Geology and Geophysics
Kline Geology Laboratory, 432.3124
www.geology.yale.edu/
M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Chair
David Bercovici
Director of Graduate Studies
John Wettlaufer
Professors
Jay Ague, David Bercovici, Mark Brandon, Derek Briggs, Leo Buss, Michael Donoghue, Jacques Gauthier, Thomas Graedel, Leo Hickey, Shun-ichiro Karato, Jeffrey Park, Danny Rye, Adolf Seilacher (Visiting), Steven Sherwood, Brian Skinner, Ronald Smith, Karl Turekian, George Veronis, Elisabeth Vrba, John Wettlaufer
Associate Professors
Ruth Blake, David Evans, Jun Korenaga, Mark Pagani
Assistant Professors
Hagit Aflek, Alexey Fedorov
Lecturer
Catherine Skinner
Fields of Study
Fields include geochemistry and petrology, geophysics, mineral physics, seismology and geodynamics, structural geology and tectonics, paleontology and paleoecology, and oceanography, meteorology, and climatology.
Special Admissions Requirements
The department welcomes applicants oriented toward the earth sciences who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in such fields as biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or physics, as well as those trained in geological, geophysical, and geochemical sciences. Scores from a pertinent GRE Subject Test are desirable but not required. The TOEFL or IELTS exam is required for all applicants for whom English is a second language.
Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
There is no formal language requirement and no required curriculum. Students plan their course of study in consultation with their adviser to meet individual interests and needs and to lay the foundations for dissertation research. At the end of the first year the faculty reviews the standing of each student. A student recommended for continuation in the Ph.D. program will be so notified. Some students may be encouraged at that time to pursue only the M.S. degree. At the end of the second year the faculty reviews each student’s overall performance to determine whether he or she is qualified to continue for the Ph.D. degree. In order to qualify, a student must have met the Graduate School Honors requirement and maintained a better than passing record in the areas of concentration. Also a student must have satisfied the requirements of the Qualifying Exam by having completed two Research Discourses termed (according to their degree of development) the Minor and the Major Discourses. The Major Discourse will be presented at the Qualifying Presentation, followed by an extended question period wherein the student must successfully defend both Discourses. Remaining degree requirements include a dissertation review in the third year; the preparation and defense of the dissertation; and the submission of the dissertation to the Graduate School. The department requires that an additional copy, for which the student will be reimbursed, be deposited with the librarian of the Kline Geology Library.
Teaching experience is regarded as an integral part of the graduate training program in Geology and Geophysics. For that reason all students are required to serve as teaching fellows (5 hours per week) for two terms during the course of their predoctoral training.
Master’s Degrees
M.Phil. See Degree Requirements.
M.S. Awarded only to students who are not continuing for the Ph.D. Students are not admitted for this degree. Minimum requirements include satisfactory performance in a course of study (typically 6 or more courses) that is approved by the DGS, and a research project with the approval of the DGS and the student’s thesis committee.
Program materials are available at www.geology.yale.edu/ or upon request to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Geology and Geophysics, Yale University, PO Box 208109, New Haven CT 06520-8109; e-mail, dgs@geology.yale.edu.
Courses
G&G 500bu,Mineral Deposits. Brian Skinner.
An introduction to the formation and distribution of mineral deposits.
G&G 501au,Radiative Processes in Astrophysics and Geophysics. Sarbani Basu.
MW 9–10.15
Theory of radiation fields and their propagation through media. Applications to stellar and planetary atmospheres and the interstellar medium including planetary energy balance and climate, terrestrial optical phenomena, solar physics, high-energy phenomena, and remote sensing. Also ASTR 540au.
G&G 502au,Introduction to Geochemistry. Mark Pagani.
MW 11.35–12.50
Basic principles of geochemistry and their use in geological science. Thermodynamics of aqueous and igneous systems. Element fractionation and isotope geochemistry. Biogeochemical cycles, geochronology, cosmochemistry.
