An introduction to the origin, characteristics, and associations of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Introduction to igneous phase diagrams and metamorphic phase equilibria. An introduction to the study of fossils. A survey of the systematics, evolution and paleoecology of microfossils, plants, invertebrate and vertebrate fossils. Topics include weathering, soil formation and erosion, landslides, and landforms associated with rivers, groundwater, coasts, arid and semi-arid climates.
Laboratory emphasizes aerial photo and topographic map interpretation.
Lab work includes solution of problems by descriptive geometry, geologic and topographic maps and cross-sections. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology. Emphasis on the study of strata and depositional systems and the utilization of sedimentology and stratigraphy in economic geology, environmental geology, hydrogeology and petroleum geology. Topics include the origin and distribution of the elements and exploration of the behavior and distribution of various elements in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Basic concepts of thermodynamics, solution chemistry, and isotope geochemistry will be discussed.