chemical evolution. Tenuous atmospheres: the moon, Mercury, and outer solar system satellites. Comets. Vapor-pressure atmospheres: Triton, Io, and Mars. Spectrum of dynamical regimes on Mars, Earth, Venus, Titan, and the gas giant planets. Instructor: Richardson.

Ge 151. Fundamentals of Planetary Surfaces. 9 units (3-3-3); third term. Review of surface histories and processes responsible for the formation and modification of the surfaces of the terrestrial planets and the Jovian satellites. Topics: exogenic surface processes, including impact, gravitational degradation, atmospheric modification of surfaces by wind and water, and the direct interaction of surfaces with plasmas; endogenic modification of surfaces by tectonics and volcanism; surface histories of Mercury, Venus, the moon, and Mars; the surfaces of icy bodies. Instructor: Aharonson.

ESE/Ge 152. Atmospheric Radiation. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

ESE/Ge 153. Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

Ge/ESE 154. Readings in Paleoclimate. 3 units (1-0-2); second term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Lectures and readings in areas of current interest in paleoceanography and paleoclimate. Not offered 2007–08.

Ge/ESE 155. Paleoceanography. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Evaluation of the data and models that make up our current understanding of past climates. Emphasis will be placed on a historical introduction to the study of the past ten thousand to a few hundred thousand years, with some consideration of longer timescales. Evidence from marine and terrestrial sediments, ice cores, corals, and speleothems will be used to address the mechanisms behind natural climate variability. Models of this variability will be evaluated in light of the data. Topics will include sea level and ice volume, surface temperature evolution, atmospheric composition, deep ocean circulation, tropical climate, ENSO variability, and terrestrial/ocean linkages. Instructor: Adkins.

Ge 156. Topics in Planetary Surfaces. 6 units (3-0-3); second term. Reading about and discussion of current understanding of the surface of a selected terrestrial planet, major satellite, or asteroid. Important “classic” papers will be reviewed, relative to the data that are being returned from recent and current missions. May be repeated for credit. Instructor: Aharonson.

EE/Ge 157 abc. Introduction to the Physics of Remote Sensing. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Electrical Engineering.

EE/Ge 158 ab. Application of Digital Images and Remote Sensing in the Field. 3 units (0-2-1); second term. 6 units (0-5-1); third term. For course description, see Electrical Engineering.

Ge 159. Planetary Evolution and Habitability. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Photochemistry of planetary atmospheres, comparative planetology, atmospheric evolution. What makes Earth habitable? Remote sensing of extrasolar planets, biosignatures. Instructor: Yung. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ae/Ge/ME 160 ab. Continuum Mechanics of Fluids and Solids. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Aeronautics.

Ge 161. Plate Tectonics. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisite: Ge 11 ab or equivalent. Geophysical and geological observations related to plate tectonic theory. Instantaneous and finite motion of rigid plates on a sphere; marine magnetic and paleomagnetic measurements; seismicity and tectonics of plate boundaries; reference frames and absolute plate motions. Interpretations of geologic data in the context of plate tectonics; plate tectonic evolution of the ocean basins. Instructor: Stock.

Ge 162. Seismology. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: ACM 95/100 abc or equivalent. Review of concepts in classical seismology. Topics to be covered: basic theories of wave propagation in the earth, instrumentation, Earth’s structure and tomography, theory of the seismic source, physics of earthquakes, and seismic risk. Emphasis will be placed on how quantitative mathematical and physical methods are used to understand complex natural processes, such as earthquakes. Instructor: Tromp.

Ge 163. Geodynamics. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisite: Ae/Ge/ME 160 ab. Quantitative introduction to the dynamics of the earth, including core, mantle, lithosphere, and crust. Mechanical models are developed for each of these regions and compared to a variety of data sets. Potential theory applied to the gravitational and geomagnetic fields. Special attention is given to the dynamics of plate tectonics and the earthquake cycle. Instructors: Gurnis, Simons.

