EAS - Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Offered By:
Faculty of Science
Below are the courses available from the EAS code. Select a course to view the available classes, additional class notes, and class times.
Introduction to the origin and evolution of the Earth and the solar system. Introduction to plate tectonics and the rock cycle. Simple energy balances and interactions between radiation and the atmosphere, land, oceans, ice masses, and the global hydrological cycle. Evolution of life, biogeography, and global climate in the context of geologic time. The carbon cycle. Human interaction with the Earth. Mineral and energy resources. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in EAS 200 or 201.
The plate tectonic framework of a dynamic Earth as it relates to the origin of major groups of minerals and rocks. Earthquakes, structural geology, and the origin of mountain belts. Surface processes and their sedimentary products. History of life and extinctions. Prerequisite: EAS 100 or GEOPH 110 or GEOPH 210. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in EAS 201 or 210.
This excursion through the mountains and prairies of Alberta introduces students to the diverse geology and geomorphology of the region. The structure of rocks will be observed, fossils identified, and glacial deposits studied, in order to understand the geological processes that have occurred here over geologic time. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar. Intended for students in their first or second year. Not available to students with previous credit in an EAS field school (EAS 234, 354, or 333). Prerequisite: One of EAS 100, 101, 201, 210 or SCI 100. [Faculty of Science]
Laboratory study of topics in introductory Earth Science. EAS 200 and EAS 201 are considered to be equivalent to EAS 100 for prerequisite purposes. Not available to students with credit in EAS 100, 101, EAS 210 or SCI 100. Prerequisite: EAS 201.
A non-laboratory introduction to the origin and evolution of the Earth and the solar system. Introduction to plate tectonics and the rock cycle. Simple energy balances and interactions between radiation and the atmosphere, land, oceans, ice masses, and the global hydrological cycle. Evolution of life, biogeography, and global climate in the context of geologic time. The carbon cycle. Human interactions with the Earth. Mineral and energy resources. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in EAS 100 or 210. (Note: EAS 201 and EAS 200 are considered to be equivalent to EAS 100 for prerequisite purposes). [Faculty of Science]
A survey of severe and unusual weather, atmosphere and ocean events, with emphasis on tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, lightning, storm surges and tsunamis. The scientific basis for the occurrence of these phenomena is presented along with practical precautions which may be taken to minimize their danger. Computer simulation and videos are used to illustrate how the weather systems work. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Science course. [Faculty of Science]
Near-surface geological processes and the physical environment in western Canada. Topics include: natural hazards in developed areas; rivers and flooding; surface water and groundwater resources; soil resources and degradation; air and water pollution; waste management and disposal; environmental geoscience and resource extraction; and global change. Prerequisites: Any 100-level Science course. [Faculty of Science]
Processes and geological evidence of natural catastrophes, such as volcanoes, earthquakes, slope failures, tsunamis, floods, extraterrestrial impacts, and other rapid environmental changes. Natural hazard risk in the context of geological time. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Science course. [Faculty of Science]
Origin of the elements and the solar system, origin and evolution of the planets. Geologic and atmospheric properties of the planets, the nature of meteorites and comets. Results of recent space exploration. Prerequisite: Any 100-level or higher Science course. [Faculty of Science]
Mass extinctions, their possible causes and influence on vertebrate evolution. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Science course. [Faculty of Science]
Natural and anthropogenic causes of global scale environmental change; the role of the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and cryosphere in the processes of environmental change; relationships between levels of technology and development and the character of environmental change associated with human activity. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Science course. [Faculty of Science]
An overview of the geology and landscapes of Western Canada. The spectacularly exposed rocks of the prairie and mountain parks of Alberta and British Columbia will be fitted into a regional geological framework and examples from parks such as Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Dinosaur, and Kananaskis will be highlighted. Geological processes of mountain building and past and present landscape evolution will be emphasized. Prerequisite: One of EAS 100, 101, 103, 105, 201, 210 or SCI 100. [Faculty of Science]
Rock-forming minerals, origins of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks; economic minerals and ore deposits; rock weathering and soil formation, mass-wasting, groundwater, deformation of the earth's crust. Laboratories on identification of minerals and rocks and the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps and aerial photography. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Science course. Not available to students with credit in EAS 101, 105, or SCI 100. Intended for students in Engineering programs. Restricted to students in Engineering programs. [Faculty of Science]
An introduction to the physics and chemistry of the oceans. Topics covered include ocean currents, the ocean floor, origins and buffering of the chemistry of the oceans. The role of the oceans in determining past and present climates is introduced. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Science course. [Faculty of Science]
Students will learn about the circumpolar North, starting with an overview of regional geography, and then focusing on the cryosphere (ice), atmosphere and ocean of the region. Students will learn why the Arctic is cold and ice covered, and how that impacts its climate and ecosystems. Topics will also include present-day climate change, the processes driving it, and evidence for it in the Arctic, as well as its implications in the rapidly evolving North. This course will be delivered entirely on-line. Prerequisites: Biology 30 or equivalent, or any 100-level course in the Faculty of Science.
