| Earth Sciences |
ESCI 400 - Freshman Field Seminar
Credits:
1.00
A field introduction for new or prospective majors to New
Hampshire's mountains, rivers, estuaries, and beaches.
Field excursions (approximately five) are scheduled on
Friday afternoons. Special fee. Cr/F.
ESCI 401 - Dynamic Earth
Credits:
4.00
In this course we study the minerals, rocks and fluids
which make up the Earth; the landforms on the surface of
the Earth such as mountains, flood plains and
straovolcanoes; and processes such volcanism, earthquakes,
erosion and glaciation that create and alter them. The rock
cycle and plate tectonics are used to integrate activity at
the surface of the Earth with processes in the Earth's
interior.
Campus field exercises. Special fee. Lab.
Students may not receive credit for both ESCI 401 and ESCI
409.
ESCI 402 - Earth History
Credits:
4.00
Course provides knowledge and skills necessary to
interpret, understand, and appreciate the Earth's 4.6
billion-year history. The first third of the course
introduces basic principles, including geological
materials, plate tectonics, geological time, fossil
preservation, and biological evolution. The remainder of
the course tells the story of Earth history through case
studies that illustrate scientific methods used to
reconstruct critical events in our planet's evolution
through time. Topics include the origin of the Earth, the
Cambrian explosion of life, building of the Appalachians,
assembly of Pangaea, the rise and fall of dinosaurs, the
formation of the Rocky Mountains, mammalian evolution,
human origins, and Pleistocene glaciation. Students gain
experience in making geological observations through
laboratory exercises and during one afternoon field trip.
Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 405 - Global Environmental Change
Credits:
4.00
Human activity rivals nature as an agent of change in the
global environment. Explores evidence of environmental
degradation in Earth's crust, hydrosphere, and atmosphere;
considers prospects for future sustainable human health,
diversity, and economic development. Problem solving
through critical analysis of environmental variables.
Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 409 - Geology and the Environment
Credits:
4.00
Environmental impact of geologic processes; natural
hazards, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding,
erosion, and sedimentation; land exploitation and site
investigations; environmental considerations of
water-supply problems; the recovery of energy and mineral
resources. Special fee. Lab. Students may not receive
credit for both ESCI 401 and ESCI 409.
ESCI 410 - Earth Hazards
Credits:
4.00
Introductory-level physical science course concerning earth
processes that impact humanity, with natural disasters as
the focus. Topics include the causes and effects of
earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, and
landslides. The course covers basic concepts of physical
geology using hands-on-activities, small-group discussions,
and in-class demonstrations and is intended for students
with little or no previous experience in earth sciences. No
prerequisites. Special fee.
ESCI 420 - Our Solar System
Credits:
4.00
Course focuses on the nature and formation of our solar
system and the planets associated bodies it contains, with
emphasis on the physical and chemical processes significant
in the system's origin and evolutionary history. Our
approach provides the basis for understanding key
differences between the Earth-like terrestrial planets and
those farther out in the solar system (the gas giants). We
also explore recent discoveries on Mars and moons of the
gas giant planets and their implications for the search for
life elsewhere in our solar system. Special fee.
ESCI 444 - Water - How Much is Enough?
Credits:
4.00
The natural distribution of water is not adequate to
sustain modern civilization. As water mining and
redistribution projects continue to grow in number and
size, so do the concomitant stresses on the environment.
Through a detailed look at the unique properties of water
and the processes that drive the earth's hydrologic cycle;
this course will explore the concepts of water stress,
water scarcity, and safe yield.
ESCI 444A - Philosophy of Earth Science
Credits:
4.00
Course provides an introduction to the discipline of
Philosophy of Science, but from an Earth Science
perspective. Considers various philosophical perspectives
on the nature of science and scientific progress, drawing
from works by thinkers such as Aristotle, Popper, Kuhn and
Lakatos. Particular attention is given to the following
questions: What is scientific knowledge? Is the acquisition
of scientific knowledge a rational process? And, what makes
some scientific discoveries "revolutionary"? These
questions are considered using examples from the history of
scientific progress in the Earth Sciences, focusing on
groundbreaking discoveries such as the age of the earth,
the evolution of organisms as observed in the fossil
record, sea-floor spreading, and modern-day global warming.
