Professor Creasy; Associate Professors Retelle and Eusden, Chair; Assistant Professor Johnson; Mr. Clough

Located in the northern Appalachian mountains, the College affords students excellent opportunities for study and research in the geological sciences. The curriculum utilizes this setting by stressing field-oriented and laboratory-supported inquiry into bedrock, surficial, and environmental geology. This program leads students and faculty alike to a fuller understanding and appreciation of the geological sciences.

Environmental Geology (102), The Surface of the Earth and Global Environmental Change (103), Plate Tectonics, Mountains and Climate (104), Impacts and Mass Extinctions (115), and Lunar and Planetary Science (110) introduce students to areas of active research and current interest in earth and environmental sciences and are vehicles for acquiring a basic understanding of processes that have formed and continue to shape the earth and other planets.

Short Term units in geology offer a unique experience to students. Geologic field methods, mapping techniques, and geochemical analyses are learned in a variety of spectacular settings, including Australia, the Canadian Arctic, the American Southwest, the Caledonides of Scotland, and the lakes, mountains, and coast of Maine.

Major Requirements. The major requirements include two courses at the 100 level, four courses at the 200 level (Geology 230, 223, 240, and 210), two elective courses at the 300 level, and a geology Short Term unit. The program in geology culminates in a two-semester senior research experience (Geology 457 and 458) that consists of an original contribution based on field and/or laboratory investigations by the student under the supervision of a faculty committee.

For the B.S. degree a student is required to complete Chemistry 107 and 108, Physics 107 and 108, and Math 105 and 106 or their equivalents. The B.S. degree is recommended for students planning careers in geology or environmental science.

Interdisciplinary Interests. The departmental course offerings allow a maximum of flexibility to meet individual interests. Students with environmental interests are encouraged to choose a major in geology or environmental studies with a geology concentration or a double major involving geology and another natural science such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Students contemplating a major in geology or an interdisciplinary major or double major must consult with the geology faculty during their second year to plan an appropriate program of study. All programs are subject to departmental approval.

Pass/Fail Grading Option. Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses counting toward the major except for 100-level courses.

General Education. The following sets are available: any two 100-level courses. The quantitative requirement may be satisfied by Geology 110, 115, 210, 223, 230, 240, or s22.

Courses
102. Environmental Geology. Environmental geology considers the interaction between geologic processes and human activities. The course first examines the basic processes controlling our environment (e.g., atmospheric circulation, ocean circulation, plate tectonics, and the hydrologic cycle). It then examines hazardous earth processes (e.g., rivers and flooding, landslides, and coastal erosion) and human impacts on the environment (e.g., water/air pollution and waste management.) The laboratory is a set of applied exercises relevant to Maine environmental geology, and includes field trips to the coast. Enrollment limited to 52. B. Johnson.

103. The Surface of the Earth and Global Environmental Change. The earth's surface environments are in a constant state of change resulting from the interaction of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Changes on the surface occur on various time scales from brief, severe storms to glaciations lasting thousands of years. Studies of surficial processes and materials illustrate the dynamic nature of the earth and provide a key to understanding past and future environmental change. The lecture is complemented with field and laboratory study. Field experiences include day trips to the Saco River, the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, and Acadia National Park. Enrollment limited to 52. M. Retelle.

104. Plate Tectonics, Mountains, and Climate. Plate tectonic theory provides a model for the origin and evolution of mountains, which in turn influence long-term global climate. The slow and steady movements of lithospheric plates govern the distribution of rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, and continents. Study of active and ancient tectonism reveals dramatic past, present, and future global environmental changes. The laboratory illustrates the tectonic history of the earth's crust through interpretation of geologic and tectonic maps and rocks. Field trips include day trips to local quarries, Mt. Washington, and the Maine coast. Enrollment limited to 52. J. Eusden, J. Creasy.

105. History of Earth and Life. The newly formed earth was a vision of Hades: molten rock, noxious gases, and cataclysmic bombardment. Today the earth is an oasis in space. The intervening 4.5 billion years are marked by incremental change, rapid transitions, and periodic catastrophes that have made earth's atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere unique. Life flourishes on earth today even though it originated in earlier, less equable times. Indeed, the evolution of the biosphere and of planet earth are interwoven. This course examines the history of earth and of life from Hadean times to the present. Laboratory includes field trips, discussion, and written assignments. Enrollment limited to 52. J. Creasy.