Background to the principles of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing. Lectures emphasize the theoretical and methodological underpinnings, labs impart the technical aspects through hands-on experience with appropriate software. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Science course. [Faculty of Science]
Origin of sedimentary materials; sedimentary processes; sedimentary structures, textures, and flow regimes; properties and classification of clastic and non-clastic rocks; sedimentary environments and facies in non-marine, coastal and marine settings; principles of stratigraphy, stratigraphic nomenclature and the stratigraphic column. Prerequisite: One of EAS 101, 103, 105 or 210. [Faculty of Science]
Principles of crystallography, physical and chemical properties of minerals, determinative mineralogy. Prerequisite: EAS 101, 105, 210 or SCI 100. [Faculty of Science]
Geomorphological processes and landform analysis with special reference to the landscape of Alberta. Fieldwork required. Prerequisite: One of EAS 100, 101, 102, 201, 210 or SCI 100. [Faculty of Science]
Systematics of important groups of invertebrate fossils. Introduction to biostratigraphy, paleoecology, and the study of mass extinctions and faunal radiations. Mechanisms and patterns of evolution. Groups covered include: Porifera, Cnidaria, Brachiopoda, Mollusca, Trilobita, Echinodermata, and some microfossil groups. Prerequisite: EAS 103, 105 or SCI 100. [Faculty of Science]
Optical techniques in determinative mineralogy with particular emphasis on transmitted-light microscopy and its application to common rock-forming minerals. Mineral associations, textures and elementary ideas on the origin of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Prerequisite: EAS 224. [Faculty of Science]
Orientation, measurement description, and analysis of planar and linear structures in rocks, including folds, faults, and fabrics. Introduction to mapping and the collection of structural information. Construction of geologic maps and cross-sections. Introduction to stereographic and equal-area projections. Basic concepts of strain and stress in rock deformation. Prerequisite: EAS 105, 210 or SCI 100. [Faculty of Science]
Geological field studies with emphasis on properties of sedimentary rocks, paleontology, stratigraphy, Quaternary geology, structural mapping, and Cordilleran tectonics. Field exercises teach the fundamentals of recording field data, reconstructing depositional environments, and tectonic interpretation. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar. Enrolment is restricted to students in Geology, Environmental Earth Sciences and Paleontology programs. Prerequisites: EAS 233, and one of EAS 222, 235 or 236. Cannot be taken if credit has already been received for EAS 237. [Faculty of Science]
Geological field exercises designed to teach the fundamentals of recording field data; identifying rocks, fossils, and minerals in the field; geological mapping; reconstructing depositional environments; Quaternary geology; and the description and interpretation of tectonic structures. This field school will run following the Winter examination period or preceding the Fall term. Prerequisites: EAS 233, and one of EAS 222, 235 or 236. Cannot be taken if credit has already been received for EAS 234. [Faculty of Science]
The factors controlling global distribution of plants and animals will be covered from ecological and historical perspectives. Techniques for the analysis of biogeographic patterns, including paleoecology, remote sensing, and phylogenetics. Ecosystem responses to global change, including species migration, disturbance ecology, and invasions. May require field trips. If so, will require payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar. Prerequisite: EAS 100, BIOL 108 or SCI 100.
An introduction to weather. Atmospheric composition, vertical structure and energetics. Humidity and clouds, stratification and instability. Atmospheric motion on the global and synoptic scales. Air masses, fronts and storms. Introduction to weather maps, weather analysis and numerical weather prediction models. Weather map discussions. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Mathematics or Physics course, or SCI 100.
