WSU Graduate Courses - Geological Sciences/GL

GL 599 SPECIAL PROBLEMS (Credits: 1 TO 6)

Research and problems designed for specific needs and talents of the students.

GL 604 EARTH RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (Credits: 3)

Study of Earth Resources as the economic base of civilization. Natural geologic processes and geochemical cycles of global change are compared with human-induced impact on the environment. Emerging trends in technology and policy matters and their influence on environmental quality are analyzed.

PREREQUISITE: GL 105 AND 106 OR EQUIVALENT.

GL 605 GROUND-WATER MONITORING AND REMEDIATION (Credits: 4)

Study of the principles of ground water monitoring and cleanup system design. Theory and field practices for monitoring well drilling/installation, lysimeter installation for natural and contaminated groundwater, etc. Field visits of sites with contaminated aquifers undergoing remediation. Graded pass/unsatisfactory.

GL 606 EARTH SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS (Credits: 4.5)

Sources and forms of energy operating on the earth and the effects of these operations on the origin, history, and evolution of the earth. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GL 606 EARTH SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS LABORATORY (Credits: )

Sources and forms of energy operating on the earth and the effects of these operations on the origin, history, and evolution of the earth. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GL 607 EARTH SCIENCE BY INQUIRY (Credits: 4.5)

The sources and forms of energy operating on the earth and the effects of these operations on the origin, history, and evolution of the earth.3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.This course cannot be applied toward the M.S. degree in Geology.

GL 609 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (Credits: 4)

Hazards from geologic materials: reactive minerals, the asbestos controversy, radioactive and toxic gasses. Hazards from geologic processes: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, slope processes, subsidence, floods, coastal hazards. Geologic hazards monitoring, mitigation, and avoidance. Risk evaluation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GL 609 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY (Credits: )

GL 610 OCEANOGRAPHY (Credits: 4)

Fundamentals of oceanography for students with an understanding of scientific principles.The course includes content that is needed by earth science teachers.Students will use the Internet and some basic computer applications.

GL 611 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY (Credits: 4.5)

Geometry of the structural features of rocks, their geographic distribution, and possible causes. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GL 611 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY (Credits: )

Geometry of the structural features of rocks, their geographic distribution, and possible causes. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GL 615 GLOBAL CHANGE FOR TEACHERS (Credits: 4.5)

Analysis of the impact of geologic phenomena (earthquakes, volcanoes, sea-level changes etc.) on the earth's atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere; development of classroom applications in earth system science.

GL 618 WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT (Credits: 3)

Study the distribution and quantity of fresh water on Earth, the chemical and physical processes that affect the movement and quality of natural water, and the impact of human activities on water resources.

GL 620 REGIONAL TECTONICS (Credits: 3)

Study of the structure of the Earth as revealed by solid earth geophysics and dynamics of internal geologic processes, and of the large-scale tectonic structure of the North American continent obtained through the Decade of North American Geology Project.

PREREQUISITE: GL 311 OR PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.

GL 622 INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED GEOPHYSICS (Credits: 5)

Introduction to gravity, magnetic, seismic, and electrical methods of subsurface investigation.

GL 622 INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED GEOPHYSICS LABORATORY (Credits: )

Introduction to gravity, magnetic, seismic, and electrical methods of subsurface investigation.

GL 623 SEISMIC EXPLORATION (Credits: 4)

Theory, observation, and analysis of seismic phenomena as applied to geologic exploration. 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: GL 422 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.

GL 623 SEISMIC METHODS LABORATORY (Credits: )

Theory, observation, and analysis of seismic phenomena as applied to geologic exploration. 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab.

GL 625 TOPICAL CONCEPTS IN GEOPHYSICS (Credits: 4)

Special topics in geophysics. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: GL 400 OR 422 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.

GL 625 TOPICAL CONCEPTS IN GEOPHYSICS LABORATORY (Credits: )

Special topics in geophysics. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

GL 626 GEOPHYSICS SEMINAR (Credits: 1)

Literature survey and student presentations on selected topics in geophysics. Graded pass/unsatisfactory.

PREREQUISITE: GL 422.

GL 628 GEOLOGY COLLOQUIUM (Credits: 0.5 TO 2)

Selected geological topics discussed by students, guest speakers, and faculty. May be taken for letter grade or pass/unsatisfactory.

GL 631 ELECTRICAL METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOPHYSICS (Credits: 4)

The principles and practices of acquisition and interpretation of data from electrical and electromagnetic geophysical techniques.

PREREQUISITE: GL 622 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.

GL 632 SEDIMENTARY SYSTEMS AND SEQUENCES:CARBONATES (Credits: 4.5)

Interpretation of ancient and modern carbonate systems using sequence stratigraphic principles. Carbonate facies models as predictive tools for hydrocarbon exploration and aquifer modeling. Composition, origin, and diagenesis of carbonate rocks.

PREREQUISITE: GL 487 OR EQUIVALENT.

