Geology deals with the physical, chemical, and biological study of the earth from its conception to the present day. A background in earth science not only increases the general student’s appreciation of the world, but it also increases the depth of understanding of a science student’s own field. Serious students of geology find opportunities in the environmental, petroleum, mining, teaching, engineering, and geophysics fields, and in hydrology, space science, and oceanography.
A student who enters Whitman without any prior college-level preparation in geology will have to complete 50 credits (36 in geology) to fulfill the requirements for the geology major. Courses completed in the geology major apply to the science and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.
The Geology major: A minimum of 36 credits to include either Geology 110, 120, or 210, Geology 227 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy and either Geology 312 Earth History, 321 Sedimentary Basin Analysis, or 368 Paleobiology, and Geology 343 Minerals and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, 346, 350, 420, 470; a minimum of one credit of Geology 358, and a minimum of three credits of Geology 480; Chemistry 125, 126, 135; Mathematics 125 or 128; Physics 155, 165, or Geology 310.
It is strongly recommended that geology majors complete English 210 Expository Writing, and Rhetoric 110 Fundamentals of Public Address, no later than their junior year. For those planning to pursue graduate programs in the earth sciences, Mathematics 126 and Physics 156, and courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistics, physical chemistry, and biology are strongly recommended. Seniors completing a geology or geology combined major shall take a comprehensive senior assessment consisting of a four-hour written exam constructed by the geology faculty. In addition, Geology majors shall take an oral exam, which may be conducted in the field.
The Geology minor: Either Geology 110, 120, or 210, and 227 (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy) and a minimum of one credit in 358, plus additional work in geology for a minimum of 16 credits.
The Astronomy-Geology combined major: Astronomy 177, 178, 179, two credits of 490, one of the following: 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 380, and at least two additional credits in courses numbered 310-392; either Geology 110, 120, or 210, and 227 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Geology 343 Minerals and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, 350, 470 and a minimum of one credit in 358, two credits of 490, and two of the following: 310, 346, or 420; Physics 155, 156, Mathematics 125, 126, and Chemistry 125, 135 are also required. Mathematics 167, 225, 235, 236, 244, Chemistry 126, 136, and Physics 245, 246, 255, 256 are strongly recommended. In the final semester the student must pass a senior assessment consisting of a two-part comprehensive written examination and an approximately one-hour oral exam conducted jointly by astronomy and geology faculty.
The astronomy-geology combined major requires coursework in astronomy, geology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A student who enters Whitman with no prior college-level work in any of these areas would need to complete 20 credits in astronomy, 23 to 24 credits in geology, four credits in chemistry, eight credits in physics, and six credits in mathematics. Courses completed in this major apply to the science and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.
The Biology-Geology combined major: Biology 111, 112, 205; 215 or 277; 310 or 330, 488, and at least four additional credits in biology and/or BBMB courses numbered 200 or above; either Geology 110, 120, or 210, and 227 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, either Geology 312 Earth History, Geology 321 Sedimentary Basin Analysis, or Geology 368 Paleobiology, and 343 Minerals and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, 346, 350, 470 and a minimum of one credit in 358; either three credits of Geology 480, 490, or 498 or three credits of Biology 489, 490, or 498; Chemistry 125, 126; Physics 155, 156. Two semesters of physics and field experience are strongly recommended. Courses completed in this major apply to the science and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.
The Chemistry-Geology combined major: Either Chemistry 125, 126, 135, 136 (or 140), 240, 346; either Geology 110, 120, or 210, and 227 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 343 Minerals and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, 346, 350, 460, 470, a minimum of one credit in 358; Mathematics 125, 126; Physics 155, 156. Chemistry 320 or 420 is recommended. Courses completed in this major apply to the science and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.
The Geology-Physics combined major: Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166, 245, 246, 255, 256, either 325 or 347, and three credits from physics courses numbered from 300-480, or from BBMB 324 and BBMB 334; either Geology 110, 120, or 210, and 227 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 343 Minerals and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, 310, 346, 350, 420, 470 and a minimum of one credit in 358; Mathematics 225, 235, 236, and 244; Chemistry 125.
The Geology-Environmental Studies combined major: The requirements are fully described in the Environmental Studies listing of the catalog. Courses completed in this major apply to the science and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.
After a geology or geology combined major is declared, no geology course may be taken P-D-F.
