Systematic study of igneous and metamorphic rocks and complexes, including origin, composition, and classification. Use of the polarizing microscope for thin section analysis will be emphasized, and other modern methods of study will be employed. Survey of modern exploration geophysics, including gravimetric, magnetic, electric, and seismic methods as applied to resource exploration and site investigations. Mapping and outcrop description techniques are emphasized. Destination of trip varies.
Trip requires camping and vigorous physical activity.
Flow systems, analytical and numerical solutions to ground water flow problems. Emphasis on the theoretical aspects of ground water flow systems and their interaction with the geologic framework. Application of statistical methods to geological problems. Emphasis on sampling plans, nature of geologic distributions, and application of analyses of variance to solving geological problems. Each topic is a course in directed study under supervision of a faculty member.