Graduate Bulletin
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1996-1997
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Geological Sciences
In the College of Sciences
Office: Chemistry-Geology 205
Telephone: (619) 594-5586
EMail:
department.office@geology.sdsu.edu
Kathe K. Bertine, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences, Chair of Department
Patrick L. Abbott, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
Richard W. Berry, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
Steven M. Day, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences, TheRollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology
Clive E. Dorman, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
Gary H. Girty, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences (Graduate Adviser)
David Huntley, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
George R. Jiracek, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
C. Monte Marshall, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
Richard H. Miller, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
Gary L. Peterson, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
Thomas K. Rockwell, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
Eric G. Frost, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geological Sciences
David L. Kimbrough, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geological Sciences
William J. Wallace, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geological Sciences and Physics
Kathryn W. Thorbjarnarson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geological Sciences
Barry B. Hanan, Ph.D., Staff Scientist (equivalent rank of full professor)
Gary J. Axen, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Ronald Blom, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Robert Crippen, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Thomas A. Demere, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Ruth A. Harris, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
George L. Kennedy, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Mark Legg, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Andrew J. Magenheim, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Harold W. Magistrale, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Donn L. Marrin, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Mario Martinez, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
David Okaya, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Andres Polit, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Arthur P. Raiche, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Lei Shi, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Patrick R. Vaughan, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
Guang Yu, Ph.D., Geological Sciences
A gift from Rollin and Caroline Eckis, combined with matching funds from the Atlantic Richfield Company and contributions from SDSU faculty and staff, established The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology at SDSU. Rollin Eckis is former president of Richfield Oil Company and vice chairman of the board of Atlantic Richfield Company.
The first appointee to the Chair, Dr. Steven M. Day, conducts research on the mechanics of earthquakes and earthquake hazards.
Associateships
Graduate teaching associateships in geological sciences are available to a limited number of qualified students. Application blanks and additional information may be secured from the graduate adviser of the department.
The Department of Geological Sciences, in the College of Sciences, offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree in geological sciences. The program emphasizes research and an advanced set of courses. Faculty research activities comprise a broad spectrum of expertise, including both theoretical and applied interests. Opportunities exist for integrated field and laboratory research. The department is equipped to support research in geophysics, groundwater hydrology, oceanography and geochemistry as well as the classic areas of mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, stratigraphy and paleontology. Laboratories devoted to geochronology, isotopes, clay mineral analysis, soils, paleomagnetism, and whole rock analysis, as well as the Allison Center (paleontology), support the graduate research program. Cooperation with Mexican scientists and institutions facilitates research at an international level.
The San Diego area enjoys a mild climate which permits year round field activity. An interesting and diverse geological environment provides many opportunities for research in the local area. Many graduate students are supported in their work by grants and contracts from government and industry.
All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to classified graduate standing as described in Part Two of this bulletin. In addition, all students should satisfy the following requirements in order to achieve classified standing and enroll in graduate courses.
- 1. Have preparation in geological sciences, mathematics, chemistry, and physics at least equivalent to the minimum required for the bachelor's degree in geological sciences at San Diego State University. Undergraduate grade point average should be at least 2.5, with a 2.75 in the last 60 units. Students with degrees in majors other than geological sciences may be admitted with postbaccalaureate standing while deficiencies are being remedied.
- 2. Have successfully completed all courses listed as deficiencies.
- 3. Have a minimum GRE General Test combined verbal and quantitative score of 1000, with no less than 450 in either verbal or quantitative sections.
- 4. Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in any courses taken as a postbaccalaureate student at San Diego State University.
- 5. Have two letters of reference submitted by individuals familiar with their professional background. Letters should be sent to the graduate adviser, Department of Geological Sciences.
All student applications are evaluated competitively and no fixed numerical standards automatically qualify or disqualify a student for graduate study in the Department of Geological Sciences. Students will be admitted on the basis of merit in relation to space and faculty availability.