Ge 164. Mineral Physics of Earth’s Interior. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisites: Ch 1 ab, Ph 1 ab, Ma 1 ab. This course will introduce and explore the mineral physics of Earth’s interior. Topics to be covered: elasticity and equations of state, vibrational and electronic properties of minerals, transport properties, phase transitions; determinations of pressure and temperature of samples under extreme conditions; application of mineral physics data to Earth and planetary interiors. A short survey will be given on experimental approaches used in mineral physics, with an emphasis on recent advances in synchrotron-based X-ray scattering methods at extreme conditions. Instructor: Jackson. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Ge 165. Geophysical Data Analysis. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisites: basic linear algebra and Fourier transforms. Introduction to modern digital analysis: discrete Fourier transforms, Z-transforms, filters, deconvolution, auto-regressive models, spectral estimation, basic statistics, 1-D wavelets, model fitting via singular valued decomposition. Instructor: Clayton.

Ge 166. Radar Imaging of the Earth for Geoscience Applications. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: Ge 165 or instructor’s permission. Basics of wave propagation and backscattering from surfaces, synthetic aperture radar imaging theory, radar signal processing, image interpretation, methods of interferometry and polarimetry. Practical experience in forming radar images from signal data, interfering them for measuring topography and surface change. Computer laboratory based on interferometric radar processing package applied to data from modern spaceborne radar sensors. Emphasis on understanding the characteristics of the images, including geophysical signals, random error sources, and signal processing artifacts. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge 168. Crustal Geophysics. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: ACM 95/100 or equivalent, or instructor’s permission. The analysis of geophysical data related to crust processes. Topics include reflection and refraction seismology, tomography, receiver functions, surface waves, and gravity. Instructor: Clayton.

Ge 169 ab. Readings in Geophysics. 6 units (3-0-3); second, third terms. Reading courses are offered to teach students to read critically the work of others and to broaden their knowledge about specific topics. Each student will be required to write a short summary of each paper that summarizes the main goals of the paper, to give an assessment of how well the author achieved those goals, and to point out related issues not discussed in the paper. Each student will be expected to lead the discussion on one or more papers. The leader will summarize the discussion on the paper(s) in writing. A list of topics offered each year will be posted on the Web. Individual terms may be taken for credit multiple times without regard to sequence. Instructor: Staff.

Ge/ESE 170. Microbial Ecology. 9 units (3-2-4); third term. Prerequisite: ESE/Bi 166. Structural, phylogenetic, and metabolic diversity of microorganisms in nature. The course explores microbial interactions, relationships between diversity and physiology in modern and ancient environments, and influence of microbial community structure on biogeochemical cycles. Introduction to ecological principles and molecular approaches used in microbial ecology and geobiological investigations. Instructor: Orphan.

ESE/Ge/Ch 171. Atmospheric Chemistry I. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

ESE/Ge/Ch 172. Atmospheric Chemistry II. 3 units (3-0-0). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

ESE/Ge 173. Topics in Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

Ge 174. Geobiological Constraints on Earth History. 9 units (3-1-5); second term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Systematic analysis of the origin and evolution of life in the solar system as read through the geological record. Effects of global glaciations, volcanism, and impact processes on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and climate of Earth. Magnetofossils, genes as fossils, banded iron stones, algal mats, stromatolites, global glaciation, mass extinction events, the Cambrian Explosion, human and molecular evolution. The course usually includes one or two major field trips, in which each student is assigned the responsibility of being the resident expert on a pertinent subject for each trip. Instructor: Kirschvink.

ESE/Ch/Ge 175 ab. Environmental Organic Chemistry. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

Ge 177 ab. Geology of Earthquakes. 12 units (3-3-6); second, third terms. Prerequisites: Ge 112 and Ge 106 or equivalent. Geologic manifestations of recent crustal deformation. Geomorphology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and mechanics applied to the study of active faults and folds in a variety of tectonic settings. Relation of seismicity and geodetic measurements to geologic structure and active tectonics processes, including case studies of selected earthquakes. Instructors: Sieh, Avouac. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Ge 179 abc. Seismological Laboratory Seminar. 1 unit; first, second, third terms. Presentation of current research in geophysics by students, staff, and visitors. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Helmberger.

Ge 190. The Nature and Evolution of the Earth. Units to be arranged. Offered by announcement only. Advanced-level discussions of problems of current interest in the earth sciences. Students may enroll for any or all terms of this course without regard to sequence. Instructor: Staff.