110 The Physical Earth
4, 4 Fall: Varga; Spring: Pogue
Physical geology including earth materials, the processes responsible for uplift and erosion, landforms, plate tectonics and the earth’s interior. The laboratory will emphasize mineral and rock identification and the study of topographic and geologic maps. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week; field trips. Open only to first-year students and sophomores; others by consent. Students who have received credit for Geology 120 or 210 may not receive credit for Geology 110.
120 Geologic History of the Pacific
Northwest
4, x Spencer
An examination of the geologic history of the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Idaho, Oregon, northern California, and southern British Columbia. Fundamental geologic processes that have shaped the Pacific Northwest will be examined through detailed study of different locales in the region. Lab will emphasize rocks and minerals, and topographic and geologic maps representing the areas examined in lecture. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week, optional and required field trips. Prerequisites: none. Open to first- and second-year students, others by consent. Students who have taken Geology 110 or 210 for credit may not receive credit for Geology 120.
130 Weather and Climate
3, x Pogue
An introductory course in meteorology designed for nonscience majors with an emphasis on the weather patterns and climate of the Pacific Northwest. Topics covered include Earth’s heat budget, atmospheric stability, air masses, midlatitude cyclones, global circulation patterns and climates, and the origins of violent weather phenomenon.
158 Regional Geology
1-3
The geology of part of the United States or elsewhere, with emphasis on geologic history, including petrology, stratigraphy, tectonics, and geomorphology. Lectures on the geology and other aspects of the area will precede field trips, which will take place during vacations and on long weekends. Geologic mapping may be involved. May be repeated for credit for different areas. Prerequisite: Geology 110, 120 or 210 and consent of instructor. Fee: variable. Graded credit/no credit.
158K Regional Geology: Kenya
1, x Carson
A seminar on and field trip to Kenya. Study of the geologic history, tectonics, volcanism, glaciation, and lithology of East Africa. Focus on Mt. Kenya and the Rift Valley. Field trip in December 2009-January 2010. Corequisite: Environmental Studies 260K. Fee.
158W Regional Geology: Northwestern Wyoming
x, 1 Carson
A seminar on and field trip to the Yellowstone caldera and vicinity. We will examine Archean plutonic and metamorphic rocks, Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, and Cenozoic volcanic rocks. Emphasis on glacial, volcanic, fluvial, and periglacial landforms. Field trip in late May/early June. Corequisite: Environmental Studies 260W. Fee.
180 Oceanography
3; not offered 2009-10
An introduction to the geological, physical, and chemical characteristics of the world ocean. Subjects include: plate tectonics, bathymetry, sea floor sedimentation, ocean currents and weather, waves, tides, and coastal processes. Three lectures per week. Field trip required. Not open to seniors.
210 Environmental Geology
4, 4 Fall: Nicolaysen; Spring: Varga
Geologic aspects of the environment: human effects upon and interaction with such phenomena as landslides, erosion and deposition of sediments, surface waters, groundwater, volcanism, earthquakes, and permafrost. Environmental effects of land use, waste disposal, and mineral and petroleum usage as they relate to geologic processes and materials. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week; field trips. Students who have received credit for Geology 110 or 120 may not receive credit for Geology 210. Open to first- and second-year students; others by consent.
227 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
x, 4 Spencer
Fundamental principles of analysis pertaining to sedimentary rocks and rock sequences. Fluid flow; weathering; sediment transport; sedimentary structures; depositional systems. Geologic time and chronostratigraphy. Principles of Lithostratigraphy. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab/week. Field trips. Textbook; professional articles; in-class presentations; research paper. Prerequisites: Geology 110, 120, or 210.
