University Distinguished Professor: R. J. Bodnar
Professors: C. Çoruh; J. R. Craig; K. A. Eriksson; M. F. Hochella, Jr.; J. F. Read; J. D. Rimstidt; N. L. Ross; A. K. Sinha; J. A. Snoke; R. J. Tracy
Research Professor: R. J. Angel
Associate Professors: T. J. Burbey; P. A. Dove; S. C. Eriksson; J. A. Hole; R. D. Law
Assistant Professors: B. M. Bekken; M. G. Imhof; M. J. Kowalewski; M. E. Schreiber; J. A. Spotila
Research Assistant Professor: M. C. Chapman; C. J. Tadanier
Adjunct Professors: J. S. Beard; N. C. Fraser; W. S. Henika; M. M. Julian; M. J. Mikulich; L. W. Ward
Affiliated Faculty: S. E. Scheckler (Biology); L. W. Zelazny (Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences)
E-mail: geosciences@vt.edu
The department offers a B.S. in geological sciences with options in geology, geochemistry, and geophysics. The faculty are all recognized internationally in their fields of expertise, and the department houses state-of-the art research facilities in the areas of geochemistry, earthquake seismology, exploration geophysics, mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, sedimentology and structural geology-tectonics. The department makes extensive use of computer facilities with a wide assortment of dedicated computers, which are continually upgraded in terms of hardware and software. Numerous personal computers, as well as computer laboratories, are connected with the Internet and World Wide Web systems. Student use of these facilities is encouraged in all courses. More information can be obtained from the departmental home page at http://www.geol.vt.edu/.
Specific research fields of faculty members are described in a separate publication, the "Graduate Announcement." This information can also be found on our homepage at http://www.geol.vt.edu/. General areas of active research include regional geology, sedimentology, structural geology, tectonics, stratigraphy, hydrogeosciences/groundwater, invertebrate paleontology, paleoecology, earthquake seismology, regional seismicity, active tectonics/geomorphology, exploration seismology, seismic subsurface characterization, crystal structure analysis, crystal chemistry, fluid inclusions, mineral synthesis and stability, isotope chemistry and geologic assessment of nuclear waste, igneous and metamorphic petrology, environmental geochemistry, sulfide geochemistry, gold chemistry, sedimentary petrology, and modeling of ore deposits and minerals.
The Alumni Endowed Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship and the College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Freshman Scholarship are available for incoming freshman. The following financial aids are also available for undergraduate and graduate students: Byron Cooper Geoscience Endowed Fellowship, John K. Costain Graduate Geophysics Endowed Scholarship, Geological Sciences Endowed Scholarship, Alumni Geoscience Scholarship, Geosciences Faculty Endowed Scholarship, Geosciences Undergraduate Research Endowed Fund, Charles J. Gose, Jr. Scholarship for Geological Sciences, Heath Robinson-Roy J. Holden Geoscience Endowed Scholarship, Thomas T. Jeffries Geological Sciences Endowed Scholarship, Lowry Field Camp Scholarship, Wallace D. Lowry Geosciences Endowed Graduate Scholarship, Matthew J. Mikulich Endowed Geophysics Scholarship, Aubrey E. Orange Endowed Award in Geophysics, Petroleum Industry-Geosciences Endowed Graduate Scholarship, Charles Edward Sears Endowed Scholarship, Tillman Teaching Excellence Endowed Scholarship, David R. Wones Geoscience Endowed Scholarship, and Geosciences Faculty Endowed Scholarship, as well as several scholarships from industry. Detailed information can be obtained at the Student Information Office in 4066 Derring Hall or at our webpage: http://www.geol.vt.edu/stuinfo/award.html