Ge 191. Special Topics in Geochemistry. Units to be arranged. Offered by announcement only. Advanced-level discussions of problems of current interest in geochemistry. Students may enroll for any or all terms of this course without regard to sequence. Instructor: Staff.

Ge 192. Special Topics in the Geological Sciences. Units to be arranged. Offered by announcement only. Advanced-level discussions of problems of current interest in the geological sciences. Students may enroll for any or all terms of this course without regard to sequence. Instructor: Staff.

Ge 193. Special Topics in Geophysics. Units to be arranged. Offered by announcement only. Advanced-level discussions of problems of current interest in geophysics. Students may enroll for any or all terms of this course without regard to sequence. Instructor: Staff.

Ge 194. Special Topics in the Planetary Sciences. Units to be arranged. Offered by announcement only. Advanced-level discussions of problems of current interest in the planetary sciences. Students may enroll for any or all terms of this course without regard to sequence. Instructor: Staff.

Ge 195. Special Opportunities in Field Geology. Units to be arranged. Offered by announcement only. Field experiences in different geological settings. Supporting lectures will usually occur before and during the field experience. This course will be scheduled only when special opportunities arise. Class may be taken more than once. Instructor: Staff.

Ge 196. Special Topics in Atmospheres and Oceans. Units to be arranged. Offered by announcement only. Advanced-level discussions of problems of current interest in atmospheric and ocean sciences. Instructor: Staff.

Ge 211. Applied Geophysics II. Units to be arranged. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Intensive geophysical field experience in either marine or continental settings. Marine option will include participation in a student training cruise, with several weeks aboard a geophysical research vessel, conducting geophysical measurements (multibeam bathymetry, gravity, magnetics, and seismics), and processing and interpreting the data. Supporting lectures and problem sets on the theoretical basis of the relevant geophysical techniques and the tectonic background of the survey area will occur before and during the training cruise. The course might be offered in a similar format in other isolated situations. The course will be scheduled only when opportunities arise and this usually means that only six months’ notice can be given. Auditing not permitted. Class may be taken more than once. Instructors: Stock, Clayton, Gurnis.

Ge 212. Thermodynamics of Geological Systems. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisites: Either Ch 21 abc, Ge 115 a, or equivalents. Chemical thermodynamics as applied to geological and geochemical problems. Classical thermodynamics, including stability criteria, homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria, equilibria subject to generalized constraints, equations of state, ideal and nonideal solutions, redox systems, and electrolyte conventions. Brief discussion of statistical foundations and an introduction to the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Instructor: Asimow. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge 214. Spectroscopy of Minerals. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisites: Ge 114 a, Ch 21 ab, or instructor’s permission. An overview of the interaction of minerals with electromagnetic radiation from gamma rays to microwaves. Particular emphasis is placed on visible, infrared, Raman, and Mössbauer spectroscopies as applied to mineralogical problems such as phase identification, chemical analysis, site populations, and origin of color and pleochroism. Instructor: Rossman. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge 215. Topics in Advanced Petrology. 12 units (4-0-8); second term. Prerequisite: Ge 115 ab or instructor’s permission. Lectures, readings, seminars, and/or laboratory studies in igneous or metamorphic petrology, paragenesis, and petrogenesis. The course may cover experimental, computational, or analytical methods. Format and content are flexible according to the needs of the students. Instructor: Asimow. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Ge 225 abc. Planetary Sciences Seminar. 1 unit; first, second, third terms. Required of all planetary-science graduate students; others welcome. First term: current research by staff and students. Second and third terms: planetary research with spacecraft and current developments in planetary science. Instructor: Staff.

