Graduate Catalog

2012-2013

GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Department website: http://www.nmsu.edu/~geology/

(575) 646-2708

nmcmilla@nmsu.edu

N. J. McMillan, department head, Ph.D. (Southern Methodist) – igneous petrology, geochemistry; J. M. Amato, Ph.D. (Stanford) – structural geology, tectonics; T. F. Lawton, Ph.D. (Arizona) – stratigraphy, basin analysis ; G. H. Mack, Ph.D. (Emeritus) (Indiana-Bloomington) – sedimentary petrology, sedimentology; F. C. Ramos, Ph.D. (California- Los Angeles) – isotope geochemistry, petrology; T. H. Giordano, Ph.D. (Emeritus) (Penn State-University Park) – geochemistry, ore deposits; W. R. Seager, Ph.D. (Emeritus) (Arizona) – structural geology, tectonics

DEGREE: Master of Science
MAJOR: Geology

The Department of Geological Sciences offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree in geology. Admission to the program is in accord with the general regulations of the Graduate School. Admission to this program without deficiency is based on an undergraduate program essentially equivalent to that pursued by a geology major at this university. The Graduate Record Examination (verbal and quantitative only) is required. A candidate for a master's degree must complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits, including a minimum of 6 credits for thesis (GEOL 599). No more than 5 thesis credits may be taken in any one semester. Early selection of a research advisor is encouraged. A thesis proposal must be approved by the advisor and the candidate's committee before registering for thesis credits. At least 15 credits must be earned in courses numbered 500 or above, and at least 15 credits must be earned in geology. Students are expected to register for and participate in the department's colloquium each semester. Supportive graduate work is available in geological engineering and geophysics. The department offers excellent laboratory facilities for research in mineralogy, igneous petrology, geochemistry, stratigraphy, paleontology, and sedimentology. Available are a large, fully equipped rock preparation laboratory, mineral separation laboratory, plus computer, geochemical and petrographic labs. Major equipment includes a Gemeni heavy mineral separation table, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF), Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS). The department maintains its own fleet of field vehicles. Also available are computing facilities that include an HP color plotter and GIS system. Financial support is available to graduate students in geology through teaching and research assistantships and scholarships. Inquiries regarding financial aid should be directed to the graduate advisor.

GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

GEOL 452. Geohydrology 3 cr.

Origin, occurrence, and movement of fluids in porous media assessment of aquifer characteristics. Development and conservation of ground water resources, design of well fields. Prerequisite(s): GEOL 111G and C E 231. Crosslisted with: C E 452 and E S 452

GEOL 454. Advanced Stratigraphic Concepts 3 cr.

Geometry and origin of strata, emphasizing techniques for correlation and interpretation. Prerequisite: GEOL 420 or equivalent.

GEOL 455. Applied Geology 1-3 cr.

Geological research and field projects for the advanced student. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

GEOL 465. Isotope Geochemistry 3 cr.

Geochemistry of stable and radiogenic isotopes and its application to a wide range of problems in the earth and planetary sciences. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 112G, GEOL 360, GEOL 399.

GEOL 470. Structural Geology 3 cr. (2+3P)

Deformation of rocks of the earth. Prerequisite: GEOL 310

GEOL 474. Ground Water Geology 3 cr.

Steady-state and transient ground-water flow in porous media: effects of lithology on hydrologic characteristics of aquifers and confining units; Darcy s Law applied to steady-state flow; distribution of hydraulic head in confined and unconfined aquifers; recharge and discharge in regional and local ground-water flow systems; ground-water surface-water interaction; steady-state and transient flow to wells; aquifer testing and evaluation of safe yields. Introduction to numerical flow modeling. Prerequisite: GEOL 111G.

GEOL 475. Geology of Mineral Resources 3 cr. (2+3P)

Introduction to ore deposits and industrial rocks and minerals; genesis, mining methods, estimation of reserves, exploration, and economic aspects of selected commodities. Prerequisite: GEOL 399.

GEOL 476. Marine Paleoecology 3 cr. (2+3P)

Paleontological and sediment logic analysis of the fossil marine record to reconstruct past ecosystems by interpreting the life habits of past organisms, their association in communities and their relationship to the environments in which they lived.

GEOL 477. Special Problems 1-3 cr.

Selected advanced topics of current interest or importance. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

GEOL 478. Petroleum Geology 3 cr. (2+3P)

Stratigraphy, tectonics, and sedimentation in relation to occurrence of and exploration for hydrocarbons. Prerequisite: GEOL 420.

GEOL 479. Environmental Soil Chemistry 3 cr.

Same as SOIL 479.

GEOL 480. Seminar 1-3 cr.

Supervised study of a subject not covered by regular courses. For organized group meetings treating selected advanced topics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

GEOL 490. Field Geology 3 cr. (9P)

Mapping, instrumentation, and interpretation of geology in the field. Prerequisites: either GEOL 420 and GEOL 470.

GEOL 491. Tectonic Evolution of North America 3 cr.

Current ideas regarding the plate-tectonic evolution of North America from Archean through Holocene time, emphasizing the use of regional stratigraphy and structural geology to interpret mountain building, magmatism, and basin development. Prerequisites: GEOL 111G, GEOL 399, GEOL 420 and GEOL 470.