Major items of equipment include a Scintag fully automated powder X-ray diffractometer, and two 4-circle single-crystal X-ray diffractometers, including an Xcalibur diffractometer system from Oxford Diffraction and a customized Eulerian-cradle design from Huber Diffraktionstechnik GmbH. Diamond anvil cells are available for high-pressure diffraction experiments. In addition, a Cameca SX-50 four-spectrometer microprobe with image analysis capability and a CamScan scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive analysis system are available. Micro-Raman and FTIR spectrometers, a scanning tunneling microscope and facilities for optical research at elevated temperatures. In addition, facilities are available for high temperature-high pressure investigations of mineral equilibria and for fluid inclusion studies of ores and rocks. Also operational is an isotope geochemistry and petrogenesis laboratory, equipped with both a single collector (35-cm instrument), as well as a multicollector (VG 54) mass spectrometer for trace elements and isotopic studies. Facilities for geophysics include state-of-the-art 3-D seismic data processing, interpretation, and modeling hardware and software along with portable seismic, geoelectrical gravity and magnetic, and ground penetrating radar equipment. Some of the hardware include: A number of Unix platforms (Sun and SGI), 20 seat PC lab (Windows 98), Plotters: HP, Versatec, OYO; Printers: various laserprinters and inkjets. In addition, the following software is available: Entire Landmark suite, GX Technology: 2-D-AIMS, 3-D-AIMS modelling, GEOSTAT, STRATA, Paradigm: DISCO, Focus 2-D, Focus 3-D (5 server licenses), Paradigm: Voxelgeo, Rock Solid Images: PetroTools, PetroSolutions, Geographix: GMAplus, LogM, AVO, STRUCT, WavX, Roxar: RMS, STORM/IRAP RMS, T-Surf: GOCAD (5 academic, IBM: Data Explorer (open license), WGeosoft: Visual SuNT (seismic unix), WinSism, Digi-Rule: OUTRIDER modeling, Waterloo Hydrogeologic: Visual MODFLOW (20 licenses), Seismic Micro-Technology: KINGDOM interpretation package. The department also operates a Worldwide Standard Seismography Station and regional telemeter network for earthquake monitoring.
The Geology option offers a detailed coverage of the broad range of classic disciplines within the geosciences. This option emphasizes the study of minerals, rocks and fossils, and teaches the student how to understand the processes and history of the earth based on the occurrences and relationships of these materials at or near the Earth's surface. The required curriculum for undergraduates pursuing the B.S. in geological sciences with an option in Geology are; Math 1114, 1205, 1206, 1224, 2224 (13C); Stat 2004 (3C); Chem 1035, 1036, 1045, 1046 (8C); Biol 1005, 1006, 1016 (7C); Phys 2305, 2306 (8C); Geol 1004 (3C), 1005 (1C), 1014 (4C), 1104 (1C), 2444 (2C), 3104 (3C), 3204 (3C), 3404 (3C), 3504 (3C), 3604 (3C), 3704 (3C), 4024 (3C), 4494 (6C); Geological Sciences 4000-level electives (12C); and 3 hours from Math 2214 (3C), CS 1044 (3C), Stat 3005 (3C) or Stat 3006 (3C). GEOL writing-intensive course (3C).
The Geochemistry option is designed for those students who have special interest in the chemical aspects of the Earth and its materials. The required curriculum for undergraduates pursuing the B.S. in geological sciences with an option in Geochemistry are: Math 1114, 1205, 1206, 1224, 2214, 2224 (16C); Stat 2004 (3C); Chem 1035, 1036, 1045, 1046, and 10 hours selected from 2114, 2124, 2514, 2535, 2536, 2545, 2546, 3615, 3625, 4615, 4616, or 4424 (18C); Phys 2305, 2306 (8C); Geol 1004 (3C), 1005 (1C), 1014 (4C), 1024 (3C), 1104 (1C), 1124 (1C), 2444 (2C), 3104 (3C), 3204 (3C), 3404 (3C), 3504 (3C), 3604 (3C), 3704 (3C), 4024 (3C), 4634 (3C), and 4864 (4C); science electives including 3000- or 4000-level courses from the Departments of Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Mining and Minerals Engineering, Physics, Statistics (10C). GEOL writing-intensive course. (3C). Free elective (1C).