250 Late Cenozoic Geology and Climate Change
x, 3 Carson
The geology of the last few million years of earth history, including glaciology, Pleistocene stratigraphy, glacial and periglacial geomorphology, and changes in flora and fauna. What are the causes of ice ages and the alternating glaciations and interglaciations within them? What are the roles of nature and humans in the current global climate change? Research paper and field trip. Prerequisites: Geology 110, 120 or 210, or Environmental Studies 120; consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
301 Hydrology
3; not offered 2009-10
A seminar on water resources, including surface and ground water, from the perspectives of hydrology and environmental management. We will study the hydrologic cycle, water rights, water transfers, water projects (e.g., dams and reservoirs), ground water depletion, and water pollution. Much of our discussion will focus on water problems in western United States. Each student will write and present a research paper on water use and conflict in a specific part of the world. Field trips. Prerequisite: Geology 110, 120, or 210, or Environmental Studies 120; consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
310 Geophysics
3; not offered 2009-10
The physical principles and instrumentation involved in studying the earth. Special attention will be given to seismic, magnetic, gravitational and thermal properties and methods. Term paper and class presentations. Prerequisites: Geology 110, 120, or 210; Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166; or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
312 Earth History
x, 4 Bader
The physical and biological events during the geologic past. Special consideration given to plate tectonics and fossils in the lectures, and to fossils and geologic maps in the laboratories. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week; required and optional field trips. Prerequisite: Geology 110, 120, or 210 or consent of instructor.
321 Sedimentary Basin Analysis
4; not offered 2009-10
An intermediate level course that examines the evolution of selected marine and nonmarine sedimentary basins primarily in North America. Consideration of sedimentary features ranging from small scale sedimentary structures and grain textures and composition to bedform geometry, unit contacts and tectonic significance of depostional features represented. Fossil succession, biostratigraphy and paleoenviromental indications. Hydrocarbon and other economically significant mineral potential. Geologic map interpretation of important sedimentary basins. Prerequisites: Geology 110, 120 or 210; 227 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Geology 368 Paleobiology will be useful. Lectures, presentations and field trips. Professional articles, Internet sources, reference sources. Offered in even-numbered years.
338 Pages of Stone: The Literature of Geology
3; not offered 2009-10
Critical reading of the work of writers on Earth Science. Examination of works demonstrating different styles, from scientific to poetry to descriptive prose, and how those writers incorporate Earth into their work. Two lectures per week; papers; in-class presentations; field trip. Prerequisites: Geology 110, 120, or 210, with permission of the instructor. Offered in odd-numbered years.
340 Volcanoes
3; not offered 2009-10
An investigation of volcanoes including morphology, composition, eruption processes, periodicity, and impacts on climate and humans. Exploration of the topic will occur through lecture, in-class experiments, computer simulations, discussion of primary literature and several field trips. Prerequisite: Geology 110, 120, or 210. Offered in alternate years.
343 Minerals and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
4, x Nicolaysen
This intermediate-level course investigates mineral structure, composition, and identification within the context of the nuclear fuel cycle and geologic disposal of nuclear waste. Skills emphasized include discussing scientific literature, hand sample and optical microscope identification of minerals and analysis of crystal structures by X-Ray Diffraction. Lectures, discussions and laboratory exercises. Prerequisites: Geology 110, 120, or 210; Chemistry 125 or 140. Open only to juniors and seniors; others by consent.
346 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
x, 4 Nicolaysen
Identification, classification and interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Development of the chemical and physical background necessary to study rocks as chemical systems at equilibrium. Emphasis on using observed features, chemistry, and experimental results to interpret rock origin and evolution. Laboratories will be devoted to the identification and interpretation of rock hand specimens affected by high-temperature environments and processes. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Geology 343.
350 Geomorphology
4, x Carson
Description, origin, development, and classification of landforms. Relationships of soils, surficial materials, and landforms to rocks, structures, climate, processes, and time. Maps and aerial photographs of landscapes produced in tectonic, volcanic, fluvial, glacial, periglacial, coastal, karst, and eolian environments. Exercises on photo-geology. Lectures, discussions, laboratories, and field trips. Prerequisite: Geology 110, 120, or 210; open only to geology majors except by consent of instructor.
358 Field Geology of the Northwest
1, 1 Staff
The geology of part of the Pacific Northwest, with emphasis on geologic history including petrology, stratigraphy, tectonics, and mineralogy. Geologic mapping, paleontology, and mineralogy may also be involved. Most field trips will take place on long weekends. Each student will be required to write a report. May be repeated for credit for different areas. Required of all geology and geology combined minors. Prerequisite: Geology 110, 120 or 210 and consent of instructor. Fee: variable.
368 Paleobiology
3; not offered 2009-10
A comprehensive examination of the fossil record through Earth history. Taxonomy and classification of important fossil groups; evolution and extinction; functional anatomy and morphology; ecologic significance of individual taxa and assemblages through time; paleogeographic reconstruction based on the fossil record; time-significance of fossil groups. Two lectures, one three-hour lab/week. Textbook, journal articles, research paper, and weekend field trip. Prerequisites: Geology 110, 120 or 210 and Geology 227. Offered in even-numbered years.