110. Lunar and Planetary Science. An introduction to the solar system using the methods of physics and geology. The historical development of our understanding of planetary motion leads to the contemporary view of celestial mechanics essential to exploration by spacecraft. The composition, formation, and age of the solar system are examined, together with the physical processes involved in the development of planetary interiors and surfaces. Basic algebra and geometry are used throughout. Laboratory work emphasizes the principles of remote sensing and exploration technology. Nighttime telescope work is expected. This course is the same as Astronomy 110. Enrollment limited to 56. G. Clough.

112. Oceanography. An integrated, interdisciplinary overview of the chemistry, physics, geology, and biology of the world's oceans. Topics include chemical and physical properties of sea water, ocean circulation, evolution of ocean basins, coastal geomorphology, the distribution and abundance of organisms in the major marine communities, the status of the world's most important fisheries, and the role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 110 or 210. This course is the same as Biology 112. W. Ambrose. Course cross-listed beginning Fall 2002.

115. Impacts and Mass Extinctions. What happens when a ten-kilometer rock, traveling at forty kilometers per second, hits the earth? As the dinosaurs discovered sixty-five million years ago, it is not a pretty picture. Scientists now believe that such catastrophically violent collisions, apparently common in the past, are inevitable in the future as well. But impacts alone may not explain the mass extinction events that have shaped the history of life on earth; global-scale volcanism and climate change are examples of more familiar processes. This course examines the role of impacts in the earth's history and the heated debate regarding the causes of mass extinctions. Laboratory meetings include experiments, discussion, and written assignments. This course is the same as Astronomy 115. Enrollment limited to 64. Not open to students who have received credit for First-Year Seminar 154 or Geology 105. J. Creasy, E. Wollman.

181. Introduction to Paleontology. Evolutionary principles above the species level are illustrated by studying the evolution of the vertebrates. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 281. This course is the same as Biology 181. E. Minkoff. Course cross-listed beginning Fall 2002.

210. Sedimentology. The study of modern sedimentary processes and environments provides geologists with a basis for comparison with ancient deposits preserved in the rock record. When viewed in light of modern plate-tectonic models, the analysis of modern sedimentary environments and reconstruction of ancient environments permit stratigraphic reconstructions at regional and global scales. Laboratory work includes studies of processes and interpretation of modern and ancient depositional systems. Prerequisite(s): any two introductory geology courses or one introductory geology course and one of the following: Chemistry 107A, Chemistry/Environmental Studies 107B, Mathematics 105, or Physics 107. M. Retelle.

223. Rock-forming Minerals. Geochemical processes that occur in the lithosphere, such as the formation of rocks, are understood through the study of minerals. This course covers the principles of crystal chemistry and the occurrence, composition, and compositional variation of the common silicate minerals. The laboratory involves hand-specimen identification and determination of mineral composition by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Prerequisite(s): any introductory geology course. Corequisite(s) or Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 107A or Chemistry/ Environmental Studies 107B. J. Creasy.

230. Structural Geology. The processes of mountain building and plate tectonics are understood by observing the structure and architecture of rocks. This course explores the nature and types of structures present in rocks that make up the earth's crust. Fundamental concepts and principles of deformation are examined in a variety of field settings. The laboratory introduces the techniques used in descriptive and kinematic structural analysis. Several one-day excursions and one several-day field trip take place throughout Maine and the mountains of the northern Appalachians. Prerequisite(s): any two introductory geology courses or one introductory geology course and Chemistry 107A or Chemistry/ Environmental Studies 107B, or Physics 107 or Mathematics 105. J. Eusden.

240. Low Temperature Geochemistry. This course is an introduction to the chemistry of geological processes that occur at the earth's surface. Basic concepts are presented in the framework of biogeochemical cycling of the major components of the earth system through geologic time. The physical behavior and chemical interactions between the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, the geosphere, and the biosphere are explored both prior to and after humans became a significant environmental factor on the earth. Topics revolve largely around the hydrologic cycle and include the chemistry of surface and groundwater, rainwater and atmospheric chemistry, and chemical weathering of rocks and minerals. The laboratory includes field trips, chemical analysis of water and sediment samples, written reports and problem sets. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level geology course and Chemistry 107A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 107B. Enrollment limited to 20. B. Johnson.

266. Groundwater Hydrology. The course explores groundwater hydrology through such topics as aquifer identification, groundwater movement, aquifer tests and data analysis, contamination and remediation, groundwater supply, and well construction. Through lectures, reading, independent study, and field and laboratory exercises, the student is introduced to the geohydrologic cycle, and the effects of human interaction on this important natural resource. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Geology 103, 104, or 105. Recommended background: Mathematics 105. Staff.