The Geophysics option offers the student the opportunity to specialize in the branch of the geosciences that investigates the interior of the Earth through measurements of seismic waves and the Earth's gravitational, magnetic and electric fields. The required courses for the B.S. in geological sciences with an option in Geophysics are; CS 1044 (3C); Math 1114, 1205, 1206, 1224, 2214, 2224, (16C); Chem 1035, 1036, 1045, 1046 (8C); Phys 2305, 2306 (8C); Geol 1004 (3C), 1005 (1C), 1014 (4C), 1104 (1C), 2444 (2C), 3104 (3C), 3204 (3C), 3404 (3C), 3504 (3C); 3604 (3C), 3704 (3C), 4024 (3C), 4124 (3C), 4154 (3C), 4164 (4C), 4174 (4C); and GEOL 4000-level electives, PHYS 3000- and/or 4000-level electives, MATH 4564, 4574 (6C). GEOL writing-intensive course (3C). Free elective (9C).
Requirements include Geol 1004 (3C), 1014 (4C), 1104 (1C), plus 12 hours in 3000 and/or 4000-level courses in Geological Sciences. GEOL 2104 duplicates GEOL 1004 for 3 credits only. Geol 4974 and 4994 may not be used toward the minimum of 20 total hours.
A co-op program is available to qualified undergraduates. Information is available in the Academics chapter of this catalog.
The department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in geological sciences with specializations in many areas of the geosciences. (See the Graduate Catalog for further information.)
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the University Core (see Academics chapter in this catalog), toward the Arts and Sciences College Core (see first part of this chapter) and toward the degree in geological sciences.
Satisfactory progress toward the B.S. in geological sciences, Geology option, requires that:
| CHEM 1035, 1036: General Chemistry | 6 |
| CHEM 1045, 1046: General Chemistry Lab | 2 |
| ENGL 1105, 1106: Freshman English | 6 |
| GEOL 1004: Physical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 1005: Geoscience Fundamentals | 1 |
| GEOL 1104: Physical Geology Lab | 1 |
| GEOL 1014: The Earth and Life Through Time | 4 |
| GEOL 3104: Elementary Geophysics | 3 |
| GEOL 3404: Structural Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 3504: Mineralogy | 3 |
| MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
| MATH 1205,1206: Calculus | 6 |
| MATH 1224: Vector Geometry | 2 |
| MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 2305, 2306: Foundations of Physics | 8 |
| Total Credits | 53 |
|---|
Satisfactory progress toward the degree for a Geochemistry option requires that:
| CHEM 1035, 1036: General Chemistry | 6 |
| CHEM 1045, 1046: General Chemistry Lab | 2 |
| Chemistry electives | 7 |
| ENGL 1105, 1106: Freshman English | 6 |
| GEOL 1004: Physical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 1005: Geoscience Fundamentals | 1 |
| GEOL 1104: Physical Geology Lab | 1 |
| GEOL 1014: The Earth and Life Through Time | 4 |
| GEOL 3504: Mineralogy | 3 |
| MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
| MATH 1205, 1206: Calculus | 6 |
| MATH 1224: Vector Geometry | 2 |
| MATH 2214: Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| Total Credits | 49 |
|---|
Satisfactory progress toward the degree for a Geophysics option requires that:
| CHEM 1035, 1036: General Chemistry | 6 |
| CHEM 1045, 1046: General Chemistry Lab | 2 |
| ENGL 1105, 1106: Freshman English | 6 |
| GEOL 1004: Physical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 1005: Geoscience Fundamentals | 1 |
| GEOL 1104: Physical Geology Lab | 1 |
| GEOL 1014: The Earth and Life Through Time | 4 |
| GEOL 3104: Elementary Geophysics | 3 |
| GEOL 3404: Structural Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 3504: Mineralogy | 3 |
| MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
| MATH, 1205, 1206: Calculus | 6 |
| MATH 1224: Vector Geometry | 2 |
| MATH 2214: Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 2305, 2306: Foundations of Physics | 8 |
| Total Credits | 56 |
|---|
1004: PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
Minerals and rocks, internal and external processes especially the modification of landscape, global plate tectonics, and their interrelationships; introduction to the more direct aspects of human interactions with the natural physical environment. (3H,3C).