NOTE: Some students with bachelor's degrees in geological sciences may be admitted with postbaccalaureate standing for one semester only during which time they must take senior-level classes and earn at least a 3.0 grade point average and complete any missing qualifications for graduate study (e.g. GRE scores).
All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as stated in Part Two of this bulletin.
In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing, the student must satisfy the basic requirements for the master's degree as described in Part Two of this bulletin. The student's graduate program must include 24 units of approved 600- and 700-numbered courses to include Geological Sciences 797 (3 units Cr/NC/SP), and 799A, Thesis (3 units Cr/NC/SP), and six units of upper division or graduate electives approved by the departmental adviser. With approval of the graduate adviser, students specializing in geophysics or hydrogeology may include 18 units of approved 600-700 numbered courses and 12 units of upper division graduate electives, with no more than 6 units of upper division graduate electives taken from courses in the Department of Geological Sciences. Geological Sciences 308 and 508 or their equivalent as approved by the graduate adviser, are required as prerequisite to the program if they were not a part of the student's undergraduate work. The student is required to pass a final oral examination on the thesis. All students are required to complete Geological Sciences 601.
502. Geology of North America (3) I
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 105.
A regional analysis of North American geology, its structural, stratigraphic, and tectonic patterns and hypotheses concerning their origin and evolution.
505. Photogeology (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 305 and 514.
Geologic interpretation of aerial photographs, elementary stereos-copy and stereometry applied to structural and stratigraphic problems, and compilation of geologic maps from annotated aerial photographs.
506. Paleontology (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 105 and either Biology 100-
100L or 101-101L.
Principles and methods, exemplified by a study of the morphology, classification, habit, and geologic significance of fossil invertebrates.
507. Stratigraphy (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 105 and 224.
Stratigraphic principles and practices. Consideration of the North American stratigraphic record.
508. Advanced Field Geology (4 or 6) S
One lecture and three hours of laboratory plus 24 days in the field. For the option with six units: two additional weeks of field or laboratory work. Summer session can be enrolled in during the Spring semester.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 308 and 524.
Investigation of individually assigned areas, preparation of geologic maps, geologic sections, and gathering other types of data, e.g., petrologic, geophysical, or paleontologic, as appropriate. Students are responsible for cost of food and transportation.
514. Process Geomorphology (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 305.
Processes shaping and affecting the earth's surface, and application of resultant land forms in interpretation of geologic structure, stratigraphy and neotectonics. (Formerly numbered Geological Sciences 314.)
516. Micropaleontology (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 506.
The morphology, classification and geologic significance of the various microfossils.
520. Ore Deposits (3) I
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 224 and 305.
Geologic relations, origin, distribution, and economics of metallic and nonmetallic mineral deposits.
521. Petroleum Geology (3) II
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 224 and 305.
Geologic occurrence of petroleum and the application of geologic principles in exploration and production.
524. Optical Mineralogy (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 221.
Theory and use of the polarizing microscope for determining optical properties of minerals as an aid to their identification.
525. Petrography (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 524.
A study of rocks with the polarizing microscope; identification of mineral constituents; interpretation of textures; classification of rocks; problems of genesis.
526. Sedimentology (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 105 and 224.
Origin, description, and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and structures.
530. Geochemistry (2) I
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 224; Chemistry 201; Mathematics 121 and 122, or 150.
The relationship of basic chemical principles to geologic phenomena and environments, including applications to geologic exploration problems.
530L. Geochemistry Laboratory (1) I
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Geological Sciences 530.
Laboratory methods of analysis for determination of elemental concentrations in waters, sediments, and rocks, as well as x-ray diffraction methods for mineralogy.
532. Applied Hydrogeophysics (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 150 and 250; two semesters of physics. Recommended: Geological Sciences 330 and 551.
Advanced applications of geophysical methods to hydrological investigations including d.c. resistivity, electromagnetics, radar, seismology, and magnetics.