GL 632 CARBONATE SEDIMENTOLOGY AND PETROLOGY LABORATORY (Credits: )

GL 633 GEOPHYSICAL FIELD RESEARCH (Credits: 1 TO 6)

Geophysical research participation in a project of the department. Content and techniques will depend on the particular project, but will normally have an extensive component of field data acquisition. May be taken for letter grade or pass/unsatisfactory.

GL 634 FIELD GEOLOGY (SUMMER FIELD CAMP) (Credits: 9)

Geologic phenomena illustrated in the field. Introduction of mapping techniques and the application of many geologic disciplines to geologic analysis.

GL 634 FIELD GEOLOGY LABORATORY (Credits: )

Geologic phenomena illustrated in the field. Introduction of mapping techniques and the application of many geologic disciplines to geologic analysis.

GL 636 DIAGENESIS OF SEDIMENTARY ROCKS (Credits: 3)

Theory and application of petrographic techniques to studies of carbonate and clastic rocks, with emphasis on diagenesis and porosity development. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: RECOMMENDED PREPARATION GL 632.

GL 636 DIAGENESIS OF SEDIMENTARY ROCKS LABORATORY (Credits: )

Theory and application of petrographic techniques to studies of carbonate and clastic rocks, with emphasis on diagenesis and porosity development. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

GL 637 SUBSURFACE DIGITAL IMAGING AND PROCESSING (Credits: 4)

Digital processing and visualization of seismic reflection and ground penetrating radar data. 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: GL 623.

GL 638 SEISMIC INTERPRETATION (Credits: 3)

Interpretation methods for seismic reflection data are studied with emphasis on structural and stratigraphic interpretation for petroleum traps.

PREREQUISITE: GL 623 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.

GL 638 SEISMIC INTERPRETATION LABORATORY (Credits: )

Interpretation methods for seismic reflection data are studied with emphasis on structural and stratigraphic interpretation for petroleum traps.

GL 644 FORMATION ANALYSIS (Credits: 4)

Theory, application, and interpretation of geophysical logs with emphasis on their use in correlation and determining porosity, permeability, and fluid content of subsurface formations. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

GL 646 SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY (Credits: 3)

Provides a firm grounding in: the mechanisms that produce sea-level change, how sediments respond to these changes, and how the architecture of basins develop over time.

GL 650 HYDROGEOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Provides a fundamental understanding of basic hydrological principles including ground water flow and chemistry, surface water hydrology, unsaturated flow, and meteorology.

GL 654 GROUND-WATER FLOW AND TRANSPORT (Credits: 4)

Covers the occurrence and movement of ground water, and the advection and dispersion of contaminants in ground water flow regimes. Lab introduces interpreting the hydraulic properties of ground water flow regimes from field data. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: MTH 230, PHYS 244.

GL 655 HYDROGEOCHEMISTRY (Credits: 4)

Lectures focus on the chemical interactions between natural waters and their geologic environments. Included are chemical principles, carbonate system, silicate equilibria and weathering, and redox reactions. Isotope hydrology and hydrochemical modeling are also introduced. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: CHM 121, 122, 123 OR CHM 191, 192, 193.

GL 661 GEOLOGIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS OF GIS (Credits: 4)

Study the concepts, terminology, data models, and basic analytical functions of geographic information system and its applications to solving environmental and geologic problems.ArcGIS is used for hands-on exercises and a class project.

GL 662 PROCESS GEOMORPHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Study of the processes that create and modify landforms; classification of landforms and what they reveal of past geologic processes and climates.

PREREQUISITE: GL 253, 254 OR GEO 201, GEO 322.

GL 663 GEOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS OF REMOTE SENSING (Credits: 4)

The use of aerial photographs, satellite and radar images for geological mapping, exploration of mineral resources, hydrogeology, hazard monitoring, environmental problems, and land use monitoring and analysis.

GL 663 GEOLOGIC APPLICATIONS OF REMOTE SENSING LABORATORY (Credits: )

GL 668 GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION (Credits: 4)

Study of organic and inorganic pollutants in the groundwater. Behavior of organic pollutants in vadoze zone and saturated subsurface: vapor migration, dissolution, and sorption of LNAPL and DNAPL constituents. Chemical microbiological degradation, and fate of chlorinated and other hydrocarbons.

PREREQUISITE: GL 450/650 OR GL 455/655.

GL 669 SITE REMEDIATION (Credits: 3)

Study of chemical and microbiological degradation of pollutants in the subsurface. Diagnosis and assessment of contaminated sites. Concepts and techniques for LNAPL and DNAPL remediation: pump-and-treat, soil vapor extraction, bioventing/airsparging, chemical treatment, solvent extraction, and bioremediation.

PREREQUISITE: GL 468/668.

GL 670 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY (Credits: 4)

Introduction to environmental organic pollutants. Concepts in behavior of pollutants: vapor pressure, solubility, air-water and solvent-water, partitioning, and sorption to solids. Chemical and microbial degradation of organic pollutants. Modeling concepts.

PREREQUISITE: GL 450/650 OR GL 455/655.

GL 681 MINERALOGY & CRYSTALLOGRAPHY (Credits: 6)

Study of crystal properties and crystal classes including approximately 100 important minerals. Laboratory includes stereoscopic and gnomic projections to identify crystal forms; physical properties to identify minerals in hand sample. 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab.