1005-1006: GEOSCIENCE FUNDAMENTALS
Introduction to professional expectations and career options for students pursuing a degree in Geological Sciences. 1005: Scientific methodology, empirical reasoning, and the specific application of these methods to the geosciences. Introduction to accessing and using geoscientific resources, computer graphics and database applications in geoscience, and methods of oral and written technical communication. 1006: Career opportunities in geoscience, introduction to research, GIS applications in geoscience, case studies of applied geoscience. Co for 1005: GEOL 1004; Co for 1006: GEOL 1014. (3L, 1C).
1014: THE EARTH AND LIFE THROUGH TIME
Scientific examination of rocks, fossils, and the earth's interior as clues to global-scale geological and biological processes that have shaped our planet and its biosphere through time. Origin and physical evolution of the earth, oceans, and atmosphere; origin and evolution of life; plate tectonics and mountain-building events; global climate changes; major evolutionary innovations; mass extinction events. (3H,3L,4C).
1024: RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The nature, origin, occurrence, distribution, use, and limitations of the earth's mineral resources including abundant and scarce metals, precious metals and gems, building materials, industrial minerals, fossil fuels, nuclear energy, water, soils, and other minerals. (3H,3C).
1104: PHYSICAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY
Identification of minerals and rocks; topographic maps and air photographs and their use in understanding landscape and geologic influences on human activities; geologic maps. (3L,1C).
1124: RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT LABORATORY
Laboratory exercises dealing with the nature of mineral resources, how they are exploited, and the practical concerns associated with their extraction. (3L,1C).
2034: INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY
Physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes of the oceans; history of ocean exploration, methods of data collecting, development of ocean basins, and the use of oceanic resources. Two semesters of college-level science required. (3H,3C).
2104: ELEMENTS OF GEOLOGY
Structure of the earth, properties of minerals and rocks, and geologic processes that act on the surface and in the interior of the earth, and integrated geologic systems of importance in engineering and regional planning. For students in engineering and physical sciences. Geology 2104 duplicates material in Geology 1004 and both may not be taken for credit. (2H,3L,3C).
2444: GEOSCIENCE FIELD OBSERVATIONS
Study of geological phenomena in the field. Students make observations in the field, integrate them into coherent datasets, and construct interpretations. Rock type and structure identification in outcrop. Field techniques and applications in structural geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, geomorphology, environmental geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, and geophysics. 10 full days spent in the field (Mondays through Fridays during Summer I), plus additional classroom or laboratory meetings. Pre: 1004, 1014, 1104, 1114. (6L,2C).
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
3104: ELEMENTARY GEOPHYSICS
Acquisition and interpretation of exploration geophysical data. Seismic reflection and refraction methods, gravity and magnetic fields, geoelectrical methods, and geophysical well logging. Pre: MATH 1016. (2H,3L,3C).
3114 (GEOG 3114): INTRODUCTION TO METEOROLOGY
A nonmathematical introduction to meteorology including consideration of the structure of the atmosphere, energy balance in the atmosphere, clouds and precipitation, air masses and fronts, global circulation, storms, climatology, catastrophic weather, meteorological optics, and forecasting. (2H,3L,3C).
3204: SEDIMENTOLOGY-STRATIGRAPHY
Study of sedimentary basins in a plate-tectonic framework, mechanisms of basin formation, three-dimensional geometry of basin fill, and controls on basin fill. Siliciclastic and carbonate-evaporate rocks as examples of basin fill are discussed in lectures and studied in the lab and in the field. Applied aspects of the course include a discussion of geometries of sedimentary aquifers and reservoirs. Pre: 1004 or 1014. (2H,3L,3C).
3304 (CSES 3304) (GEOG 3304): GEOMORPHOLOGY
Examines the variety of landforms that exist at the earth's surface. Detailed investigation of major processes operating at the earth's surface including: tectonic, weathering, fluvial, coastal, eolian, and glacial processes. Field excursion. Pre: GEOG 1104 or 1004 or 2104. (3H,3C).
3404: ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
Introduction to basic geological structures, evolution of microfabrics, development of faults, folds and foliations, stereographic analysis of geological structures, thrust fault geometries, balancing of geological cross-sections, and introduction to the concepts of stress and strain. Pre: 1004. (2H,3L,3C).
