Emphasis will be on practice rather than theory, although the latter will appear as motivation for the work, an exam, and completion of a project employing one or more of the methods discussed. Geologic field trips and mapping from a mobile base in the western United States. Mapping projects include crystalline rocks in New Mexico and areas of increasingly complex sedimentary structure in Utah and Wyoming. Using classic locations in the Appalachians, the evolution of modern tectonic theory from field geology is examined. Basic quantitative techniques for the prediction of water flow through porous and fractured geologic media.
Laboratory includes hands on experience with aquifer testing methods, using wells located on campus.
Designed primarily for students interested in the fields of hydrogeology, hydrology, environmental geology and environmental and geotechnical engineering. Formation and evolution of fractured aquifers. Methods of measuring hydrologic parameters and predicting flow and transport in fractured bedrock. Prior completion of an introductory hydrogeology course is highly recommended. The course will examine the generation, rise, storage, and eventual eruption of magma on Earth and other solid bodies in the solar system.