A survey of chemical processes occurring in geological settings with emphasis on the principles governing the migration and distribution of the elements and isotopes in the earth. Thermodynamics applied to aqueous systems. Introduction to organic geochemistry and global geochemical cycles. Prerequisite: CHEM 101 and CHEM 102 and EAS 224. SCI 100 may be used in lieu of CHEM 101, 102. [Faculty of Science]
The hydrologic cycle, water budgets and basic hydrologic processes; physical properties of porous media and groundwater flow principles; steady-state groundwater flow; transient groundwater flow, well hydraulics and groundwater resource evaluation; regional groundwater flow; and, basic hydrochemistry and transport processes. Prerequisites: One of EAS 100, 101, 102, 201 or 210 and MATH 113 or 114, PHYS 124 or 144, and one of PHYS 126, 130, or 146. SCI 100 may be used in lieu of EAS 100, MATH 114, PHYS 144 and 146. Not available to students with credit in EAS 223. [Faculty of Science]
Quaternary geoscience and applied geomorphology, including dating methods, stratigraphy and paleoclimates. Fundamentals of interpretation and mapping of surficial geology and geomorphology from aerial photographs and satellite images with a focus on western Canada. Some field work may be required. Prerequisites: EAS 221 and 225. [Faculty of Science]
Laboratory work and lectures to develop skills in environmental measurement through comprehension of first principles. Instrumentation (basic electronics; matching signal sources and receivers; noise; frequency response). Sensor-environment coupling (heat and mass transfer). Sampling theory. Principles will be applied to selected environmental monitoring instruments. Field trip. Prerequisites: EAS 100 or 102 and MATH 113 or 114. SCI 100 may be used in lieu of these prerequisites.
A survey of igneous rocks from the ocean basins and the continents; their field settings, classification, petrography, mineralogy and chemistry; magmatic processes and petrogenesis; problem solving and laboratory work on major rock suites. Prerequisites: CHEM 102 or SCI 100 and EAS 232 and prerequisite or corequisite EAS 320. [Faculty of Science]
An introduction to the classification and genesis of metamorphic rocks in light of field, petrographic and geochemical data. Prerequisites: EAS 320 and 331 or consent of the instructor. [Faculty of Science]
Advanced field practice in geology. Details and areas of study may vary from year to year. Consult the department about current offerings and timing. Topics vary, and will include the study and mapping of deformed sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, mineral deposits and their associated host rocks and alteration, and structures in the field. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Co-prerequisites: EAS 233, 234 or 237, 331 and 332. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar. [Faculty of Science]
Petrography, petrology, and petrogenesis of clastic, biochemical, and chemical sedimentary rocks. Diagenesis of sediments and sedimentary rocks, selected sedimentary depositional environments, and facies analysis, as tools for the interpretation of the sedimentary rock record. Fundamentals, terminology, and conceptual frameworks of sequence stratigraphy. Laboratory exercises based on the analysis of hand samples, thin sections, and core. Prerequisite: EAS 222 and EAS 232. Not available to students with credit in EAS 235 or 236. [Faculty of Science]
This course emphasizes the applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to the environmental sciences. Examples from resource management and the earth and biological sciences are discussed. Labs impart technical experience with ARCINFO. Prerequisites: EAS 221 and one of MATH 113, 114, STAT 141, 151, SCI 151, or permission of the instructor. [Faculty of Science]