GL 681 MINERALOGY LAB (Credits: )

GL 683 SEDIMENTARY PETROLOGY (Credits: 4.5)

Introduction to the optical properties of common minerals. Survey of sedimentary rocks in hand specimen, thin section, and field occurrence. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: GL 681 OR GL 601.

GL 684 IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY (Credits: 4.5)

Study the origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Thin sections and hand specimens are used in the laboratory for mineral identification, rock structures, and classification. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: GL 383/683.

GL 685 STRATIGRAPHY (Credits: 4.5)

Principles, rules, and techniques of correlation. Relationships between surface and subsurface correlation. Geologic and geophysical correlation techniques are emphasized in the laboratory. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GL 685 STRATIGRAPHY LABORATORY (Credits: )

GL 686 INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY (Credits: 4.5)

Morphology, geologic record, and geographic distribution of major invertebrate groups characterized by significant fossil representation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: GL 255 (HISTORICAL GEOLOGY),
GL 256 (HISTORICAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY).

GL 686 INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY LABORATORY (Credits: )

Morphology, geologic record, and geographic distribution of major invertebrate groups characterized by significant fossil representation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GL 687 SEDIMENTOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Clastic rocks, their mineralogy, texture, provenance, and classification; nonclastic carbonates and other nonclastic rocks; and depositional environments and sedimentary structures. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab. Completion of an undergraduate course in stratigraphy is required.

GL 687 SEDIMENTOLOGY LAB (Credits: )

GL 699 SPECIAL PROBLEMS (Credits: 0.5 TO 6)

Research and problems designed for specific needs and talents of the students. May be taken for a letter grade or pass/unsatisfactory.

GL 700 PRINCIPLES OF INSTRUCTION IN GEOLOGY (Credits: 1 TO 5)

A survey of available instructional materials and discussion of educational theory and techniques leading to more effective instruction. For graduate teaching assistants only.

GL 712 ADVANCED HYDROGEOCHEMISTRY (Credits: 4)

Case studies of hydrogeochemistry in regional aquifer systems and current topics of interest, such as organic geochemistry of natural and contaminated waters, acidic mine water, wetland geochemistry, and hydrogeochemistry of non-point source pollutants.

PREREQUISITE: GL 653 OR EQUIVALENT.

GL 720 ISOTOPE HYDROLOGY (Credits: 3.5)

Theories and applications of environmental isotopes to hydrologic studies. Both stable isotopes (oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, strontium, nitrogen, sulfur) and radioactive nuclides (H-3, C-14, Cl-36) will be discussed.

PREREQUISITE: CHM 121, 122.

GL 748 AQUIFER TEST ANALYSIS LABORATORY (Credits: 2)

This laboratory provides hands-on experience in analyzing and interpreting data from aquifer tests. Case-study data sets are used that come from confined, unconfined, fractured, bounded, leaking, and partially penetrated formations. Constant rate, variable rate, and slug tests are covered. May be taken for letter grade or pass/unsatisfactory.

PREREQUISITE: GL 654.

GL 749 ADVANCED GROUND-WATER FLOW AND TRANSPORT (Credits: 3)

Second-level course in subsurface fluid flow, providing the theoretical background necessary to solve problems involving ground water flow, well hydraulics, aquifer characterization, and contaminant transport.

PREREQUISITE: GL 450/650.

GL 750 NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF GROUND WATER FLOW AND CONTAMINANT TRANSPORT (Credits: 4.5)

Use of numerical modeling methods, including finite differences and finite elements in solving problems related to ground water flow and mass transport. Emphasis is on the theory including development of well-posed boundary-value problems, development of the numerical scheme, and choice of solution algorithms. Students write explicit and implicit finite difference codes, as well as a finite element code to solve two-dimensional flow problems.

GL 751 GROUNDWATER FLOW MODELING (Credits: 3)

The first half of the course introduces the techniques used in constructing and applying mathematical models of ground water flow. The second half features the use of the USGS 3-D flow model. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

GL 754 HYDROGEOCHEMICAL MODELING (Credits: 4)

Introduces students to several computer programs that have been developed to aid in the understanding of ground water geochemistry. Includes programs for mass balancing, speciation, and ground water simulation. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

PREREQUISITE: GL 453/653.

GL 780 MST PROJECT DEVELOPMENT (Credits: 2)

This seminar-style course introduces students to different project options, discussion of project formats, and development of individual research proposals.

GL 781 MST PROJECT (Credits: 1 TO 6)

Students will develop a project combining elements of both education and science.Projects are expected to have a significant impact on some aspect of teaching and learning.

GL 799 SPECIAL PROBLEMS (Credits: 1 TO 6)

Titles vary. May be taken for letter grade or pass/unsatisfactory.

GL 898 GEOLOGIC FIELD RESEARCH (Credits: 3 TO 9)

Specific areas in a region are studied using a specific area of specialization in the geologic sciences. Data are collected under close supervision and analyzed independently. Formal report of results to be prepared. Field experience included.