G&G 504au,Minerals and Human Health. Catherine Skinner.
TTh 11.35–12.50
Study of the interrelations between earth materials and processes, and personal and public health. The transposition of the chemical elements essential for life from the environment.
[G&G 505au,Geochemistry of Planetary Evolution.]
[G&G 506bu,Chemical Cycles, Pollution, and the Global Environment.]
[G&G 507a, Radiogenic Isotopes and Geochronology.]
[G&G 511a, Stratigraphic Principles and Applications.]
G&G 513au,Invertebrate Paleontology: Evolving Form and Function. Derek Briggs, Adolf Seilacher.
MW 11.35–12.50
Exploration of the constraints and potentials that controlled adaptive radiation in the evolution of the invertebrate skeleton, including the diversity of body plans and functional morphology.
[G&G 515bu,Paleobotany.]
[G&G 516au,The Invertebrates.]
[G&G 517Lau,Laboratory for the Invertebrates.]
[G&G 518au,Trace Fossil Analysis.]
G&G 519au,Introduction to the Physics and Chemistry of Earth Materials. Shun-ichiro Karato.
TTh 11.35–12.50
Basic principles that control the physical and chemical properties of earth materials. Equation of state, phase transformations, chemical reactions, elastic properties, diffusion, kinetics of reaction, and mass/energy transport.
[G&G 521bu,Geophysical Fluid Dynamics.]
[G&G 522au,Physics of Weather and Climate.]
G&G 523bu,Theory of Climate. Alexey Fedorov.
TTh 11.35–12.50
An introduction to climate dynamics. Special emphasis on phenomena controlled by large-scale interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, from El Niño to decadal climate variability. Topics include conceptual models of climate, general circulation of the atmosphere, ocean-wind-driven and thermohaline circulations, abrupt climate changes, climate modeling by means of GCMs.
G&G 524a, Mathematical Methods in Geophysics. George Veronis.
HTBA
Introduction to the mathematical methods essential to the quantitative study of phenomena in continuum mechanics broadly defined. Covered are aspects of analysis and solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, including perturbation theory, linear algebra, and related systems. Examples are drawn from problems in the Earth and planetary sciences.
G&G 525a, Introduction to Continuum Mechanics. David Bercovici.
TTh 9–10.15
Introduction to the physics of continuous media, with applications to physical, natural, and biological sciences and engineering. Topics include tensor analysis; analysis of stress, motion, and strain; conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; rheology; examples in fluid dynamics, elasticity theory, and other topics at the discretion of instructor. Also ENAS 761a.
G&G 526bu,Introduction to Earth and Planetary Physics. Jun Korenaga.
MWF 10.30–11.20
Composition and structure of the Earth; seismological models; geochemical models; material properties in the Earth (elasticity, anelasticity, viscosity); specific topics on Earth structure (crust, mantle, core).
[G&G 527b, Dynamics of Earth and Planets.]
[G&G 530au,Large-Scale Atmospheric Motions I.]
[G&G 531bu,Large-Scale Atmospheric Motions II.]
G&G 533au,Paleogeography. David Evans.
TTh 2.30–3.45, 1 HTBA
Quantitative methods for measuring horizontal motions on the surface of the Earth. Histories of continental motions and supercontinents during the past three billion years. True polar wander. Foundations of paleomagnetism, including experience with field sampling and laboratory data acquisition.
G&G 535au,Physical Oceanography. Alexey Fedorov.
TTh 11.35–12.50
An introduction to ocean dynamics and physical processes controlling the large-scale ocean circulation, ocean stratification, the Gulf Stream, wind-driven waves, tides, tsunamis, coastal upwelling, and other oceanic phenomena. Modern observational, theoretical, and numerous techniques used to study the ocean. The ocean role in climate.
G&G 536b, Atmospheric Waves, Convection, and Vortices. Ronald Smith.