GEOL 495. Geology Field Camp 4 cr. (12P)

Three week intensive summer course. Geologic mapping in a site-based setting, emphasizing spatial relations, cross-section construction, and preparation of geologic reports. Prerequisite: GEOL 490

GEOL 499. Senior Thesis 1-3 cr.

Writing a formal paper describing original geologic research conducted under supervision of a faculty advisor. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Restricted to majors.

GEOL 501. Geology Colloquium 1 cr.

Presentations by visiting speakers and graduate students.

GEOL 508. Geology for Educators 3 cr.

Assists K-12 teachers in developing pedagogy and content knowledge in the subject area of geology.

GEOL 515. Advanced Principles of Geochemical Equilibria 3 cr.

Theory of thermodynamics and the applications of thermodynamics to geological problems. Phase equilibria in water-dominated and magmatic systems.

GEOL 516. Colorado Plateau Seminar 3 cr.

Geologic history of the Colorado Plateau culminating in a 10-day field trip to choice geologic localities in Arizona and Utah. Prerequisites: GEOL 420 or equivalent.

GEOL 520. Selected Topics 1-3 cr.

Selected topics in geology. Prerequisites: graduate standing and consent of instructor. May be repeated for unlimited credit.

GEOL 530. Sandstone Petrology 3 cr. (2+3P)

Provenance and diagenetic history of sand and sandstone as determined by thin-section analysis.

GEOL 531. Depositional Environments 3 cr. (1+6P)

Interpretation of clastic depositional environments with reference to rock units exposed in southern New Mexico.

GEOL 532. Carbonate Petrology and Depositional Systems 3 cr. (2+3P)

Textures, composition, diagenesis, and interpretation of carbonate rocks. Laboratory study of rock suites and thin sections illustrating carbonate facies.

GEOL 533. Petroleum Geophysics 3 cr. (2+3P)

Introduction to fundamentals of exploration seismology, including seismic acquisition, processing, and geologic interpretation of 2-D data sets. Interpretation encompasses major geologic structural styles, including thrust belts, rift basins, and salt provinces.

GEOL 534. Tectonics of Sedimentary Basins 3 cr.

Origin of sedimentary basins with emphasis on subsidence mechanisms, geometry of basin fill and tectonic setting. Lab exercises include field techniques and seismic interpretation. Prerequisites: GEOL 420 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

GEOL 553. Applied Geomorphology 3 cr. (2+3P)

Same as GEOG 553.

GEOL 554. Advanced Stratigraphic Concepts 3 cr.

Geometry and origin of strata, emphasizing techniques for correlation and interpretation.

GEOL 560. Geochemistry of Diagenetic and Hydrochemical Systems 3 cr. (2+3P)

Solution-mineral equilibria and chemical kinetics applied to water-rock interactions, including diagenetic processes in sediments and sedimentary basins.

GEOL 562. Analytical Geochemistry 3 cr.

Techniques used to determine the major element, trace element and isotopic composition of rocks and minerals and the determination of mineral structure.

GEOL 565. Isotope Geochemistry 3 cr.

Trace element partitioning and isotope systematics applied to problems in petrology and ore genesis.

GEOL 567. Global Geochemical Systems 3 cr.

Generation of major element, trace element, and isotopic signatures of igneous rocks in different tectonic settings and propagation or destruction of those signatures by sedimentary and metamorphic processes.

GEOL 576. Marine Paleoecology 3 cr. (2+3P)

Paleontological and sediment logic analysis of the fossil marine record to reconstruct past ecosystems by interpreting the life habits of past organisms, their association in communities and their relationship to the environments in which they lived.

GEOL 578. Petroleum Geology 3 cr. (2+3P)

Stratigraphy, tectonics, and sedimentation in relation to occurrence of and exploration for hydrocarbons. Prerequisite(s): GEOL 420.

GEOL 580. Tectonic Evolution of the Western U.S. 3 cr.

Geologic history and tectonic evolution of the Western U.S. Cordillera from the Precambrian assembly of the craton to the recent history of rifting in the Rio Grande valley. Focus on the geology of the Southwest, particularly southern New Mexico, but also topics such as evolution of San Andreas fault system.

GEOL 582. Plate Tectonics 3 cr.

Plate tectonics as a fundamental model for geological activity on a dynamic earth. Focuses on plate tectonic theory development and mechanisms, plus modern analogs of ancient processes.

GEOL 584. Cenozoic Geology 3 cr.

The Cenozoic geologic history of western North America is examined through lectures, discussion of classic and current literature, and local area field trips. Topics include the Laramide orogeny, ignimbrite flare-up, and Basin and Range/Rio Grande rift crustal extension.

GEOL 585. Geochronology 3 cr.

The principles, analytical methods, and interpretation of the most common geochronologic methods.

GEOL 590. Advanced Field Geology 3 cr. (1+6P)

Advanced problems in reconnaissance and detailed mapping and interpretation of rocks in the field. Main campus only.

GEOL 598. Special Research Programs 1-3 cr.

Investigations into contemporary geological problems. Prerequisites: graduate standing and consent of instructor. May be repeated for unlimited credit.

GEOL 599. Master's Thesis 0-88 cr.

Thesis research.