310. Quaternary Geology. The Quaternary Period, representing the last 1.6 million years of geologic history, is characterized by extreme climatic fluctuations with effects ranging from globally synchronous glacier expansions to periods warmer than present. Records of the climatic fluctuations are contained in sediments on land and in the oceans and lakes and also in the stratigraphy of ice caps. This course examines the various climate proxy records and the dating methods used to constrain them. Fieldwork focuses on the recovery of sediment cores from local lakes, while indoor labs emphasize physical, chemical, and paleontological analyses of the sediment cores. Prerequisite(s): Geology 210. M. Retelle.

315. Glacial Geology. Glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets are presently located in high latitude and high altitude areas of the globe. However, during the height of the last ice age, about 18,000 years ago, major ice sheets extended to mid-latitudes from the polar regions and to lower elevations in mountainous regions of low latitudes. Lectures investigate processes of modern glaciers, evidence for former extent, and the cause of climatic variability between glacial and interglacial periods. The laboratory introduces students to glaciogenic sediments, stratigraphic analysis, glacial landforms, and field mapping. Several one-day local field trips and one overnight field trip take students to sites in Maine and northern New England. Prerequisite(s): Geology 210. M. Retelle.

325. Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry. The intent of this course is for students to become proficient in geologic applications of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Microscopic textural analyses of rocks and minerals, X-ray microanalysis of minerals, and compositional imaging and digital image processing are techniques performed in this course. Students are trained in the use of the SEM/EDS system and a variety of sample preparation methods. Lectures focus on the theoretical aspects of electron microscopy as well as the methods and interpretations of data collected using the SEM/EDS. Students work individually or in small teams on a self-designed research or curriculum development project involving the SEM/EDS. Prerequisite(s): Geology 223. J. Eusden.

360. Independent Study. Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair is required. Students may register for no more than one independent study per semester. Staff.

364. Plate Tectonics, Climate Change, and Landscape. Plate tectonics and climate often interact in profound ways. For example, high rainfall creates rapid erosion that reduces the height of compressional mountain ranges; ash plumes from arc volcanism may trigger global cooling and also restore water to the atmosphere and oceans. This seminar explores these and other relationships with a focus on active tectonic environments and today's climate as well as paleoclimate change and ancient tectonics. Students give in-class presentations on these topics from the current literature and investigate in the lab the fundamentals of tectonic processes. They also participate in field excursions to rock exposures demonstrating the relationships between ancient tectonics and paleoclimate in the Appalachians. Prerequisite(s): Geology 230. J. Eusden.

367. Biogeochemistry and Paleoclimatology. Chemical analyses of biologically synthesized compounds preserved in the geologic record have recently taken on an increased importance for reconstructing environmental and climatic chance through time. For example, the concentrations and stable isotopic analyses of lipid biomarkers (e.g., n-fatty acids, n-alkanols, sterols) extracted from core sediments reflect shifts in vegetation as it responds to environmental and climatic conditions through time. This course focuses on the recent use of compound-specific concentration data and stable isotopic data on geologic materials (i.e., core sediments, bones, shells, potsherds) as well as other proxies for reconstructing paleoclimatology. The laboratory includes field work and laboratory-based research projects using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection for analysis of biochemicals preserved in geologic samples. Prerequisite(s): Geology 240. Open to first-year students. Enrollment is limited to 16. B. Johnson. New course beginning Winter 2002 semester.

365. Special Topics. A course reserved for a special topic selected by the department. Written permission of the instructor is required. Staff.

381. The Lithosphere. The formation and occurrence of rocks in the lithosphere are directly relatable to plate tectonic processes. Specific tectonic environments such as rift valleys or oceanic subduction zones are characterized by specific assemblages of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The course examines rock assemblages typical of global tectonic environments, the processes by which they are generated, and the methods by which they are studied. The laboratory is project-oriented and includes field studies, optical and X-ray analytical techniques, and written reports. Prerequisite(s): Geology 223. J. Creasy.

391. Seminar in Appalachian Geology. A description of the Appalachian Mountain Belt. The purpose is to understand the tectonic evolution of the Appalachian Mountains. Plate tectonic models that are particularly helpful in enhancing our understanding are discussed in detail. Students are expected to do independent work and to give oral and written reports. Fieldwork includes several day trips and an overnight traverse through the northern Appalachians of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Geology 210, 223, or 230. J. Eusden.

