Geology (GEOL)
1110.
Physical Geology.
(3)
This course is an introduction to our dynamic Earth, introducing students to the materials that make up Earth (rocks and minerals) and the processes that create and modify the features of our planet. The course will help students learn how mountains are formed, how volcanoes erupt, where earthquakes occur, and how water, wind, and ice can shape the landscape. Students will also develop a basic understanding of the ways humans have altered the planet including our impact on natural resources and global climate change.
Students are encouraged but not required to enroll concurrently in 1110L.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
1110L.
Physical Geology Laboratory.
(1)
Students will learn to identify rocks and minerals in hand samples, work with topographic maps, geologic maps, and geologic cross-sections, and apply stratigraphic principles to explore geologic time.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Pre- or corequisite: 1110.
{Fall, Spring}
1140.
Geological Disasters.
(3)
This course will incorporate an overview of the geological processes that result in natural disasters and the input humans have on the amplification or mitigation of these natural disasters. We will examine past catastrophes and discuss the probability of such disasters occurring again. Hazards investigated will include, but not be limited to earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami, hurricanes, floods, landslides, and astronomical events such as meteor and comet collisions with Earth. We will investigate the data obtained from recent disasters and explore the costs in human and economic terms.
1996.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of an undergraduate Senior-level thesis.
2110C.
Historical Geology Lecture and Laboratory.
(4)
Elrick, Smith.
Origin and history of the Earth including age of the planet and dating of rocks, changing configurations of oceans and continents as a result of plate tectonics, records of climate change, history of formation and erosion of mountain chains, origin and evolution of life and causes of extinction. Required field trip and lab exercises permit understanding of how Earth history is interpreted from the geologic rock record.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: 1110 or ENVS 1130.
Pre- or corequisite: 1110L or ENVS 1130L.
{Fall, Spring}
2140.
Geology of New Mexico.
(3)
Kues.
This course is a tour of the geologic history and natural places of New Mexico. Students will explore the materials (rocks and minerals) that make up New Mexico and the processes that created and continue to shape our state. Students will learn about mountains, rivers and seas that have come and gone, and New Mexico’s rich fossil heritage. Students will discover where and why volcanoes erupted, and where natural resources are found and extracted.
2430.
Volcanoes!.
(3)
Fischer.
Types of volcanoes and eruption products, role of volcanism in planetary evolution, volcanoes as sources of geothermal energy and mineral deposits, volcanic hazards and disasters, environmental effects of volcanic eruptions.
Prerequisite: 1110 or ENVS 1130.
2996.
Topics.
(1-3 to a maximum of 3 Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of an undergraduate Senior-level thesis.
{Fall, Spring}
