| Earth Sciences |
ESCI 805 - Principles of Hydrology
Credits:
4.00
Physical principles important in the land phase of the
hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, snow melt,
infiltration and soil physics, and surface and subsurface
flow to streams. Problems of measurement and aspects of
statistical treatment of hydrologic data. Field trips.
Transportation fee. Prereq: one semester of calculus and
one year of physics. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 810 - Groundwater Hydrology
Credits:
4.00
Principles for fluid flow in porous media with emphasis on
occurrence, location, and development of groundwater, but
with consideration of groundwater as a transporting medium.
Major topics include well hydraulics, regional groundwater
flow, exploration techniques, and chemical quality.
Laboratory exercises involve use of fluid, electrical, and
digital computer models to illustrate key concepts. Prereq:
ESCI 805 or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 815 - Global Atmospheric Chemistry
Credits:
3.00
Introduction to the principles of atmospheric chemistry
and their relationship to biogeochemical cycles, climate,
and global change. Focus is on understanding the basic
physical and chemical processes that determine the trace
gas distribution in the global troposphere. An introduction
to atmospheric vertical structure and global circulation
dynamics provides the foundation. Chemical cycles of
important C, S, N molecules are examined, including their
possible perturbation by human activities. Basic
photochemical processes outlined, particularly with respect
to reactive nitrogen hydrocarbons, and the
production/destruction of ozone. Prereq: one year college
chemistry. (Also offered as EOS 815.)
ESCI 817 - Macro-scale Hydrology I
Credits:
3.00
Focus on the numerous roles of water in the Earth System.
Topics include the global water cycle, impacts of the
greenhouse effect and other anthropogenic disturbances,
hydrologic modeling, soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer
schemes, water quality, GIS and water-related remote
sensing tools. Based on extensive reading of current
scientific literature, the students and instructor jointly
select a research topic in macro-scale hydrology which will
result in the preparation of a manuscript for publication
in a refereed scientific journal. Course designed to be
taken two consecutive semesters (fall and spring). Prereq:
principles of hydrology or permission. (Also offered as EOS
817.)
ESCI 818 - Macro-scale Hydrology II
Credits:
3.00
Students and instructors jointly select a research topic
in macro-scale hydrology to be analyzed in depth during
the course of the semester. A primary goal is the
preparation of a manuscript for publication in a refereed
scientific journal. Extensive library research, reading of
recent and relevant scientific literature, technical
analysis, writing. Course designed to be taken two
consecutive semesters (fall and spring). Prereq:
macro-scale hydrology I. (Also offered as EOS 818.)
(Alternate years only.)
ESCI 826 - Metamorphic Petrology
Credits:
4.00
The metamorphism of pelitic, mafic, and calc silicate
rocks as determined from field, petrographic, mineral
chemistry, experimental, and theoretical studies. Closed-
and open-system reactions, multi-systems, reaction space.
Calculation of pressure, temperature, time paths. Prereq:
mineralogy; petrography; adequate background in calculus,
chemistry, and physics. Field trips. Special fee. Lab.
(Offered alternate years with ESCI 825.)
ESCI 834 - Geophysics
Credits:
4.00
The structure of the solid Earth, including the continental
and oceanic lithosphere and the deep interior as revealed
by investigations of seismic waves, the Earth's
gravitational and magnetic fields, heat flow, and
earthquakes. Prereq: ESCI 401; one year of calculus; one
year of college physics;\or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 841 - Geochemistry
Credits:
4.00
Course focuses on the application of chemical principles to
solve problems in the Earth sciences. Students learn the
chemical tools of thermodynamics and kinetics, element
partitioning, conservation of mass, and isotope
geochemistry. Explore geochemical properties/processes in
the deep Earth and the Earth surface, atmosphere and marine
systems, and cosmo-chemistry and investigate the
interactions between these components of the Earth system.
Lab.
ESCI 845 - Isotope Geochemistry
Credits:
4.00
Course focuses on the application of radiogenic,
radioactive and stable isotopes to improve students'
knowledge about the processes and timescales relevant to
the formation of the planet and solar system, the evolution
of the Earth system and interactions in the hydrosphere and
biosphere. Topics include geochronology, tracer
applications, Earth surface applications, as well as
applications in the hydrosphere and biosphere. Systems
discussed include the classic radiogenic systems (K-Ar,
Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf and U-Th-Pb), traditional (H, C, N, O)
as well as nontraditional (e.g., Mg, Ca, Fe) stable isotope
systems, and radioactive isotopes (e.g., radiocarbon).
Course consists of lecture, where students are exposed to
these applications, and a lab section to work through any
questions on the homework assignments, discuss relevant
papers from the literature, and carry out a project.
Special fee. Lab.
ESCI #846 - Analytical Geochemistry
Credits:
4.00
Introduction to the theory, instrumentation, and
applications of analytical methods in geochemistry.
Prereq: one year of chemistry or geochemistry;/ or
permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 847 - Aqueous Geochemistry
Credits:
4.00
The chemical processes that determine the composition of
aquatic systems such as rivers, lakes, groundwater and the
ocean. The goal is to quantitatively understand the
behavior of inorganic species such as carbon dioxide,
nutrients, trace metals and inorganic pollutants in natural
waters. Topics include, acid-based equilibria, carbonate
chemistry, reduction-oxidation reactions, organic
complexation and mineral precipitation and dissolution. Lab.