457–458. Senior Thesis. The thesis is a program of independent research conducted by the student, on a field and/or laboratory problem, under the direction of a faculty mentor. All seniors must take both courses and participate in the regularly scheduled weekly seminar. Such participation includes preparation of a thesis proposal and a thesis outline, timely submission of written results, and oral progress reports of thesis research. Students are responsible for scheduling individual meetings with their faculty committee. A final thesis document is submitted by the student at the end of the winter semester. All nonhonors theses in 2001–2002 are due 29 March. A public presentation and an oral defense are scheduled during reading week of the winter semester. Students register for Geology 457 in the fall semester and for Geology 458 in the winter semester. Staff.

Short Term Units
s22. The Exploration of Space. This unit is an intensive introduction to space exploration, emphasizing the science and technology upon which it is based. The unit is conducted as multiple parallel short courses, with topics including the mechanical engineering of spacecraft design, the mathematics of space navigation, the political history of space exploration, and the significance of exploration in the human experience. The unit makes extensive use of NASA data, films, and other materials. Recommended background: proficiency in high school algebra and trigonometry. This unit is the same as Astronomy s22. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 30. G. Clough.

s28. Paleoenvironments in Maine. This laboratory and field-based unit examines paleoenvironmental information derived from biochemicals preserved in the geologic record of Maine. The focus is on the late and postglacial record archived in lake, marine, and salt marsh sediments. Fieldwork includes the study of stratigraphic sections and recovery of core materials. Lab work involves the analysis of the physical nature and biochemical composition of the sediments for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Students acquire basic biogeochemical laboratory skills using organic glassware and gas chromatography (GC), and gain an understanding of the power of biogeochemistry for paleoenvironmental research. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level geology course. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 10. B. Johnson, M. Retelle. New unit description beginning Short Term 2002.

s29. The Last Ice Age in New England. This field and laboratory unit examines evidence for glaciation and deglaciation in New England. The region is rich in classical examples of landforms and stratigraphic sections from the alpine zones of Mt. Katahdin and Mt. Washington to glacial marine deposits in the coastal lowlands of Maine and glacial lacustrine settings in the interior valleys of Central New England. Surficial geologic mapping skills and techniques for stratigraphic analysis are developed through a series of field projects undertaken on several-day field trips. Prerequisite(s): any introductory geology course. Enrollment limited to 12. M. Retelle.

s34. Field Geology in the Cordillera. A mobile course in geologic field methods and mapping provides experience with a wide variety of rock types and structural styles in the Cordillera. Detailed studies are done at several sites in the Foreland Fold and Thrust Belt of New Mexico and Colorado, the Colorado Plateau of Arizona and Utah, and the Basin and Range Province. Recommended for majors. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level geology course. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 10. Written permission of the instructor is required. J. Creasy.

s38. Geologic and Biologic Field Studies in the Canadian Arctic. This unit examines the biology and Quaternary geology of the eastern Canadian Arctic. Research focuses on glaciology, snow hydrology, and sedimentation in fjords and lakes, and the adaptations required of terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals to survive in the Arctic. Students prepare geologic and vegetation maps, examine animal distributions, study modern fjord and lacustrine environments, and collect and analyze water and sediment samples from lake and marine environments. Emphasis is placed on the relations between biological and geological patterns. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Biology 201 or any introductory geology course. Recommended background: field experience in geology or biology. This unit is the same as Biology s38. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 12. Written permission of the instructor is required. M. Retelle, W. Ambrose.

s39. Geology of the Maine Coast by Sea Kayak. Six hundred million years of geologic history are preserved in the spectacular rock exposures of the Maine coast. Students learn how to interpret this geologic history by completing four one-week bedrock mapping projects of coastal exposures on offshore islands. Islands in Casco Bay, Penobscot Bay, and Acadia National Park are used as both base camps and field sites for these projects. Travel to and from these islands is done in sea kayaks. Students are trained in kayaking techniques, sea kayak rescue and safety, and low-impact camping by a certified kayak instructor who stays with the group for the entire Short Term. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. Participants must be able to swim. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level geology course. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 10. J. Eusden.

s46. Internship in the Natural Sciences. Off-campus participation by qualified students as team members in an experimental program in a laboratory or field setting, by specific arrangement and prior department approval only. Staff.

s50. Independent Study. Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair is required. Students may register for no more than one independent study during a Short Term. Staff.

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Last Modified: 2/19/02 by mkm