Introduction to fieldwork in geomorphology, biogeography and microclimatology. Elementary field mapping, the use of electronic field instrumentation for hydrological, water quality and micro-climatological monitoring, mapping and analysis of vegetation patterns, and techniques for the field description and laboratory analysis of soils and sediments. Introductory lectures and ten days of fieldwork. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar. Prerequisites: EAS 225, 250 and either 270 or 327, or consent of Instructor. [Faculty of Science]
The characterization of sedimentary rock properties in the subsurface. Subsurface mapping techniques. An overview of the types of resources exploited in sedimentary basins and the distributions of those resources. Prerequisites: EAS 222 or consent of instructor. [Faculty of Science]
Mineralogy and petrography of ore and gangue minerals under the reflected and transmitted light microscope and in hand specimen. Interpretation of ore textures and paragenetic sequences. Geological characteristics and distribution of ore deposits, including deposits of base and precious metals, diamonds, and industrial minerals. Prerequisite: EAS 331. Not available to students with credit in EAS 433. [Faculty of Science]
An introduction to the physics of the atmosphere with applications: temperature, pressure, humidity, evaporation, condensation, dew, freezing, ice, frost, convection, clouds, rain, hail, rainbows, solar and terrestrial radiation. Development of thermodynamic concepts and tools used by atmospheric scientists in the analysis and forecasting of weather and climate: potential temperatures, psychrometry, thermodynamic diagrams, radiation charts. Prerequisites: EAS 270 and MATH 214. [Faculty of Science]
An introduction to fluid dynamics on the rotating earth with reference to the atmosphere and ocean; equations of motion and their simplification; vorticity; the atmospheric boundary layer; waves in the atmosphere and ocean. Prerequisites: EAS 270 and MATH 214. [Faculty of Science]
An introduction to synoptic analysis. Meteorological codes. Analysis of surface charts. Air-masses and fronts. Upper air constant pressure charts. Structure and evolution of weather systems. Analysis of current and predicted weather data. Synoptic weather forecasting. Prerequisite: EAS 371. [Faculty of Science]
An examination of the physical processes influencing global climate. Radiation and energy in the climate system, the hydrological cycle, vertical structure of the atmosphere and ocean, influence of the Earth's rotation, general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean, climate feedback mechanisms, climate history and climate change, introduction to climate models. Prerequisite: EAS 270. Not available to students with credit in EAS 271. [Faculty of Science]
Quality control and manipulation of Geoscience datasets for analysis and interpretation. Computational theory, programming techniques, basic statistics, uncertainty, spatial data analysis, data visualization, data science techniques, and machine learning methods. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course, EAS 221, and a 100-level MATH or STAT course, or permission of instructor. [Faculty of Science]
Geometric, kinematic, and dynamic analysis of structures produced by deformation. Stress and the origin of faults, joints, veins, folds, and tectonites. Brittle and ductile strain in rocks. Extensional, strike-slip, and compressional structural associations. Regional structure, orogens, and crustal tectonics. Lab exercises include structural interpretation for subsurface hydrocarbon and mineral exploration, stereographic techniques for structural analysis, and the study of rock fabrics. Prerequisites: EAS 233 and any 300-level EAS course. Not available to students with credit in EAS 321. [Faculty of Science]
Seismic interpretation of structurally complex sedimentary basins, including those associated with fold and thrust terrains, extensional systems, and various types of strike-slip faulting and salt/mud-related deformation. Interpretation will also include seismic facies analysis, interpretation of depositional environments, and seismic geomorphology related to a wide range of hydrocarbon exploration and development evaluation tasks. Prerequisite: EAS 233; one of GEOPH 210, 223, 224; one of EAS 421, EAS 462.