ESCI 501 - Introduction to Oceanography
Credits:
4.00
Introduces students to the four oceanographic disciplines:
the geology of the ocean basins, including the creation of
oceans and continents. The physics of the seas, including
the origin of the ocean currents and their effect on the
Earth's climate. The chemistry of the ocean waters,
including how the distribution of elements reflects
circulation and biology. The life in the ocean, including
animals, plants and microbes, and humanity's influence on
them. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 512 - Principles of Mineralogy
Credits:
4.00
Minerals record variations in chemistry, pressure,
temperature, and time in the Earth. This course emphasizes
minerals and mineral assemblages in rocks, sediments and
soils; their identification, symmetry, chemistry,
equilibria, and physical properties. Introduction to x-ray
diffraction and optical techniques. Prereq: CHEM 403 or
405. Special fee for field trips. Lab.
ESCI 514 - Introduction to Climate
Credits:
3.00
The climate as a system controlled by the fluid, chemical,
geological, and biological dynamics of the earth.
Investigation of natural and man-made climate change over
the period of 100 to 100 million years, including the
greenhouse effects, tectonic climate forcing, astronomic
(Milankovich) cycles, deep ocean circulation, and
biological feedback. How past climate is measured. Prereq:
one introductory course in Earth Sciences or permission.
ESCI 530 - Geological Field Methods
Credits:
4.00
An introduction to basic geologic field mapping of bedrock
and surficial materials using pace and compass, surveying
and GPS techniques. Observational data plotted on
topographic maps and/or aerial photographs, accompanied
with stratigraphic measurements and sampling sites where
appropriate, provide the basis for interpretative maps,
cross sections and written reports and a field context for
more advanced Earth sciences course work and independent
research. One weekend field trip to western or northern New
England. Prereq: ESCI 401 or 409, 402. Special fee. Writing
intensive.
ESCI 534 - Techniques in Environmental Sciences
Credits:
3.00
Elementary mapping and monitoring methods. Map
interpretation, preparation of maps; survey techniques
including pace and compass, leveling, and global
positioning systems; environmental monitoring. Field lab.
Cannot receive credit if taken after receiving credit for
ESCI 530 or NR 542. Special fee.
ESCI 561 - Landscape Evolution
Credits:
4.00
Course focuses on the processes that shape the Earth's
surface. Lectures discuss the development of landscapes in
a wide variety of climatic and geologic settings, with an
emphasis on understanding the process mechanics that create
landforms and surficial deposits. Labs involve topographic
map interpretation, geomorphic data analysis, and short
field exercises. Course incorporates one weekend field trip
that explores the landscapes of Cape Cod. Students also
gain practical experience in geomorphic research by teaming
up and completing a required lab- or field-based project.
Prereq: ESCI 401, 402, or permission. Lab. Special fee.
ESCI 595 - Introductory Investigations
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Special topics by means of lectures, conferences, assigned
readings, and/or field or laboratory work in the areas of
geology, hydrology, or oceanography. May be repeated up to
a maximum of 8 credits.
ESCI 596 - Introductory Investigations
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Special topics by means of lectures, conferences, assigned
readings, and/or field or laboratory work in the areas of
geology, hydrology, or oceanography. May be repeated up to
a maximum of 8 credits.
ESCI 614 - Optical Mineralogy and Petrography
Credits:
4.00
Description and classification of igneous, sedimentary,
and metamorphic rocks in hand specimen and thin section;
optical mineralogy. Prereq: ESCI 512. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 631 - Structural Geology
Credits:
4.00
Structural units of the Earth's crust and mechanics of
their formation. Prereq: ESCI 530. Special fee. Lab and
fieldwork.
ESCI 652 - Paleontology
Credits:
4.00
Use of the fossil record to address current problems in
Earth history, paleoecology, and evolutionary biology.
Examples are drawn from both vertebrates and invertebrates.
Lab combines analytical paleontological methods with a
systematic survey of important fossil groups. Prereq: ESCI
402 or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 654 - Fate and Transport in the Environment
Credits:
4.00
Introduces the basic processes controlling the migration
and transformation of chemicals in surface water,
groundwater, and the atmosphere; basic models of advection,
dispersion, retardation, and attenuation. Prereq: CHEM 404,
MATH 426.
ESCI 658 - Principles of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Dynamics
Credits:
4.00
Introduces the basic elements of kinematics and dynamics,
relevant to processes important in earth, ocean, and
atmospheric sciences. Reviews particle dynamics and
introduces continuum mechanics of the solid earth,
hydrologic, and environmental fluid systems. Includes
biweekly laboratories and homework problem recitation
sessions. Prereq: MATH 426, PHYS 407.