3504 (MSE 3104): MINERALOGY
Principles of modern mineralogy, crystal chemistry, and crystallography, with emphasis on mineral atomic structure and physical property relationships, mineralogy in the context of geology, geochemistry, environmental science and geophysics, phase equilibria, mineral associations, and mineral identification, and industrial applications of minerals. There are three required field trips during the semester. Pre: CHEM 1036, MATH 1016. (2H,3L,3C).
3524 (MSE 3124): OPTICAL MINERALOGY
Principles of color and the behavior of light in crystalline materials; use of the petrographic microscope in the identification of minerals using optical techniques. Pre: 1004. Co: 3504. (3L,1C).
3604: PALEONTOLOGY
Paleontological principles and techniques and their application to the evolution of life, the ecological structure of ancient biological communities, the interpretation of ancient depositional environments, and the history of the earth. Pre: 1004, 1014. (2H,3L,3C).
3614 (CSES 3114) (ENSC 3114): SOILS
Characterization of soils as a natural resource emphasizing their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and biological properties in relation to nutrient availability, fertilization, plant growth, land-use management, waste application, soil and water quality, and food production. For CSES, ENSC, and related plant-and earth-science majors. Partially duplicates 3134. Co: 3124. (3H,3C) I.
3624 (ENSC 3124) (CSES 3124): SOILS LABORATORY
Parent materials, morphology, physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and related soil management and land use practices will be studied in field and lab. Partially duplicates 3134. (3L,1C) I.
3704: IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC ROCKS
Study of characteristics and mechanisms of igneous intrusion at depth in the crust, volcanic phenomena on the surface, and textural and mineralogical modification of rocks at elevated temperatures and pressures of crustal metamorphism. Tectonic aspects of igneous and metamorphic rocks will be stressed. Pre: 1004, 1014. Co: 3504. (2H,3L,3C).
4014: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
Applied geology for some of the interactions between man and the geologic environment with emphasis on geologic hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and flooding). Pre: 1004 or 2104. (3H,3C). Not offered in 2002-03.
4024: SENIOR SEMINAR (3H, 3C).
4084 (GEOG 4084): INTRODUCTION TO GIS
Use of automated systems for geographic data collection, digitization, storage, display and analysis. Basic data flow in GIS applications. Overview of GIS applications. Group homework projects to develop proficiency in the use of current GIS software. Prior experience with personal computers recommended. (3H,3C).
4104: PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
Physical aspects of waves, tides, currents, chemistry, and submarine geology in the oceans of the world. Pre: MATH 2016 or MATH 2224, PHYS 2175. (3H,3C)
4124: SEISMIC STRATIGRAPHY
Overview of seismic data acquisition and processing methods, seismic wavelets, static and dynamic corrections, and seismic velocities; seismic reflection data interpretation; seismic reflection responses Seismic mapping; seismic stratigraphy and seismic lithology. Consent required. Pre: 3104. (2H,3L,3C).
4154: EARTHQUAKE SEISMOLOGY
Seismicity and its causes in the context of plate tectonics; determination of earthquake location, size and focal parameters; seismogram interpretation; seismometry; hazard potential; use of earthquakes in determining earth structure. Pre: 3104, MATH 2214, MATH 2224, PHYS 2305. (2H,3L,3C).
4164: POTENTIAL FIELD METHODS IN EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS
Theory and application to engineering, environmental, and resource exploration. Gravity, magnetics, electrical resistivity, self potential, induced polarization, ground-penetrating radar, magnetotellurics, electromagnetic induction. Alt. years. Pre: 3104, MATH 2214, MATH 2224, PHYS 2306. (3H,3L,4C).
4174: EXPLORATION SEISMOLOGY
Theory and application of seismic methods to engineering, environmental and resource exploration: reflection seismics, refraction seismics, and tomography. Data acquisition, digital filtering, data corrections, imaging, interpretation, and forward modeling. Pre: 3104 or consent; MATH 2224; PHYS 2305, 2306. (3H,3L,4C).