390 Independent Study
1-3, 1-3 Staff
A reading or research project in an area of the earth sciences not covered in regular courses and of particular interest to a student. Maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
410 Problems in Earth Science
1-4
Specific problems in the geological sciences will be considered. Textbook and/or professional articles, discussions, paper, possible field trips. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
410A Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
3, x Bader
Concepts and methods of the geographic information systems (GIS) approach to managing and analyzing spatial information. GIS has become the primary way in which spatial information is managed and analyzed in a wide range of fields including the physical sciences, social sciences, business, and government. Lectures, readings, and hands-on exercises explore different approaches used and the wide array of applications of GIS. The final third of the course is dedicated to individual projects. One lecture and one three-hour lab meeting per week. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
410A Terroir
x, 1 Pogue
Can you really taste a place? This course examines the concept of terroir from a wide range of viewpoints. Topics to be covered include geographical, geological, pedological, meteorological, cultural, economic, and political influences on enology and viticulture. The course requires weekly readings, participation in discussions and field trips, and a term project. Prerequisites: Open only to seniors or by consent of the instructor.
410B Applied Hydrology
x, 2 Bader
Field-based course designed to introduce students to commonly-used techniques for studying surface water and groundwater. Topics will include stream gauging and the construction of hydrographs and hyetographs, determining peak discharge, delineating floodplains, collecting samples from surface water and monitoring wells, constructing flow nets, and computer modeling of groundwater and contaminant flow paths. One three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: Geology 110, 120, or 210, or Environmental Studies 120. Distribution: science.
420 Structural Geology
4, x Pogue
The description and analysis of intermediate- to large-scale rock structures. Topics include the analysis and graphical representation of stress and strain in rocks, deformation mechanisms and fabric development, the geometry and mechanics of folding and faulting, and structures related to intrusive bodies. Geologic map interpretation and cross-section construction are used to analyze the structural geology of selected regions. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week; field trip(s). Prerequisite: Geology 227 or 350.
430 Cordilleran Tectonics
x, 3 Pogue
An in-depth study of the tectonic events that shaped the western United States. A review of plate tectonic theory emphasizing plate interactions and orogenesis and the tectonic evolution of the western U.S. beginning with the amalgamation of Precambrian basement and ending with the development of the San Andreas transform and Cascadia subduction systems. Each week two class periods are devoted to lectures, discussions and student presentations. The third class period is reserved for practical exercises, particularly geologic map interpretation. There is one required weekend field trip. Prerequisite: Geology 227.
460 Geochemistry
x, 3 Nicolaysen and Calhoun
A broad spectrum of problems that describe earth systems and processes. Use will be made of the principles of equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, oxidation-reduction, and solution chemistry to assess the origin of the earth and the various chemical systems that operate at the surface and at depth. Among the processes studied will be weathering and soils, mineral deposits, water chemistry, environmental geochemistry, and various chemical cycles. Prerequisites: Geology 110, 120, or 210, Chemistry 126 or 140, and consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
470 Senior Seminar
x, 1 Pogue
Seminar on various topics in the earth sciences. Topics to be chosen by the instructors, but are likely to include discussions of the history of geology, controversial principles of geology (such as uniformitarianism), and the ethics of the profession of geology. Students are expected to complete assigned readings and make an oral presentation. Required of all senior geology majors and combined majors.
480 Field Mapping
1-4; not offered 2009-10
An advanced course in geological field methods. In a typical course students make maps in stratified and crystalline terranes, with rocks in varying degrees of deformation. Maximum of nine credits. Prerequisites: Geology 227, 343, 346, 420, and consent of department. Note: Geology 480 is not regularly offered by Whitman College. Students wishing to complete major requirements with a field experience should plan to complete an approved summer field course offered by another collegiate institution.
490 Senior Research
1-3, 1-3 Staff
A project involving field and laboratory research in the geological sciences. Written and oral reports are required during the senior year. Maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
498 Honors Thesis
3, 3 Staff
Designed to further independent research or projects leading to the preparation of an undergraduate thesis. Required of and limited to senior honors candidates in geology. Prerequisite: admission to honors candidacy.
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