533. Geophysical Analysis (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 330, Mathematics 252, Physics 197. Recommended: Physics 195L, 196L, 197L.
Analog and digital data collection, processing, modeling and error estimation. Computer-aided examples and field tests from seismics, gravity, magnetics, and electromagnetics including magnetotellurics.
540. Marine Geology (3) I
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 105, and either Geological Sciences 224, 502, 506, or 514.
Plate tectonic origin and history of the ocean basins. Formation and distribution of sediments in response to biological, chemical, and geological processes.
545. Descriptive Physical Oceanography (3) I
Prerequisites: Mathematics 121 and 122, or 150; Physics 180A or
195.
Physical environment of oceans including heat, water, and salt budgets, physical properties of sea water, sea ice, air-sea relationships, effects of light and sound, distribution of temperature, salinity, density, surface current, deep circulation, water mass formation, instruments and methods of study.
550. Engineering Geology (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 305.
Relationships between geologic processes and works of humans. Topics include rock and soil mechanics, ground water flow, slopes stabil-ity, seismicity, land subsidence, and evaluation of geologic materials with respect to dam sites, tunnel alignments, and building foundations.
551. Hydrogeology (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 305 and Mathematics 150.
Theory of ground water flow. Exploration for and development of the ground water resource. Aquifer tests, water quality, and water resource management. Occurrence of water in alluvial, sedimentary, volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic terrains.
552. Field and Laboratory Techniques in Hydrogeology (5)
One lecture and twelve hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 551 and credit or concurrent
registration in Geological Sciences 530.
Use and application of common field and laboratory techniques in hydrogeology. Exercises include drilling, coring, and sediment sampling, aquifer testing, unsaturated zone monitoring, fluid level measurement, tracer testing, laboratory measurement of permeability, capillarity, and analysis of inorganic and organic constituents in groundwater.
560. Earthquake Seismology (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory
Prerequisite: Mathematics 252, Physics 197. Recommended:
Mathematics 342A.
Theory of seismic wave excitation, propagation, and recording. Methods of seismogram interpretation and analysis. Applications to tectonics and earthquake hazard analysis.
596. Advanced Topics in Geology (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Advanced special topics in the geological sciences. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit of six units of 596 applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum combined credit of six units of 596 and 696 applicable to a 30-unit master's degree.
600. Seminar (1-3)
Refer to Class Schedule for lecture/laboratory format.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An intensive study in advanced geology. May be repeated with new content. Topic to be announced in the Class Schedule. Maximum credit six units applicable to a master's degree. Maximum combined credit of six units of 596 and 696 applicable to a 30-unit master's degree.
601. Investigations in Earth Science (3)
Prerequisites: Postbaccalaureate standing with B.S. or B.A. in
geology or equivalent.
Review of major geologic concepts and processes. Relationships of research to advances in the understanding of modern earth processes and the geologic history of the earth.
609. Igneous Petrology (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 525.
Investigation of problems in igneous petrology, using petrography, geochemistry, and experimental methods.
612. Carbonate Depositional Systems (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 507 and 524.
Nature of carbonate deposition in marine environments. Examination of thin sections, hand samples, and outcrops. Literature examples of regional aspects of modern and ancient carbonate deposition. Mandatory field trip.
615. Geology of Clays (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 526 or 530.
Systematic mineralogy of clays and routine methods of identification. Geologic interpretation of clay minerals with respect to environmental conditions or origin, deposition and diagenesis.
620. Biostratigraphy (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 507.
Development of concepts and practices in stratigraphic and geochronologic synthesis critically reviewed in context of current knowledge of the fossil record.
625. Paleoecology (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 506 and Biology 354.
Problems and methods in the study of relationships between fossil organisms and their environment: interpretation of paleoenvironment, paleoclimate, and biologic relationships among fossil organisms.
629. Seminar: Advanced Studies in Stratigraphy (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 507.
Regional stratigraphic patterns in North America and their historical implications.