4324 (BIOL 4324): PLANT EVOLUTION (WRITING INTENSIVE)
Geological history, comparative morphology, evolution and systematics of pre-vascular and vascular plants. Focus on evolution of communities, adaptive construction of tissues and organs, and ecology of reproduction. Odd years. Pre: BIOL 2304. (2H,6L,4C).
4354 (GEOG 4354): INTRODUCTION TO REMOTE SENSING
Theory and methods of remote sensing. Practical exercises in interpretation of aerial photography, satellite, radar and thermal infrared imagery. Digital analysis, image classification and evaluation. Applications in earth sciences, hydrology, plant sciences, and land use studies. (2H,3L,3C).
4404: ADVANCED STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
Basic principles of rock behavior under applied, non-hydrostatic stress (experimental and tectonic) and analysis of the geometrical patterns produced. Alternate years. Pre: 3404. (2H,3L,3C).
4414: ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
The geological principles and techniques that are required in civil engineering projects and the influence of geology on design, location, construction, and stability of engineering structures. Pre: 1004 or 2104. (2H,2C).
4494: GEOLOGY SUMMER FIELD COURSE
Synthesis of course work through field mapping and studies of topical areas in soft- and hard-rock terrains. Training in field methods and techniques. Consent required. Pre: 1004, 1014, 3404. (2H,48L,6C).
4554: GEOLOGIC ASPECTS OF NUCLEAR AND TOXIC WASTE DISPOSAL
Review of the geochemical characteristics of radionuclides and other toxic, inorganic materials and how these characteristics affect safe disposal of these materials in the natural environment. Examination of the effects of near-surface geologic processes such as groundwater movement and geologic hazards on long-term storage of wastes, with application to evaluation of current and proposed disposal sites. Pre: 1004 or 2104. (2H,2C).
4624: MINERAL DEPOSITS
Introduction to the range and variety of metallic and non-metallic economic mineral deposits. Classification of the petrologic and tectonic settings of mineral deposits. Source, transport and depositional mechanisms of mineral deposit formation. Laboratory emphasizes identification of ore minerals, gangue minerals, common host rocks, wall-rock alteration and mineral zoning. Pre: 1004 or 2104. (2H,3L,3C).
4634: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY
Application of quantitative methods of thermodynamic and physicochemical analysis to the study of the distribution and movement of chemical elements in surface and near-surface geological environments. Emphasis on practical approaches to environmental geochemistry. Not available for credit for students who have taken 4624. Junior standing required. Pre: CHEM 1036, MATH 1016. (2H,3L,3C).
4644: ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
Composition, origin and distribution of organic matter in the geological environment; the carbon cycle; terminology and structure of organic molecules; metamorphism of organic materials; formation and composition of coal, oil, natural gas; organic geochemistry of the oceans; role of organics in ore formation; organic compounds in natural waters; abiogenic organic compounds in magmatic rocks and fluids. Junior standing required. Pre: CHEM 1036, 1004 or 2104, 1014 or 1024. (3H,3C).
4704: IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROGRAPHY
Fundamentals of the origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks including an introduction to phase equilibria classification schemes and detailed hand-specimen and microscopic examination of these important rock types. Pre: 3505, 3506, 4504. (2H,6L,4C).
4714: VOLCANOES AND VOLCANIC PROCESSES
Study of characteristics and mechanisms of volcanic phenomena, including magma dynamics, origin and chemistry of lavas, physics of eruptions, and characteristics of volcanic products, particularly pyroclastic deposits. Includes focus on volcanism as a general planetary process, on terrestrial tectonic settings of volcanism and on volcanic hazards. Pre: 3704. (2H,3L,3C)
4804: GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGY
Physical principles of groundwater flow, including application of analytical solutions to real-world problems. Well hydraulics. Geologic controls on groundwater flow. Pre: 1014, PHYS 2205 or PHYS 2305, MATH 1206. (2H,3L,3C).
4864: WRITING INTENSIVE - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
4874: WRITING INTENSIVE - INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
Please see the Graduate Catalog for graduate course listings.
Virginia Tech -- Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2004
Last update: August 2002
URL: http://www.vt.edu/academics/ugcat/ucdGeol.html