ESCI 850 - Biological Oceanography
Credits:
4.00
Biological processes of the oceans, including primary and
secondary production, trophodynamics, plankton diversity,
zooplankton ecology, ecosystems and global ocean dynamics.
Field trips on R/V Gulf Challenger and to the Jackson
Estuarine Laboratory. Prereq: one year of biology or
permission of instructor. (Also offered as ZOOL 850, EOS
850.) Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)
ESCI 852 - Chemical Oceanography
Credits:
3.00
Water structure, chemical composition, and equilibrium
models; gas exchange; biological effects on chemistry;
trace metals; and analytical methods. Prereq: permission.
Optional 1 credit lab (see ESCI 852L).
ESCI 854 - Sedimentology
Credits:
4.00
This course focuses on modern sedimentary processes and
ancient sedimentary records through the examination,
identification, and interpretation of sediments and
sedimentary rocks. Topics such as sediment transport
mechanisms, depositional environments, and time in
sedimentary records will provide a strong framework for any
student studying Earth processes and sedimentary systems.
Special fee.
ESCI 856 - Geotectonics
Credits:
3.00
The geological record of plate tectonics past and present.
The first part of the course focuses on modern tectonic
settings with an emphasis on plate geometries, geodynamical
processes, and sedimentary products. The second part of the
course focuses on reconstructing ancient tectonic settings
with an emphasis on methodology (paleomagnetism, basin
analysis, provenance) and case studies (e.g. India-Asia
collision). Field trip. Prereq: ESCI 614 or ESCI 631 or
permission. Special fee.
ESCI 858 - Introduction to Physical Oceanography
Credits:
3.00
A descriptive treatment of atmosphere-ocean interaction;
general wind-driven and thermohaline ocean circulation;
waves and tides; continental shelf and near-shore
processes; instrumentation and methods used in ocean
research. Simplified conceptual models demonstrate the
important principles. Prereq: college physics; introduction
to oceanography;/ or permission.
ESCI 859 - Geological Oceanography
Credits:
4.00
Major geological features and processes of the ocean
floor; geological and geophysical methods; composition of
the earth, sedimentary processes, plate tectonics and
paleoceanography.
ESCI 862 - Glacial Geology
Credits:
4.00
Course provides a survey of glacier dynamics and processes,
with an emphasis on understanding the origin and
significance of glacial deposits and landforms. The first
half of the course examines the physics of glaciers, and
the second half focuses on glacial geologic processes.
Lectures discuss glaciers and ice sheets as key agents of
large-scale geomorphic change, as well as their central
role in the Earth's past and present climate system. Labs
involve analysis of glaciological data, glacial-geologic
map interpretation, and short field exercises. Course
incorporates one mandatory weekend field trip that explores
the glacial landscapes of New England. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 864 - Data Analysis in Earth System Science
Credits:
4.00
Analytical and numerical methods used to understand
geospatial and time series data sets encountered in Earth
system science research. Students develop skills in data
analysis, primarily through writing and modifying their own
computer programs, focused on particular aspects of real
data sets. Understanding various data types, formats, and
projections, and how to handle them, are also covered.
Prereq: one year calculus, one year chemistry, basic
statistics;/or permission. (Also listed as EOS 864.)
Special fee.
ESCI 865 - Paleoclimatology
Credits:
3.00
Course reviews the study of past changes in the Earth's
climate system. Main discussion topics include
astronomical theories of ice ages, Quaternary dating
methods, Antarctic and Greenland ice core records,
greenhouse gases, marine-based climate proxies, glacial
mega-floods, and linkages between ocean circulation and
abrupt climate change. Emphasis on climate variability
during the Quaternary period (the last approximately 1.8
million years), a time interval dominated by cycles of
global glaciation. Lectures include discussion of recent
and emerging scientific papers in order to keep pace with
the latest findings in paleoclimatic research.
ESCI 866 - Volcanology
Credits:
4.00
Provides a comprehensive overview of volcanic processes and
their influences on planetary evolution and modern-day
Earth systems. Lectures discuss the generation and
properties of magma, tectonic setting of volcanism,
eruption styles, volcanic landforms and products,
monitoring of active volcanoes, volcanic hazards, and
volcanism on other planets. Laboratory topics include
modeling volcanic processes, hand-sample observation,
topographic map interpretation, volcanographical data
analysis, and two afternoon field trips. As volcanology is
a rapidly developing field of active research, the course
incorporates discussions of recent and emerging scientific
papers from the literature and student-led updates of
ongoing volcanic activity. Prereq: on year of calculus and
one Earth Science course or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 870 - Fundamentals of Ocean Mapping
Credits:
4.00
An introduction to the principles and practice of
hydrography and ocean mapping. Methods for the measurement
and definition of the configuration of the bottoms and
adjacent land areas of oceans, lakes, rivers, estuaries,
harbors and other water areas, and the tides or water
levels and currents that occur in those bodies of water.
