Geology and Geophysics

Kline Geology Laboratory, 432.3124
M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Chair
Leo Hickey

Director of Graduate Studies
David Bercovici

Professors
Jay Ague, David Bercovici, Robert Berner, Mark Brandon, Derek Briggs, Leo Buss, Michael Donoghue, Jacques Gauthier, Robert Gordon, Thomas Graedel, Leo Hickey, Shun-ichiro Karato, Jeffrey Park, Danny Rye, Adolf Seilacher (Adjunct), Brian Skinner, Ronald Smith, Karl Turekian, George Veronis, Elisabeth Vrba, John Wettlaufer

Assistant Professors
Ruth Blake, David Evans, Jun Korenaga, Mark Pagani, Peter Reiners, Steven
Sherwood

Lecturer
Catherine Skinner

Fields of Study
Fields include geochemistry and petrology, geophysics, 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 sciences. Scores from a pertinent GRE Subject Test are desirable but not required. The TOEFL 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 advisers to meet individual interests and needs, to lay the foundations for dissertation research, and to prepare for the general examinations which take place in January of the second year. 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, maintained a better than passing record in the area of concentration, passed the oral and written general examinations, and presented a dissertation prospectus to the faculty. 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 Graduate School requirements.

M.S. Awarded only to students who are not continuing for the Ph.D. Students are not admitted for this degree.

Program materials are available 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 501bu, Radiative Transfer and Climate.  Steven Sherwood. MWF 9.30–10.20
An introduction to the behavior of electromagnetic radiation in macroscopic media, with emphasis on planetary atmospheres. Quantitative discussion of atmospheric optical phenomena, Earth’s climate and climate change, planetary remote sensing, and other selected topics.

G&G 502bu, Introduction to Geochemistry.  Peter Reiners. MWF 9.30–10.20
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 in the Biosphere: The Geochemistry of Human Health.  Catherine Skinner. TTh 11.20–12.45
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.  Karl Turekian. MWF 9.30–10.20
The processes and time-scales of the origin and history of the earth and solar system as inferred from the distribution of radioactive, radiogenic, and stable nuclides. The origins of the earth’s structure, atmosphere, and hydrosphere, and the history of early life.

G&G 506bu, Chemical Cycles and the Global Environment.  Robert Berner. TTh 11.30–12.45
Application of basic chemical, biological, and geological principles to the study of the cycling of major elements of the atmosphere, rainwater, lakes, rivers, and the ocean and how humans have disrupted this cycling.

[G&G 511a, Stratigraphic Principles and Applications.]  

G&G 512bu, Structural Geology and Tectonics.  Mark Brandon. TTh 11.30–12.45, Lab 2 HTBA
An introduction to the origin and structure of the lithosphere and continental and oceanic crust. Questions addressed include: what controls the solid versus fluid behavior of rocks during deformation; and what controls the character and motion of tectonic plates? Laboratory exercises and field trips.

[G&G 513au, Invertebrate Paleontology: A Treasure House of Skeletal Reconstructions.]  

G&G 515au, Paleobotany.  Leo Hickey. TTh 9–10.15
A detailed survey of the evolutionary history of plants through geological time, the origin and diversification of their major lineages and of plant communities, and the interactions of plants and their physical environment. Laboratory exercises involve fossil and modern plants and include a field trip to study an ancient plant community.

G&G 519au, Introduction to the Physics and Chemistry of Earth Materials. Shun-ichiro Karato. TTh 11.30–12.45
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 520bu, Petrology and Mineralogy.  Jay Ague. TTh 9–10.15; Lab 2 HTBA
Comprehensive study of the structures, chemistry, and physical properties of minerals. Interpretation of mineral associations and textures in terms of processes acting in the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Study of the interplay between plate tectonics and the genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

G&G 521bu, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics.  George Veronis. TTh 1–2.15
Derivation of the equations of a geophysical fluid. Analysis of the most important dynamical phenomena common to all planetary atmospheres, oceans, and interiors, with emphasis on the roles of planetary rotation, gravitation, and thermal gradients.

G&G 522au, Introduction to Meteorology and Climatology.  Steven Sherwood. TTh 9–10.15
The climatic system; survey of atmospheric behavior on timescales from days (i.e., weather) to decades (i.e., climate); formulation of mathematical equations describing weather and climate with selected applications to small- and large-scale phenomena.

[G&G 523bu, Theory of Climate.]

[G&G 525au, Geophysical Continuum Mechanics.]  

G&G 526au, Introduction to Geophysics.  Jun Korenaga. MWF 10.30–11.20, 1 HTBA
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 533bu, Paleomagnetism.]

G&G 535au, Physical Oceanography.  George Veronis. TTh 1–2.15
An introduction to ocean dynamics. Exploration of the physical mechanisms underlying the large-scale ocean circulation, the Gulf Stream, wind-driven waves, tides, coastal upwelling, and phenomena attributable to the earth’s rotation.

