Courses

ERTH-2100 Introduction to Geophysics An introduction to various aspects of the study of the physics of the Earth. Stress and strain, deformation, isostasy, seismic waves, earthquakes, Earth structure, resource exploration, Earth dynamics, plate tectonics, mountain building, gravity and geodesy, magnetic field, and heat flow. Included are weekly labs and occasional field exercises. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

ERTH-4570 Solid Earth Geophysics The course will cover the physics of the Earth's interior, including a survey of its evolution, rotation, gravity and tides, seismicity, internal heat, magnetism, and tectonics. Sprint term even-numbered years. 4 credit hours

ERTH- Applied Geophysics The principal physical tools used in petroleum and mineral exploration will be treated, including seismic, gravitational, magnetic, electrical, and radioactivity methods. Case histories will be discussed. Prerequisite: 76259. Fall term even-numbered years. 4 credit hours

Geodynamics and Global Tectonics Quantitative study of a broad range of geologic processes using continuum physics. Topics include magnetism, stress and strain, elasticity, flexure, gravity, fluid mechanics applied to such problems as paleomagnetism, plate tectonics, crustal strain, bending of the lithosphere under a variety of loads, the Earth's shape, postglacial rebound, diapirism, folding, mantle convection, thermodynamics of the lithosphere. Extensive problem solving. Fall term even-numbered years. 4 credit hours

ERTH 4750 GIS in Science Introduction to relational analysis and interpretation of spatial data and their presentation on maps (using MapInfo software). Geographic spatial data concepts covered are map projections, reference frames, multivariate analysis, correlation analysis, regression, interpolation, exptrapolation, and kriging. Database concepts of building and manipulating a spatial database, SQL, spatial queries, and integration of graphic and tabular data are covered. During each class we will discuss topics and do examples. Related take-home exercises will be assigned. Students will occasionally be asked to present their weekly assignment to the rest of the class. Each student will do a semester-long project on some topic of particular interest to them, but also of relevance to the class. These projects will be presented to the class at the last meeting. 4 credit hours.

ERTH-4650 Seismology Study of phenomena associated with earthquakes. Topics include elastic wave propagation, earthquake source mechanics, and seismic risk analysis. Prerequisite: 76457 or 76458. Fall term odd-numbered years. 3 credit hours

ERTH-6940 Readings in Geology 1 to 3 credit hours

ERTH-6960 Special Topics in Geology 1 to 3 credit hours

ERTH-6580 Seminar in Geophysics: Selected Topics General topics in advanced geophysics vary each time the seminar is offered. Previous subjects covered include crustal deformation, inverse theory, global positioning system, and seismic wave propagation. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Spring term even-numbered years. 3 credit hours

Last updated 9/20/2004

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