Several recent natural disasters are examined in depth to understand the physical processes responsible for them and their effects. The course consists of quantitative laboratory studies of recent disasters in order to understand why they occur, what their consequences are, and how we can respond to minimize their impact. Identification of minerals in thin section by optical means. Textural relations between constituent minerals in rocks and their interpretation.
Laboratories consist of studying rocks in thin section using a petrographic microscope.
Two lectures, one lab weekly. Geochemical, isotopic, and geophysical interpretation of igneous processes. The laboratory consists of petrographic examination of rocks in thin section and computer modeling of igneous phenomena. Two lectures, one laboratory weekly. Topics vary depending on student interest.