ESCI 705 - Principles of Hydrology
Credits:
4.00
Basic physical principles important in the land phase of
the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, snowmelt,
infiltration and soil physics, evapotransportation, and
surface and subsurface flow to streams. Problems of
measurement and aspects of statistical treatment of
hydrologic data. Field trips. Prereq: MATH 425 (or MATH
424) and PHYS 402and ESCI 654 (or ESCI 658 or CIE 642).
Special fee. Lab. Writing intensive.
ESCI 710 - 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 705 or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 715 - 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. Then chemical cycles of
important C, S, N molecules are examined, including their
possible perturbation by human activities. Basic
photochemical processes are outlined, particularly with
respect to reactive nitrogen, hydrocarbons, and the
production/destruction of ozone. Prereq: one year chemistry.
ESCI 717 - 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, global freshwater resources. Course is
organized around formal lectures, in-class discussion,
student presentations, class projects. Prereq: ESCI 705 or
permission. (Offered alternate years.)
ESCI 718 - Macro-Scale Hydrology II
Credits:
3.00
A continuation of ESCI 717. Students and instructor
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 and writing. Prereq: ESCI
717. (Offered alternate years.)
ESCI 726 - 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 in alternate years with ESCI 725.) Writing
intensive.
ESCI 734 - 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; ESCI 658;\or permission. Special
fee. Lab.
ESCI 741 - 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.
Prereq: ESCI 512 or permission. Lab. Writing intensive.
ESCI 745 - 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.
Prereq: ESCI 741 or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI #746 - Analytical Geochemistry
Credits:
4.00
Theory, instrumentation, and applications of analytical
methods in geochemistry. Prereq: one year of chemistry or
geochemistry;/or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 747 - 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. Prereq: one year college chemistry or geochemistry or
permission.
ESCI 750 - 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 the instructor. (Also offered as ZOOL 750.)
Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)
ESCI 752 - 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 752L).
ESCI 754 - 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.
Prereq: ESCI 401 or 402 or 501, and 512; or permission.
Special fee. Lab and field trips.
ESCI 756 - 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. Writing intensive.
ESCI 758 - Introductory Physical Oceanography
Credits:
3.00
Descriptive treatment of atmosphere-ocean interaction;
general wind-driven and thermo-haline 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; ESCI 501;/or
permission.
ESCI 759 - 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. Prereq: Senior staning in Earth Science
major or permission. Writing intensive.
ESCI 762 - 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. Prereq: ESCI 561 or
permission. Special fee. Lab. Writing intensive.
ESCI 764 - 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. Special fee.
ESCI 765 - 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. Writing
intensive.
ESCI 766 - 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: one year of calculus and
one ESCI course or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 770 - Fundamentals of Ocean Mapping
Credits:
4.00
Introduces 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. Prereq: PHYS 407-408.
(Also listed as OE 770.) Lab.
ESCI 771 - 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: MATH 426, PHYS 408.
(Also listed as OE 771.)
ESCI 795 - Topics
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Geologic, hydrologic, and oceanographic problems and
independent studies by means of conferences, assigned
readings, and field or laboratory work fitted by ESCI
faculty to individual student needs; or new or specialized
courses. 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. Also, senior synthesis and
earth science teaching methods.
ESCI 796 - Topics
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Geologic, hydrologic, and oceanographic problems and
independent studies by means of conferences, assigned
readings, and field or laboratory work fitted by ESCI
faculty to individual student needs; or new or specialized
courses. 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. Also, senior synthesis and
earth science teaching methods. Special fee on some topics.
ESCI 797 - Colloquium
Credits:
Presentation of recent research in the earth sciences by
guest speakers and department faculty. May be taken four
times. Cr/F.
ESCI 799 - Senior Thesis
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Students work under the direction of a faculty sponsor to
plan and carry out independent research resulting in an
oral presentation and a written thesis. Research projects
should include the development of a research question;
collection analysis, and synthesis of data; and
interpretation and presentation of results. A copy of the
written thesis must be submitted to the Chair of the
Department of Earth Sciences prior to graduation. A total
of 4 credits is required and may be completed over multiple
semesters. Writing intensive. Cr/F.