G&G 536b, Mesoscale Atmospheric Dynamics.  Ronald Smith.
The fluid dynamics of the atmosphere on scales of 1 km to 1000 km. Gravity waves, mountain airflow and precipitation, transport of pollutants, convection, thunderstorms, shear instability, and vortices. Requires background in fluid mechanics, meteorology, applied mathematics.

[G&G 540au, Geomicrobiology: Microbial Processes in the Geologic Environment.]  

[G&G 550au, Paleontology and Evolutionary Theory.]  

[G&G 555au, Ocean Circulation.]

G&G 556au, Introduction to Seismology.  Jeffrey Park. MF 4–5.15
Earthquakes and seismic waves, P and S waves, surface waves, and free oscillations. Remote sensing of the earth’s deep interior and faulting mechanisms.

[G&G 557a, Advanced Seismology.]

[G&G 559b, Data Analysis in the Earth Sciences.]  

G&G 560au, Theory of Viscous Flow.  John Wettlaufer. TTh 2.30–3.45
The mathematical theory of the flow of viscous fluids: Cartesian tensors, kinematics of the flow field, equations governing the flow of Newtonian fluids, dimensional analysis, low-Reynolds number hydrodynamics, boundary-layer theory. Examples from geophysics, engineering, and biophysics.

G&G 562bu, Observing the Earth from Space.  Ronald Smith and staff.
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 F&ES 506b.

G&G 565au, Archaeometallurgy.  Robert Gordon. TTh 10.30–11.20, 1 HTBA
Evidence of the winning and use of metals by people in different cultures from earliest to modern times. The role of science; environmental consequences. Interpretation of artifacts and of smelting and metalworking sites. Laboratory demonstrations and field trips.

[G&G 567bu, Geochemical Approaches to Archaeology.]  

[G&G 601b, Topics in Earth Science.]  

[G&G 611a, Advanced Stratigraphy.]  

[G&G 615a, Advanced Petrology.]

[G&G 618b, Petrology of Light Stable Isotopes.]

G&G 620u, Plate Tectonics.  David Evans. MWF 9.30–10.20
An introduction to the large-scale elements of Earth’s crust and mantle, and quantitative methods of measuring their relative motions within a spherical geometry. Investigation of geological and geophysical processes assocated with oceans and continents in motion.

[G&G 621b, Geochemistry of Heavy and Radioactive Isotopes in Rock Systems.]

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 11.30–12.45
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 and Surficial Geochemistry.]  

G&G 660a, Diagenesis, Weathering, and Geochemical Cycles.  Robert Berner.
A theoretical approach to earth surface chemical processes; modeling of geochemical cycles.

G&G 666b, Geophysical Thermodynamics and Kinetics.  John Wettlaufer. TTh 2.30–3.45
Classical thermodynamics is derived from statistical thermodynamics. We then explore phenomena that are of direct relevance to problems in the atmospheres, oceans, and in the earth’s interior and take many of our examples from those fields. We develop kinetics, transport theory, and reciprocity from the linear thermodynamics of irreversible processes. A strong emphasis is placed on interfacial thermodynamics, nucleation theory, in the liquid and gas phases. No quantum mechanics is necessary as a prerequisite.

G&G 675a, Advanced Structural Geology.  Mark Brandon.
A review of advanced methods in structural geology, including analysis of deformation in three dimensions, and microscale processes associated with deformation and fabric formation in rocks. Course includes practical exercises for measuring and interpreting strain and lattice preferred orientation in real geologic settings.

G&G 690a and b, Directed Research in Geology and Geophysics.
By arrangement with faculty.
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.

G&G 703a, Seminar in Systematics.  Jacques Gauthier.
Also E&EB 930a.

G&G 705b, Advanced Seminar in Evolutionary Paleontology.  Elisabeth Vrba.
The contents of this seminar are designed at the start of each spring term in consultation with graduate students who wish to take it.

G&G 707a, Advanced Topics in Macroecology and Macroevolution.  Elisabeth Vrba. HTBA

G&G 740a or b, Sediment Seminar.  Robert Berner.

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, Shun-ichiro Karato, Jeffrey Park, Jun Korenaga.
The seminar covers advanced topics concerning physical and chemical processes in the mantle and core of the earth and planets. Specific topic and hour will be 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 762a or b, Seminar in Applications of Satellite Remote Sensing.   Ronald Smith. HTBA
This seminar combines lectures and readings with support and discussion of student projects.

G&G 767a, 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.  David Evans, Adolf Seilacher. HTBA
Critical evaluation of data and hypotheses bearing on the origin and evolution of Precambrian life on earth.

Tutorial courses, offered by arrangement with individual faculty, are offered as follows:
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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