This is an advanced course on atmospheric dynamics covering internal gravity waves, mountain waves and wind storms, the turbulent boundary layer, vortices (tornados, hurricanes, frontal cyclones, lee eddies, and rotors), K-H and vortex stability, and convection-mean flow interaction. Basic principles are emphasized.
G&G 538b, Computational Methods in Astrophysics and Geophysics. Paolo Coppi.
The analytic and numerical/computational tools necessary for effective research in astronomy, geophysics, and related disciplines. Topics include numerical solutions to differential equations, spectral methods, and Monte Carlo simulations. Applications are made to common astrophysical and geophysical problems including fluids and N-body simulations. Also ASTR 520b.
G&G 540au,Geomicrobiology: Microbial Processes in the Geologic Environment. Ruth Blake.
TTh 1–2.15
A laboratory-based course providing interdisciplinary practical training in geomicrobiological methods including microbial enrichment and cultivation techniques; light, epifluorescence, and electron microscopy; and molecular methods (DNA extraction, PCR, T-RFLP, FISH).
G&G 550au,Paleontology and Evolutionary Theory. Elisabeth Vrba.
TTh 11.35–12.50
Current concepts in evolutionary and systematic theory with particular reference to how they apply to the fossil record. Emphasis on use of paleontological data to study evolutionary processes.
G&G 556bu,Introduction to Seismology. Jeffrey Park.
HTBA
[G&G 557b, Advanced Seismology.]
[G&G 560au,Theory of Viscous Flow.]
G&G 562au,Remote Sensing: Observing the Earth from Space. Ronald Smith and staff.
TTh 9–10.15
Topics include the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation; satellite-borne radiometers; data transmission and storage; computer image analysis; and GIS analysis of satellite imagery with applications to weather and climate, oceanography, surficial geology, snow and ice, forestry, agriculture, and watershed management. Also ARCG 762au,EMD 548a.
G&G 567bu,Geochemical Approaches to Archaeology. Karl Turekian.
MWF 9.25–10.15
The use of geochemical techniques to address archaeological problems including radioactive dating, source identification, and production of artifacts, all in the context of environmental constraints in human development.
[G&G 602bu,Paleoclimates.]
G&G 610b, Advanced Topics in Macroevolution. Elisabeth Vrba.
A seminar course for graduate students, and selected undergraduates with a suitable prior background, in which we read and discuss publications on various macroevolutionary topics and current debates. The particular subject matter varies from year to year, often being decided by student request for a specific topic, and is announced before the start of the term. Permission of instructor is required.
G&G 611a, Advanced Stratigraphy. Leo Hickey.
The theory and practice of stratigraphy for those who have a basic grounding in the field. After several lectures, the course is then conducted as a series of topical seminars chosen by the instructor and the participants.
[G&G 615b, Fluid Flow and Chemical Reaction in Geologic Systems.]
[G&G 617b, Leaf Architecture of the Flowering Plants.]
G&G 618a, Petrology of Light Stable Isotopes. Danny Rye.
The principles and applications of light stable isotopes to geological materials.
G&G 621b, Geochemistry of Heavy and Radioactive Isotopes in Rock Systems. Danny Rye.
The principles and application of radioactive and radiogenic isotopes to geological materials.
G&G 631a, Vertebrate Paleontology: Phylogeny of Vertebrates. Jacques Gauthier.
HTBA
This seminar course offers a detailed look at current issues in the phylogeny, anatomy, and evolution of fossil and recent vertebrates. Lectures review the broad outline of vertebrate phylogeny and evolution. Lab section is required.
[G&G 650bu,Time-Dependent Deformation of Earth Materials.]
G&G 655au,Extraordinary Glimpses of Past Life. Derek Briggs, Adolf Seilacher.
MW 11.35–12.50
The fossil record is typically limited to the hard parts of organisms. In exceptional settings, called lagerstaetten, more complete and even nonmineralized animal skeletons are preserved. These peepholes into the history of life (e.g., the Burgess Shale, Solnhofen limestones) are examined to reveal ancient life styles, environments, and preservational processes.
