GEO

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

GEO 144 Astrobiology also PHYS 115

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

GEO 220 Geomorphology We live on the thin surface of the earth, which is the interface between the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Geomorphology is the study of how these ‘spheres’ interact and form the landscape we see around us. Through both descriptive and quantitative analysis, we will assess the scales and rates at which surface processes occur. Exploring the connection between modern processes and modern deposits is essential to deciphering the geologic record. We will examine the link between process, landform and deposit. We will evaluate fluvial, glacial, slope, eolian, weathering, and karst processes and the landforms that they produce and the deposits that are left behind. An understanding of surficial processes is critical to understanding the interaction of humans and their environment. Note: Weekend field trips are required. Prerequisites: GEO 184 and GEO 186 or concurrent enrollment (Curtin, Fall, offered alternate years) HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 251 2023 - 2024 CATALOGUE

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 213

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

GEO 260/ATMO 260 Weather Analysis and Forecasting

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

chemically reactive. Chemical interactions between water and rock, soil, or aerosols have a direct impact on bio- logical productivity, drinking water quality, and the chemical evolution of the hydrologic cycle. We will explore the origins of the earth, the relationships between water and minerals and weathering, examine the processes govern- ing the concentration of dissolved substances in precipitation, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Chemical processes will be investigated using kinetic and equilibrium thermodynamic models. Projects will emphasize the collection and analysis of surface or near surface waters, possible impact of changing land use and climate change on local water chemistries, and the interpretation and presentation of data. Note: There will be required weekend field trips. (Finkelstein, Spring, offered alternate years) GEO 284 Mineralogy and Petrology Humanity relies on minerals, rocks, sediments and soils for agriculture, life and industry. Because minerals are the basic components of all rocks, sediments and soils, and are commonly in chemi- cal equilibrium with natural waters, an understanding of minerals is crucial to many fields in geoscience. This course introduces students to the chemical and physical properties of some of the most important and common minerals and rocks, the occurrence of minerals in rocks, their economic importance and potential health hazards. It also fa- miliarizes students with the techniques used in mineral and rock identification and characterization. Laboratory work emphasizes the systematic description of minerals and rocks in hand specimen and thin section, and the interpre- tation of rock origin from mineralogy and texture. Techniques covered include crystallographic, X-ray diffraction, and optical microscopy. Laboratory and one extended field trip are required. Prerequisites: GEO 184 and CHEM 110. (Finkelstein, spring, offered alternate years) GEO 299 Geoscience Field Studies The course is designed to introduce students to field-based scientific investiga- tions in an intensive 2-week course. We will conduct several mapping and data collection projects that will provide students experience with field observations in areas of geology, meteorology, and climatology. Students completing the course receive one full course credit. The course is offered as credit/no credit and can be counted toward a Geoscience major or minor. (Offered annually)

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

logic materials on the Earth’s surface. Found in them are many of the raw materials used in our industrial society, the record of life in the past and the record of ancient environmental change. Sedimentary rocks preserve evidence for sea level change, global climate change, tectonic processes, and geochemical cycles. Laboratories involve the description, classification, correlation, and interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks to decipher that evidence. Field and lab projects provide opportunities for students to collect and analyze their own datasets. Note: There are required weekend field trips. Prerequisite: GEO 184. (Curtin, fall, offered alternate years)

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Understanding how and why climate changes are important for interpreting the geologic record and evaluating contemporary climate change. After an overview of Earth’s modern ocean-atmosphere system and energy balance is presented, dating methods and techniques for reconstructing past climates are discussed. Field and lab projects include working with existing paleoclimate datasets in addition to collecting and interpreting archives of climate change such as tree rings, bog and lake cores, and speleothems from the local area. Note: There are required week- end field trips. Prerequisites GEO 184 and GEO 186; or permission of instructor. (Curtin, spring, offered annually) GEO 330 Limnology Limnology is the study of inland waters from a chemical, biological, physical, and geological perspective. We will examine the geological processes governing the formation of the lake basins to the biological and geological controls on the dissolved substances in these systems. We will investigate how lakes form, envi- ronmental controls on phytoplankton and zooplankton succession over the course of a year, and the physical and chemical characteristics of lakes and ponds. We will explore how lakes will be impacted by climate change and nutrient dynamics. Weekly laboratories are conducted on Seneca Lake and at the HWS Hanley Biological Preserve. (Finkelstein, fall, offered annually)

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Analytical Techniques (One Course)

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

logical forecasting and the foundation of modern weather prediction computer models. Synoptic Meteorology describes large-scale atmospheric weather systems, while dynamic meteorology quantitatively utilizes mathematical equations to explain atmospheric motion. This course will examine common synoptic-scale weather features such as mid-latitude cyclones, jet streams, and other large-scale aspects of tropospheric weather systems, by relating near HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 253 2023 - 2024 CATALOGUE

