Features in-depth survey of standard and experimental dating methods that provide absolute ages for events of the last two million years of Earth history. Includes theory and application of radiocarbon, uranium series, amino acid, thermo-luminescence, fission track, potassium/argon, hydration, light stable isotopes, and other radioactive techniques. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Examines scientific tools, data, and theories related to the dramatically varied past climate of Earth. Focus will be on marine records of climate change and ocean circulation, but ice core and continental archives will also be discussed. Course will cover the Cretaceous Period to the present, with particular emphasis on the past 150,000 years (the last ice age cycle). Department enforced requisite, restricted to graduate students only. Department enforced prereqs., introductory geology and introductory oceanography or atmospheric science.
Explores the use of stable isotope geochemistry for research questions in paleoclimatology and paleoecology. The course will cover physical and biological drivers of isotopic fractionation, systematics and applications of light elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur and boron and some less traditional isotopic systems. Applications include marine and terrestrial paleoclimate proxies and some uses for ecology and paleoecology. Same as GEOL 4675.
Provides students with the practical tools needed to make tectonic interpretations through study of the geologic history of the western United States and the geodynamic models used in interpreting that history. Paleomagnetism, geobarametry, geothermometry, geodynamic modeling, and elements of structural geology and stratigraphy are topics considered in this class. Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of GEOL 3120 and PHYS 1110 (all minimum grade D-).
Offers seminar studies in geological subjects of special current interest. Primarily for graduate students, as departmental staff and facilities permit. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours provided that topics vary. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Investigates major problems in the study and understanding of Quaternary climate variation, in seminar format. Each year one major topic will be addressed, such as: the physics and chemistry of the Ice Age ocean circulation; the theory and mechanics of glacial/interglacial atmospheric C02 change; or the origins of the 20, 40, and 100 kyr orbital (Milankovitch) climate cycles. Department enforced prereqs., introduction geology and climatology or oceanography and paleoclimatology or paleoceanography.
Explores the dynamics and forms of the earth's surface through critical reading and discussion of both classical and modern literature. May be repeated up to 10 total credit hours.
Focuses on a wide variety of topics related to crust, mantle, and whole earth tectonics. Published papers from recent peer-reviewed literature are read and discussed. The format and specific topics will vary each semester (e.g., a relatively focused theme or open format) and will in part be determined by the makeup of enrolled students. Department enforced requisite, restricted to graduate students only.
Applies field techniques to interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Field exercises and lectures focus on collecting data required to map igneous and metamorphic rock units. Department enforced requisite, restricted to graduate students only. Department enforced prereqs., GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and GEOL 3020. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
Methods of field study of structure of rocks, including observations, data collection, and interpretation to understand geometry of deformation and causative processes and kinematics. Field projects are mapped using different scales, air photos, topographic maps, and compass and tape. Department enforced prereqs., GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and GEOL 3020. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
Applies geophysical field techniques and data interpretation to studying geological and engineering problems. Fieldwork includes seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical measurements. Department enforced requisite, restricted to graduate students only. Department enforced prereqs., GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and MATH 1300 and PHYS 1110. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
Introduces various field techniques and data analysis methods in hydrogeologic studies for students in geology, environmental studies, geography, and civil engineering. Exercises include mapping ground water levels, conducting slug and pumping tests, measuring steam flows, interpreting aquifer parameters from geophysical measurements, and using field data for water budget analysis. Department prereq., GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
Develops basic field skills in the most commonly performed tasks required for the environmental characterization of solid and aqueous wastes. Media of study include soils, stream sediments, surface waters, ground waters, and atmospheric particulates. Department enforced prereqs., GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and CHEM 1011 and CHEM 1031 or CHEM 1113 or CHEM 1133 and GEOL 3320. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
Studies geologic features in and around Colorado to gain an overview of the geologic and tectonic evolution of the western U.S. Department enforced requisite, restricted to graduate students only. Department enforced prereqs., GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and at least one of the following: GEOL 3120 or GEOL 3320 or GEOL 3430. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
Examines processes operating on the surfaces of solid planets and in their interiors. Emphasizes spacecraft observations, their interpretation, the relationship to similar processes on Earth, the relationship between planetary surfaces and interiors, and the integrated geologic histories of the terrestrial planets and satellites. Same as ASTR 5800. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Covers the structure, composition, and dynamics of planetary atmospheres. Includes the origin of planetary atmospheres, chemistry and cloud physics, greenhouse effects, climate, and the evolution of planetary atmospheres - past and future. Same as ATOC 5810 and ASTR 5810.
Considers the origin and evolution of planetary systems, including protoplanetary disks, condensation in the solar nebula, composition of meteorites, planetary accretion, comets, asteroids, planetary rings, and extrasolar planets. Applies celestial mechanics to the dynamical evolution of solar system bodies. Same as ASTR 5820 and ATOC 5820. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Current topics in planetary science, based on recent discoveries, spacecraft observations, or other developments. Focuses on a specific topic each time it is offered, such as Mars, Venus, Galilean satellites, exobiology, comets, or extrasolar planets. Department enforced requisite, restricted to graduate students in the physical sciences. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours, provided the topics vary. Same as ATOC/ASTR 5830.
Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Same as ATOC 5835 and ASTR 5835. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