(Also listed as OE 870.) Prereq: college physics. Lab.
ESCI 871 - Geodesy and Positioning for Ocean Mapping
Credits:
4.00
The science and technology of acquiring, managing, and
displaying geographically-referenced information; the size
and shape of the earth, datums and projections;
determination of precise positioning of points on the earth
and the sea , including classical terrestrial-based methods
and satellite-based methods; shoreline mapping, nautical
charting and electronic charts. Prereq: one year of
calculus and one year of college physics. (Also offered as
OE 871.)
ESCI 875 - Fundamentals of Ocean Mapping II
Credits:
4.00
The second of two courses covering the principles and
practices of hydrography and ocean mapping. In this course
the following topics are covered: Ancillary Sensor
Integration, System Calibration, Verification and Field
QA/QC, Water Levels (Tides); Mapping Standards; Survey
Planning, Execution and Reporting; Terrain Analysis;
Optical Remote Sensing; Data Presentation; Seafloor
Characterization; Electronic Navigational Charts;
Hydrography for Nautical Charting, Product Liability and
Contracts; and the United Nations Common Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS). Prereq: OE/ESCI 874. Pre- Coreq: MATH 896
Mathematics for mapping.
ESCI 895 - Topics
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Study on an individual or group basis in geologic,
hydrologic, or oceanographic problems, under members of
the graduate staff. Topics include: geochemistry,
geomorphology, geophysics; glaciology; groundwater,
structural, and regional geology; crystallography,
mineralogy; petrology; thermodynamics; ore deposits; earth
resource policy; paleontology; sedimentation; stratigraphy;
water resources management; chemical, physical, and
geological oceanography; earth systems; earth science
teaching methods. Prereq: permission of staff concerned.
May be repeated.
ESCI 896 - Topics
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Study on an individual or group basis in geologic,
hydrologic, or oceanographic problems, under members of
the graduate staff. Topics include: geochemistry,
geomorphology, geophysics; glaciology; groundwater,
structural, and regional geology; crystallography,
mineralogy; petrology; thermodynamics; ore deposits; earth
resource policy; paleontology; sedimentation; stratigraphy;
water resources management; chemical, physical, and
geological oceanography; earth systems; earth science
teaching methods. Prereq: permission of staff concerned.
May be repeated. Special fee on some topics.
ESCI 897 - Colloquium
Credits:
Presentation of recent research in the earth sciences by
guest speakers and department faculty. May be taken four
times. Cr/F.
ESCI 898 - Directed Research
Credits:
2.00
Research project on a specified topic in the Earth
Sciences, guided by a faculty member. Cr/F.
ESCI 899 - Master's Thesis
Credits:
1.00 to 6.00
May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 credits. Cr/F.
ESCI 903 - Groundwater Modeling
Credits:
3.00
Application of numerical techniques to solving groundwater
flow and solute transport problems. Emphasis is placed on
conceptualizing the hydrologic problem, translating into an
appropriate numerical representation, model calibration,
parameter estimation and uncertainty, and evaluation of
model results. Prereq: computer methods; basic statistics.
ESCI 972 - Hydrographic Field Course
Credits:
4.00
A lecture, lab, and field course on the methods and
procedures for the acquisition and processing of
hydrographic and ocean mapping data. Practical experience
in planning and conducting hydrographic surveys. Includes
significant time underway (day trips and possible multi-day
cruises) aboard survey vessel(s). Prereq: Introduction to
Ocean Mapping; Geodesy and Positioning for Ocean Mapping;
or permission. (Also listed as OE 972.)
ESCI 973 - Seafloor Characterization
Credits:
3.00
Remote characterization of seafloor properties using
acoustic (echo sounders, sub-bottom profilers, side-scan,
multi-beam and interferometric sonars) and optical (video
and laser linescanner) methods. Models of sound interaction
with the seafloor will be explored as well as a range of
possible geologic, geotechnical, morphologic, acoustic, and
biologic descriptors. Prereq: permission. (Also listed as
OE 973.)
ESCI 993 - Advanced Seminar
Credits:
1.00
Focused seminar in a discipline of earth sciences: earth,
ocean, atmosphere, or hydrology. May be repeated up to a
maximum of 4 credits.
ESCI 994 - Advanced Seminar
Credits:
1.00
Focused seminar in a discipline of earth sciences: earth,
ocean, atmosphere, or hydrology. May be repeated up to a
maximum of 4 credits.
ESCI 995 - Advanced Topics
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Advanced work on an individual or group basis. Prereq:
permission. May be repeated.
ESCI 996 - Advanced Topics
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Advanced work on an individual or group basis. Prereq:
permission. May be repeated.
ESCI 997 - Seminar in Earth Sciences
Credits:
1.00
Readings, discussion, and presentation of recent
investigations in the earth sciences. Required of all M.S.
students in Earth Sciences. Cr/F.
ESCI 998 - Proposal Development
Credits:
1.00
Introduction to research in the earth sciences and
development of thesis and directed research proposals.
Required of all M.S. students in Earth Sciences.
ESCI 999 - Doctoral Research
Credits:
Cr/F.