An introduction to the principles of groundwater chemistry, the chemical evolution of natural groundwater flow systems, sources of contamination, and mass transport processes. Hydrogeologic aspects of waste disposal and groundwater remediation. Prerequisite: EAS 323. [Faculty of Science]
A thesis reporting a supervised research project undertaken by the student. Permission of Instructor required. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course. [Faculty of Science]
A thesis reporting a supervised research project undertaken by the student. Permission of Instructor required. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course. [Faculty of Science]
A thesis reporting a supervised research project undertaken by the student. Permission of Instructor required. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course. [Faculty of Science]
EAS 427 and 428 provide a means whereby Specialization and Honors students in their fourth year of the EAS program may undertake a research project supervised by a faculty member. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. [Faculty of Science]
EAS 427 and 428 provide a means whereby Specialization and Honors students in their fourth year of the EAS program may undertake a research project supervised by a faculty member. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. [Faculty of Science]
EAS 427 and 428 provide a means whereby Specialization and Honors students in their fourth year of the EAS program may undertake a research project supervised by a faculty member. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. [Faculty of Science]
Continuation of EAS 427. Prerequisite: EAS 427.May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. [Faculty of Science]
Intensive field or practical study in EAS, typically as part of a team working off-campus. Details and areas of study may vary from year to year; consult the department about current offerings, fees and timing. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course and permission of the department. [Faculty of Science] Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
Intensive field or practical study in EAS, typically as part of a team working off-campus. Details and areas of study may vary from year to year; consult the department about current offerings, fees and timing. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course and permission of the department. [Faculty of Science] Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
Intensive field or practical study in EAS, typically as part of a team working off-campus. Details and areas of study may vary from year to year; consult the department about current offerings, fees and timing. Prerequisite: Any 300-level EAS course and permission of the department. [Faculty of Science] Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
Precambrian geological evolution of Earth focusing on development of the continental lithosphere. Geochemical evolution of the crust and mantle as well as the atmosphere and hydrosphere. Special reference to the evolution, stratigraphy, petrology and geochronology of the Canadian Shield. Prerequisite: EAS 320 and 331. [Faculty of Science]
This course introduces the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with terrestrial materials (rocks, soils, water, snow). These notions are fundamental for the interpretation of optical, thermal, and radar remote sensing imagery. Labs focus on image processing with emphasis on radiometric and geometric enhancements and image classification. The course covers existing and upcoming sensors and applications of the data to earth sciences including geologic and land use mapping and resource exploration. Prerequisite: EAS 221. [Faculty of Science]
The knowledge and tools that are used to assess water supply and water demand in complex watersheds. Elaboration of issues regarding data collection, sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation of hydrologic models. Understanding and quantifying water scarcity and water surplus in the context of climate change and climate variability. Theory and applied tools to manage water supply and demand.
Major processes of change in the contemporary environment, their history and their interrelationships (climate and sea level change, changes in atmospheric composition, deforestation, desertification, water resource depletion, soil erosion, atmospheric and aquatic pollution); global biogeochemical cycles and their role in environmental change. Prerequisite: One of EAS 208, 225 or 250. [Faculty of Science]
Environments and environmental change associated with high latitude and high elevation regions. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas458 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Arctic environments; (2) Alpine environments; (3) Antarctica. Prerequisite: EAS 225 or 250 or consent of the instructor. [Faculty of Science]
The relationship between biology and geology. Ichnology, geomicrobiology, and microfossil content. The evolution of animal-rock relationships through time. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas460 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Ichnology; (2) Geomicrobiology; (3) Micropaleontology. Prerequisite: EAS 336. [Faculty of Science]
Concepts in mantle petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, and diamond research that form the basis of modern exploration strategies for kimberlites and diamonds. Prerequisites: EAS 331 and EAS 332, which may be taken concurrently with permission of the instructor. [Faculty of Science]
The science of rock strata in a sequence stratigraphic framework; sequence stratigraphic models; classification and evolution of sedimentary basins; applications of sequence stratigraphy to depositional systems and tectonic settings. Prerequisite EAS 336. Not available to students with credit in EAS 330. [Faculty of Science]
Advanced topics in the characterization of petroleum resources and the regional occurrence of hydrocarbons. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas464 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Regional and Petroleum Hydrogeology; (2) Petroleum Systems; (3) Geology of unconventional reservoirs; (4) Sedimentary Diagenesis and Reservoir Quality. Prerequisite: EAS 323 and 364, or consent of instructor.
The science of sedimentary rocks, focusing on the interpretation of sedimentary strata. Topics vary: visit the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences course listing website for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Carbonate Sedimentology and Diagenesis; (2) Clastic Sedimentology. Prerequisite: EAS 222.
Origin and formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the light of field, mineralogical, chemical and experimental evidence. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas466 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Cratons, Kimberlites and Diamonds; (2) Petrology of Subduction Processes. Prerequisites: EAS 331 and EAS 332, which may be taken concurrently with permission of the instructor. [Faculty of Science]
The geologically evolving Earth and its context in an evolving solar system. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas467 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Planetary Systems; (2) Earth System Evolution (Not available to students with credit in EAS 435). Prerequisites: EAS 331 and EAS 332. [Faculty of Science]
Application of geochemistry to Earth materials and geological settings. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas468 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Geochemistry of Ore Deposits; (2) Environmental Geochemistry (Not available to students with credit in EAS 420). Prerequisite: EAS 320 or consent of instructor. [Faculty of Science]
Cloud properties; convection; precipitation; weather radar; severe convective storms; precipitation forecasting. Prerequisites: EAS 370 and 371.