Ge 232. Chemistry of the Solar System. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: Ge 140 or instructor’s permission. Advanced course using both chemical and isotopic data to evaluate the current state of knowledge concerning the composition of major segments of the solar system, viz., solar and meteoritic abundance data to infer the average solar-system composition; chemistry of meteorites as a clue to initial conditions in the solar nebula; bulk composition of the earth and moon; constraints on the bulk composition of the other planets, emphasizing data on atmospheric constituents. Instructor: Burnett. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge 236. Applications of Rare Gases to Earth Science Problems. 9 units (3-0-6); offered by announcement; third term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Discussion of the principles, applications, and limitations of rare gases as records of terrestrial processes. Origin and behavior of rare gases in natural systems. Specific areas to be considered include K/Ar and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating; Ar thermochronology; surface-exposure dating; rare-gas constraints on mantle evolution and models of atmosphere formation; additional applications in geology, hydrology, paleoclimatology, and oceanography. Instructor: Farley.

Ge/Bi 244. Paleobiology Seminar. 5 units (3-0-2); third term. Critical reviews and discussion of classic investigations and current research in paleoecology, evolution, and biogeochemistry. Instructor: Kirschvink.

Ge/Bi 246. Molecular Geobiology Seminar. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Recommended prerequisite: ESE/Bi 166. Critical reviews and discussion of classic papers and current research in microbiology and geo-microbiology. As the topics will vary from year to year, it may be taken multiple times. Instructor: Orphan.

Ge 261. Advanced Seismology. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Continuation of Ge 162 with special emphasis on particular complex problems; includes generalizations of analytical methods to handle nonplanar structures and methods of interfacing numerical-analytical codes in two and three dimensions; construction of Earth models using tomographic methods and synthetics. Requires a class project. Instructor: Helmberger.

Ge 262. Long-Period Seismology. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Free oscillations and surface waves. Equations of motion that govern the vibrations of the prestressed, rotating, self-gravitating Earth model. Normal modes of a spherically symmetric Earth model: toroidal and spheroidal modes, Love and Rayleigh surface waves, and mode-ray duality. Effects of rotation, hydrostatic ellipticity, and lateral heterogeneity on free oscillations. Description of an earthquake in terms of the centroid-moment tensor. Free oscillations of an anelastic Earth model: attenuation, physical dispersion, and the Kramers-Kronig relations. Instructor: Tromp. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Ge 263. Computational Geophysics. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: introductory class in geophysics, class in partial differential equations, some programming experience. Finite-difference, pseudospectral, finite-element, and spectral-element methods will be presented and applied to a number of geophysical problems including heat flow, deformation, and wave propagation. Students will program simple versions of methods. Instructors: Tromp, Gurnis, Clayton. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Ge 264. Tectonic Geodesy. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. An introduction to the use of modern geodetic observations (e.g., GPS and InSAR) to constrain crustal deformation models. Secular velocity fields, coseismic and time-dependent processes; volcano deformation and seasonal loading phenomena. Basic inverse approaches for parameter estimation and basic temporal filtering algorithms. Instructor: Simons. Not offered 2007–08.

Ae/Ge/ME 266 ab. Dynamic Fracture and Frictional Faulting. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Aeronautics.

Ge 268. Mantle Dynamics. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisites: Ge 163 and Ge 263. Analysis of mantle dynamics and connection with surface processes, especially plate tectonics. Selected problems will be examined, including the mechanics of subduction, mantle plumes, mantle convection, convective mixing, thermal evolution, and interpretation of seismic tomography. Term project using numerical models required. Instructor: Gurnis. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Ge 270. Continental Tectonics. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisites: ACM 95/100 or ACM 113; Ge 11 ab, Ge 106, Ge 162, Ge 166, or Ge 161. The nature of nonplate, finite deformation processes in the evolution of the continental lithosphere, using the Alpine orogen as an example. Rheological stratification; isostatic and flexural response to near-vertical loads; rifting and associated basin development; collision and strike-slip tectonics; deep crustal processes. Instructor: Wernicke. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Ge 277. Active Tectonics Seminar. 6 units (2-0-4); first term. Discussion of key issues in active tectonics based on a review of the literature. The topic of the seminar is adjusted every year based on students’ interest and recent literature. Instructor: Avouac.

Ge 282 abc. Division Seminar. 1 unit; first, second, third terms. Presentation of papers by invited investigators. Graded pass/fail.

Ge 297. Advanced Study. Units to be arranged.

Ge 299. Thesis Research. Original investigation, designed to give training in methods of research, to serve as theses for higher degrees, and to yield contributions to scientific knowledge.