G&G 657a, Marine, Atmospheric, and Surficial Geochemistry. Karl Turekian.
MWF 9.25–10.15
The processes at the Earth’s surface including the atmosphere, oceans, ice caps, and the upper layers of crust are the subjects of the course with the insights gained from radioactive, radiogenic, and light stable isotopes.
[G&G 660a, Diagenesis, Weathering, and Geochemical Cycles.]
G&G 666a, Statistical Thermodynamics for Astrophysics and Geophysics. John Wettlaufer.
TTh 2.30–3.45
Classical thermodynamics is derived from statistical thermodynamics. We then develop kinetics, transport theory, and reciprocity from the linear thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Emphasis is placed on phase transitions, including novel states of matter, nucleation theory, and the thermodynamics of atmospheres. We explore phenomena that are of direct relevance to problems in astrophysical settings, atmospheres, oceans, and the Earth’s interior. No quantum mechanics is necessary as a prerequisite. Also ASTR 666a.
[G&G 675a, Advanced Structural Geology.]
G&G 690a and b, Directed Research in Geology and Geophysics.
By arrangement with faculty.
G&G 691a or b, Independent Research.
In addition to the seminars noted below, others on special topics like evolution, invertebrate and vertebrate paleontology, statistical mechanics and spectroscopy, structural geology and tectonics, petrology, volcanology, and physics of oceans and atmospheres are offered according to student interest, by arrangement with departmental faculty. Seminars are often organized around the research interests of visiting faculty as well. Approval of director of graduate studies and adviser required.
G&G 703a, Seminar in Systematics. Jacques Gauthier.
3 HTBA
[G&G 705b, Advanced Seminar in Evolutionary Paleontology.]
[G&G 707a, Advanced Topics in Macroecology and Macroevolution.]
G&G 735a, Introduction to Organic Geochemistry. Mark Pagani.
This seminar focuses on advanced concepts in organic geochemistry with an emphasis on paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Each week specific topics are explored and debated using published journal articles. Topics cover compound-specific carbon and hydrogen isotope analysis, temperature and CO2 reconstruction, and other topics. The class meets twice a week.
[G&G 740a, Sediment Seminar.]
G&G 742a or b, Seminar in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. Ronald Smith.
G&G 744a or b, Seminar in Mantle and Core Processes. David Bercovici and Shun-ichiro Karato[F], Jun Korenaga [Sp].
The seminar covers advanced topics concerning physical and chemical processes in the mantle and core of the Earth and planets. Specific topic and hour are arranged in consultation with enrolled graduate students.
G&G 746a or b, Seminar in Global Change. Karl Turekian.
[G&G 753a, Seminar in Petrology.]
G&G 757b, Studies in Global Geoscience. David Evans.
2 HTBA
Reading seminar devoted to a specific geographic region of the Earth, selected as the destination of the departmental field trip for the current year. Topics of discussion include a broad range of geoscience disciplines, to be determined in part by the interests of participating students.
[G&G 762a or b, Seminar in Applications of Satellite Remote Sensing.]
G&G 767b, Seminar in Ice Physics. John Wettlaufer.
HTBA
We bring together the basic thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of crystal growth, surface phase transitions, metastability, and instability to explore the many faces of the surface of ice. These processes control the macroscopic growth shapes of ice crystals, underlie the enigma of the snowflake, and have implications in, inter alia, the atmosphere, the oceans, basic materials science, and astrophysics.
[G&G 777a, Early Life.]
G&G 800a or b, Tutorial in Paleobiology.
G&G 805a or b, Fossil Floras. Leo Hickey.
G&G 810a or b, Tutorial in Structural Geology and Tectonics or Solid Earth Geophysics.
G&G 820a or b, Tutorial in Meteorology, Oceanography, or Fluid Dynamics.
G&G 830a or b, Tutorial in Geochemistry, Petrology, or Mineralogy.
G&G 840a or b, Tutorial in Sedimentology.
G&G 860a or b, Tutorial in Remote Sensing.
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