Dynamics and physics of general circulation models. Numerical Weather Prediction models, ocean models, limited area models. Finite difference methods; spectral methods, and numerical stability. Prerequisites: EAS 373 and MATH 215. [Faculty of Science]
An introduction to fluid dynamics on the rotating Earth with reference to the atmosphere and ocean, equations of motion and their simplification, the atmospheric boundary layer, wind-driven ocean circulation; waves in the atmosphere and ocean, instability and turbulence. Prerequisites: EAS 212, 270 and MATH 215; or consent of instructor. [Faculty of Science]
Quality control and manipulation of Geoscience datasets for analysis and interpretation. Computational theory, programming techniques, basic statistics, uncertainty, spatial data analysis, data visualization, data science techniques, and machine learning methods. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. [Faculty of Science]
[Faculty of Science]
Geometric, kinematic, and dynamic analysis of structures produced by deformation. Stress and the origin of faults, joints, veins, folds, and tectonites. Brittle and ductile strain in rocks. Extensional, strike-slip, and compressional structural associations. Regional structure, orogens, and crustal tectonics. Lab exercises include structural interpretation for subsurface hydrocarbon and mineral exploration, stereographic techniques for structural analysis, and the study of rock fabrics. Classes concurrent with EAS 421. Not available to students with credit in EAS 321 or 421. [Faculty of Science]
Seismic interpretation of structurally complex sedimentary basins, including those associated with fold and thrust terrains, extensional systems, and various types of strike-slip faulting and salt/mud-related deformation. Interpretation will also include seismic facies analysis, interpretation of depositional environments, and seismic geomorphology related to a wide range of hydrocarbon exploration and development evaluation tasks. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Advanced treatment of methods and applications in earth observation science. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas523 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Multi- and hyperspectral remote sensing; (2) Radar remote sensing; (3) Geoinformatics; (4) Monitoring land use and land cover change with GIS. [Faculty of Science]
Advanced treatment of Precambrian geological evolution of Earth focusing on development of the continental lithosphere. Geochemical evolution of the crust and mantle as well as the atmosphere and hydrosphere. Special reference to the evolution, stratigraphy, petrology and geochronology of the Canadian Shield. Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor. Not available to students with credit in EAS 432 [Faculty of Science]
Studies in geochemistry, petrology and mineralogy. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas536 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Seminar; (2) Thermodynamics; (3) Mantle Studies. [Faculty of Science]
Theory and systematics of radioactive decay, geochronology and isotopic tracing U-Pb, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Re-Os and other radioisotope systems. Applications of natural radioactive isotope variation to a variety of problems spanning low and high temperature geologic processes. [Faculty of Science]
Theory of light-element isotope fractionation; isotope variations in the meteoric cycle, igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks and ore deposits. Isotope techniques in paleothermometry and paleoclimate studies. Isotope biogeochemistry, oil and gas. [Faculty of Science]
Topics in tectonics and the structure of the Earth, from microscopic to global scale, including present-day tectonic processes and the development of ancient orogens.
The storage and movement of water through Earth media. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas544 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic is repeated. Topics include: (1) Quantitative Hydrogeology; (2) Regional Groundwater Flow. [Faculty of Science]
Processing and analysis of geochemical data, and selected analytical techniques such as: inductively-coupled-plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS), secondary-ion mass-spectrometry (SIMS), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), or other geochemical instrumental methods as determined by the instructor. Prerequisites: An undergraduate or graduate degree in the Earth Sciences; or consent of the instructor. [Faculty of Science]
Introduction to the mechanics and hydrology of ice masses with an emphasis on how they can be modelled and investigated in the field. The management of ice masses as sources of water and energy. [Faculty of Science]
The knowledge and tools that are used to assess water supply and water demand in complex watersheds. Elaboration of issues regarding data collection, sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation of hydrologic models. Understanding and quantifying water scarcity and water surplus in the context of climate change and climate variability. Theory and applied tools to manage water supply and demand. Classes concurrent with EAS 456.