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

to intertwine the qualitative study of large-scale atmospheric weather systems, with the quantitative mathematical equations of atmospheric motion. This course will focus on advanced meteorological topics such as quasi-geos- trophic theory, potential voracity, baroclinic instability, frontogenesis, ensemble forecasting, atmospheric waves, and instabilities. Students will utilize numerical model simulations along with current atmospheric data to explore the large-scale meteorological circulation from both a theoretical and observational viewpoint. Prerequisite: GEO 350. (Metz, spring, offered alternate years)

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

such as tornadoes, squall lines, hurricanes, and lake-effect snow occur with spatial and temporal dimensions de- scribed as mesoscale. Mesoscale meteorology typically encompasses atmospheric phenomena that are smaller than 1000 km in size. Thus, in addition to severe weather systems, this course will investigate fronts, mountain wind systems, land sea breezes, and precipitation bands, with a focus on the processes and dynamics that govern their formation and distribution. Mesoscale weather is inherently difficult to predict given the relatively small size and complex nature of the various phenomena. In order to facilitate investigation of mesoscale meteorology and severe weather, this class will regularly utilize archived meteorological measurements, mesoscale computer models, and current observations of the atmosphere, which continuously provides interesting and dynamic situations to learn from. Prerequisite: GEO/ATMO 260. (Metz, spring, offered alternate years)

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Earth’s atmospheric environment and have some unique weather systems, as well as climate characteristics. Perhaps surprisingly to many, the polar atmosphere is governed by the same physical principles that operate in middle-lat- itude and tropical regions. This course will use the context of the Arctic and Antarctic to introduce and discuss the thermodynamic and precipitation processes in the atmosphere. Additional topics that will be discussed include Polar lows, interactions between the atmosphere, cryosphere, and ocean, and stratospheric ozone. Related to many of these topics, we will analyze current, relevant data sets from Polar Regions. Prerequisite: ATMO 245, GEO 215, GEO 255, or GEO/ATMO 260. (Laird, fall, offered alternate years)

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

of the atmosphere since it directly impacts humans, animals, plants and the Earth’s surface. Additionally, it is within this portion of the atmosphere where pollutants are typically introduced to the air and directly influence air quality through their transport and dispersion. In this course, we will examine the relationships and controls on the transfer of properties (mass, energy, and moisture) between the Earth’s surface and the overlying atmosphere, and within the atmospheric boundary layer itself. We will examine the sources, sinks, and transport of atmospheric pollutants under a variety of atmospheric conditions. To achieve these goals, we will use current, relevant data sets and con- duct analyses to examine properties of the atmospheric boundary layer and pollutant transport. Prerequisites: ATMO 245, GEO 215, GEO 255 or GEO 260. (Laird, fall, offered alternative years) GEO 375 Earth History This course develops the methods by which Earth’s history is deciphered. We consider how to rigorously test scientific hypotheses in the geological record. We investigate tectonics, sedimentary rocks and their structures, the fossil record, biological and climate evolution and a variety of ways of understanding geolog- ical time, using in-depth analysis of key moments from Earth’s past. Laboratory focuses on a detailed analysis of the Devonian rocks of the Finger Lakes region. Students will read and write extensively in the primary literature. GEO 380 Paleontology This course examines the fossil record from the perspective of the questions that can be asked of it. How do fossils contribute to understanding patterns of evolution? What large-scale patterns of biological diversity are seen only from the vantage point of fossils? How does form give clues to function? What can be learned about Earth’s past climates and environments from fossils? How do fossils tell time in the geologic record? The class answers these questions through a detailed study of the fossils themselves. May include one required weekend field trip. Prerequisite: GEO 184 or BIO 167. (Kendrick, spring, offered alternate years)

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Prerequisite

GEO 184 or permission of the instructor. (Arens, fall alternate years)

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

GEO 495/496 Honors ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE MINOR COURSES

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 254 2023 - 2024 CATALOGUE

Subject

GEO

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credit

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Hydrogeology and Meteorology), which allows students to blend coursework tailored to their unique interests. The Capstone Experience in the Geoscience Department requires students to complete (a) any two 300-level courses or an Honors Project and (b) one public presentation based on original research. 100- and 200-level course work in Geoscience confers a solid understanding of how to collect, analyze and interpret data, as well as how to test hypotheses. In 300-level courses, students are required to demonstrate a suite of key skills critical in the practice of science: (1) gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data, (2) reading and interpreting primary literature, (3) refin- ing work through the peer review process, (4) creating scientific graphics, (5) applying previous knowledge to new places/ideas (conduct original research), and (6) communicating via original scientific writing and presentation. To accommodate student need, multiple 300-level courses will be scheduled each semester. Involvement in the two-semester Honors Program also constitutes a capstone experience since students engage in original research and writing and must defend/present their findings to scholars in their chosen field. All students must give a `con- ference style’ oral presentation in our Departmental Seminar Series; these seminars are scheduled during both fall and spring semesters. Capstone seminar presentations may be based on a research project completed during (i) a 300-level Geoscience course, (ii) an REU or HWS-summer research project, (iii) a Geoscience Independent Study, or a Geoscience Honors project. The Capstone Experience is required for all students in the major. GEO 495/496 Honors

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 255 2023 - 2024 CATALOGUE

Subject

GEO

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu