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, Alexey Federov, Jun Korenaga, Mark Pagani, Peter Reiners, Steven Sherwood
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 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 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 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 501bu, Radiative Transfer and Climate.]
G&G 502bu, Introduction to Geochemistry. Peter Reiners, Mark Pagani.
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.]
G&G 506bu, Chemical Cycles, Pollution, 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 507a, Radiogenic Isotopes and Geochronology. Peter Reiners.
Introduction to natural radioactive decay and growth and use in geochronology, thermo-chronology, and the dynamics of earth reservoirs and cosmochemistry. Includes reading and discussion of current topics.
G&G 511a, Stratigraphic Principles and Applications. Leo Hickey.
Principles of classification, age, determination, and paleoenvironmental interpretation of stratified rocks with application to actual measured sections.
[G&G 512bu, Structural Geology and Tectonics.]
[G&G 515au, Paleobotany.]
G&G 516au, The Invertebrates. Adolf Seilacher, Derek Briggs, Leo Buss.
MW 11.30–12.45
The biology and paleobiology of invertebrates, including the diversity of body plans, comparative development, phylogeny, and functional morphology. Also E&EB 555au.
G&G 517Lau, Laboratory for the Invertebrates. Adolf Seilacher, Derek Briggs, Leo Buss.
Th 1.30
Comparative functional morphology of selected invertebrate phyla, with demonstrations of diversity within phyla. Also E&EB 556Lau.
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.]
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 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 Geophysics and Planetary Physics. Jun Korenaga.
MWF 10.30–11.20
An introduction to the structure and dynamics of the earth and other planets in the context of cosmic evolution. Review of basic physical principles and their applications to geophysics and planetary physics. Star formation and nucleosynthesis; planetary accretion and the birth of the solar system; heat flow, plate tectonics, and mantle dynamics; seismology and geodesy; core dynamics, geomagnetism, and planetary magnetism.
[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. David Evans.
MWF 10.30–11.20
Introduction to the theory and application of paleomagnetic methods, which provide quantitative information on magnetic remanence preserved in rocks and artifacts. Ferromagnetic mineralogy, domain states, modes of acquisition, and strategies of laboratory measurement and data analysis; continental reconstructions, orogenic deformation, mineral deposits and crystal fluid flow, and stratigraphy.
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, Atmospheric Waves, Convection, and Vortices.]
G&G 538a, Computational Methods in Astrophysics and Geophysics. Jun Korenaga, Gordon Drukier.
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 520a.
G&G 540au, Geomicrobiology: Microbial Processes in the Geologic Environment. Ruth Blake.
TTh 1–2.15
Microbial processes in geologic environments; control through microbial metabolism of the geochemistry of natural waters, sediments, and soils, with emphasis on microbe-mineral interactions. Microbially mediated cycling and transport of metals.
G&G 550au, Paleontology and Evolutionary Theory. Elisabeth Vrba.
TTh 11.30–12.45
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 555au, Ocean Circulation.]
[G&G 556au, Introduction to Seismology.]
G&G 557a, Advanced Seismology. Jeffrey Park.
TTh 9–10.15
The solution of the elastodynamic wave equation in layered media, seismic source representation, and wave propagation in 2-D and 3-D structures. Elastic Green's functions and the reciprocity theorem, refraction and reflection of plane and spherical waves, generalized wave theory, the excitation of surface waves, free oscillations of the earth, and the effects of anisotropy. Knowledge of vector calculus, linear algebra, partial differential equations, and some complex analysis recommended.
[G&G 559b, Data Analysis in the Earth Sciences.]
[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 F&ES 506a.
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. Karl Turekian.
TTh 9–10.15
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 601b, Topics in Earth Science.]
[G&G 611a, Advanced Stratigraphy.]
[G&G 615a, Advanced Petrology.]
G&G 617b, Leaf Architecture of the Flowering Plants. Leo Hickey.
HTBA
An overview of the description and systematic distribution of the features of angiosperm leaves, with emphasis on their identification. Topics include the classification of leaf features, leaf ranking, and the use of leaf architecture in determining the identity and ecologic requirements of various angiosperm taxa with emphasis on the fossil record. Course is conducted as a series of lecture/laboratory sessions using cleared leaf material, herbarium specimens, and fossils. Readings to be assigned. Participants should have a working knowledge of plant taxonomy. Term paper representing independent research on some aspect of leaf architecture.
G&G 618a, Petrology of Light Stable Isotopes. Danny Rye.
The principles and applications of light stable isotopes to geological materials.
G&G 620au, 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. 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. Shun-ichiro Karato.
TTh 9–10.15
Basic physics and chemistry of earth materials, with emphasis on kinetic and transport properties. Geochemical and geophysical processes in earth's crust and mantle and their influence on the dynamics and evolution of this planet. Topics include plastic flow, diffusion, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and chemical reaction.
[G&G 655au, Extraordinary Glimpses of Past Life.]
[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, 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 pro-cesses. 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 666b.
[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.
Approval of director of graduate studies and adviser required.
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.
3 HTBA
Also E&EB 930a.
[G&G 705b, Advanced Seminar in Evolutionary Paleontology.]
[G&G 707a, Advanced Topics in Macroecology and Macroevolution.]
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. Faculty.
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 757b, Studies in Global Geoscience. David Evans.
F 3.30–5.20
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 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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