Selected, contemporary theories of landscape and sediment formation in glacial, glaciofluvial, alluvial, and periglacial environments. [Faculty of Science]
The relationship between biology and geology. Ichnology, geomicrobiology, and microfossil content. The evolution of animal-rock relationships through time. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas560 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic in EAS 460 or 560 is repeated. Topics Include: (2) Ichnology; (2) Geomicrobiology; (3) Micropaleontology. Classes concurrent with EAS 460. [Faculty of Science]
Concepts in mantle petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, and diamond research that form the basis of modern exploration strategies for kimberlites and diamonds. Classes concurrent with EAS 461. [Faculty of Science]
The science of rock strata in a sequence stratigraphic framework; sequence stratigraphic models; classification and evolution of sedimentary basins; applications of sequence stratigraphy to depositional systems and tectonic settings. Classes concurrent with EAS 462. Not available to students with credit in EAS 330 or 462. [Faculty of Science]
Advanced topics in the characterization of petroleum resources and the regional occurrence of hydrocarbons. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas564 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic in EAS 464 or 564 is repeated. Topics include: (1) Regional and Petroleum Hydrogeology; (2) Petroleum Systems; (3) Geology of unconventional reservoirs; (4) Sedimentary Diagenesis and Reservoir Quality. Classes concurrent with EAS 464.
The science of sedimentary rocks, focusing on the interpretation of sedimentary strata. Topics vary: visit the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences course listing website for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic in EAS 565 or EAS 465 is repeated. Topics include: (1) Carbonate Sedimentology and Diagenesis; (2) Clastic Sedimentology. Classes concurrent with EAS 465.
Origin and formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the light of field, mineralogical, chemical and experimental evidence. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas566 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic in EAS 466 or 566 is repeated. Topics include: (1) Cratons, Kimberlites and Diamonds; (2) Petrology of Subduction Processes. Classes concurrent with EAS 466. [Faculty of Science]
The geologically evolving Earth and its context in an evolving solar system. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas567 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic in EAS 467 or EAS 567 is repeated. Topics include: (1) Planetary Systems; (2) Earth System Evolution (Not available to students with credit in EAS 435). Classes concurrent with EAS 467. [Faculty of Science]
Application of geochemistry to Earth materials and geological settings. Topics vary: see www.eas.ualberta.ca/eas568 for details. May be taken more than once for credit provided no topic in EAS 468 or 568 is repeated. Topics include: (1) Geochemistry of Ore Deposits (Not available to students with credit in EAS 434); (2) Environmental Geochemistry. Classes concurrent with EAS 468. [Faculty of Science]
A study of recent developments in climatology. Climate models and their use in examining past and future climates. Interactions between the atmosphere and terrestrial systems. [Faculty of Science]
Dynamics and physics of general circulation models. Numerical Weather Prediction models, ocean models, limited area models. Finite difference methods; spectral methods, and numerical stability. Class concurrent with EAS 471. Not available to students with credit in EAS 471. [Faculty of Science]
An introduction to principles of groundwater chemistry, the chemical evolution of natural groundwater flow systems, sources of contamination, and mass transport processes. Hydrogeologic aspects of waste disposal and groundwater remediation. Research project. Classes concurrent with EAS 425. Not available to students with credit in EAS 425. [Faculty of Science]
Cloud properties; convection; precipitation; weather radar; severe convective storms; precipitation forecasting. Research project. Classes concurrent with EAS 470. Not available to students with credit in EAS 470.
Introduces the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with terrestrial materials (rocks, soils, water, snow). These notions are fundamental for the interpretation of optical, thermal, and radar remote sensing imagery. Labs focus on image processing with emphasis on radiometric and geometric enhancements and image classification. Covers existing and upcoming sensors and applications of the data to earth sciences including geologic and land use mapping and resource exploration. Prerequisites: EAS 220 and 221. Classes concurrent with EAS 451. Not available to students with credit in EAS 451. [Faculty of Science]
An introduction to fluid dynamics on the rotating Earth with reference to the atmosphere and ocean, equations of motion and their simplification, the atmospheric boundary layer, wind-driven ocean circulation; waves in the atmosphere and ocean, instability and turbulence. Class concurrent with EAS 475. Not available to students with credit in EAS 475. [Faculty of Science]