630. Selected Topics in Geophysics (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Research topics in seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, and electromagnetic methods. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Maximum credit six units applicable to a master's degree.
633. Quaternary Geology (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 514.
Quaternary climate, geochronometric dating and soil strati-graphy.
635. Petrology of Terrigenous Rocks (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 524.
Thin-section and hand-specimen description and classification of sandstones, conglomerates, and mudrocks. Emphasis on mineralogy, provenance, diagenesis, and paleogeographic reconstructions.
640. Geotectonics (3)
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 305.
A consideration of topics on continental genesis and evolution, orogeny, plate tectonics theory, and a survey of classic geologic provinces.
642. Neotectonics (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 305 and 514.
Observation, interpretation and significance of late Quaternary crustal deformation.
645. Advanced Structural Geology (3)
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 305.
Topics in advanced structural geology in the light of petrographic, geophysical, and experimental data, combined with classic field observations.
648. Plate-Tectonic Development of California (3)
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 305.
Analysis of sequential genesis of major tectonic terranes of California and adjacent states. Problem-oriented literature study will integrate structural, stratigraphic, and geochronologic development.
651. Numerical Modeling of Ground-Water Flow (3)
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 551 and experience in computer programming.
Finite difference approximations of ground water and mass transport equations. Direct and iterative solutions to simultaneous equations. Calibration, verification and application of numerical models to analyze ground water hydrologic problems.
652. Multiphase Flow (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 551.
Movement of water through the unsaturated zone and nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPL) through subsurface. Topics include vadose zone characterization, monitoring, and modeling; light and dense NAPL movement, monitoring, and remediation.
653. Ground Water Aquifer Testing (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 551.
Theory and practice of conducting and analyzing constant-rate aquifer tests, step-drawdown tests, and slug injection tests. Analysis of results for confined, unconfined, leaky-confined, and fractured aquifers.
655. Paleomagnetism and Plate Tectonics (3)
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 100 and Physics 180B or 196.
Contribution of paleomagnetism to origin and current models of plate tectonics, estimating paleolatitude, magnetostratigraphy, and structural deformation. Review of rock magnetism, magnetic mineralogy, and the geomagnetic field.
660. Isotope Geology (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
A survey of isotopic and geochronologic topics with individual projects in isotopic analysis.
675. Groundwater Geochemistry (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 530, 530L and 551.
Processes affecting organic solute acquisition and deposition in groundwater. Applications to radioactive and metal contaminant transport. (Formerly numbered Geological Sciences 675A.)
676. Solute Transport in Groundwater (3)
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 551.
Theory of dissolved solute transport in groundwater. Applications to contaminant delineation, modeling and characterization of aquifer heterogeneities. Case studies of tracer tests and contaminant plumes. (Formerly numbered Geological Sciences 675B.)
677. Environmental Fate of Organic Contaminants (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 551 and 530, 530L, or chemistry background.
Physical and chemical properties and processes affecting distribution of organic contaminants in the environment. Focus on subsurface environments with applications to surface waters.
680. Sedimentary Geochemistry (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 530.
Topics in low temperature geochemistry, in particular diagenesis.
685. Genesis of Ore Deposits (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 525; and Geological Sciences
530 or four units of physical chemistry.
Application of mineralogy, petrography, and chemistry to an understanding of the origin of ore deposits.
797. Research (1-3) Cr/NC/SP
Prerequisite: Consent of the department.
Supervised research in an area of geology. Maximum credit six units applicable to a master's degree.
799A. Thesis (3) Cr/NC/SP
Prerequisites: An officially appointed thesis committee and
advancement to candidacy.
Preparation of a thesis for the master's degree.
799B. Thesis Extension (0) Cr/NC
Prerequisite: Prior registration in Thesis 799A with an assigned
grade symbol of SP.
Registration required in any semester or term following assignment of SP in Course 799A in which the student expects to use the facilities and resources of the university; also student must be registered in the course when the completed thesis is granted final approval.
