Geology
Department of Geology,
College of Arts and Sciences

Frier Hall (building 12), room 100
PO Box 4099, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4099
520-523-4561 or -7174
fax: 520-523-9220
Web site: http://vishnu.glg.nau.edu/

Graduate Coordinators
Geology--Ernest M. Duebendorfer
520-523-7510
Earth Science--J. Dale Nations
520-523-7180

"We maintain a broad program to ensure that students are well grounded in the basics of geology. Our students have gone into all subdisciplines of geology from our program, with all of them benefiting from a sound basic training."
     --Jim Mead, Chair

Introduction
We offer master of science degrees in both geology and earth science. We also offer the master of arts in teaching in earth science.

Our M.S. in geology program is designed to prepare professional geologists for lifetime careers in the geosciences. This program is field based and takes full advantage of the magnificent outdoor laboratory provided by the southern Colorado Plateau and the adjacent basin and range province. We expect you to conduct research leading to a thesis, and many students' projects involve extensive field studies. All of our faculty actively participate in overseeing thesis research. During the past five years, between twelve and fifteen students have completed this degree each year.

Our M.S. and M.A.T. in earth science are designed for, although not limited to, students interested in natural resource interpretation or teaching at the community college or secondary school level. NAU awards approximately four of these degrees each year, and coursework is largely confined to summer sessions.

Admission Requirements
To apply, you must submit an application and official transcripts to the Graduate College.

In addition, you must meet the program-specific requirements that we describe in the following sections.

The deadline for submitting your application to the Department of Geology is February 1, and we accept applications for fall semester only. You can get departmental application forms from the Department of Geology.

Geology
Admission to the M.S. in geology program is strictly limited and highly competitive. To be admitted, you must:

• successfully complete all undergraduate courses required for NAU's B.S. extended major in geology. (Please note that you can be admitted provisionally with coursework deficiencies. We take a flexible approach in working with you to remove such deficiencies through your master's curriculum.)

• demonstrate a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all coursework in geology and 2.75 in all supporting coursework

• submit score reports (50th percentile or better) for the general (verbal, math, and analytical) portion of the Graduate Record Examination (Please note that the GRE testing program will change significantly in 1999. At that time, you should take the package of general test measures containing the mathematical reasoning test.)

• submit three letters of recommendation from university professors or professional geologists on forms available from our department

Earth Science
To be admitted to either the M.S. or M.A.T. in earth science programs, you must:

• submit scores from the general portion (verbal and math) of the Graduate Record Examination

• demonstrate a grade point average of at least 2.75 in all undergraduate coursework

• satisfy the core and additional science requirements of NAU's B.S.Ed. in earth science

Financial Assistance
We offer teaching and research assistantships to the most qualified applicants whom we accept into the M.S. program in geology. Although the number of awards changes from year to year, we average ten teaching assistantships and several research assistantships associated with external grants.

All of these awards carry out-of-state tuition waivers. There are a very small number of resident tuition waivers awarded solely on previous academic performance. (Please note that recipients of out-of-state tuition waivers must still pay resident tuition fees.) Contact the department for details.

For more information, see the Financial Information chapter of this catalog.

Placement Assistance
During the past several years, NAU geology graduates have obtained employment with major petroleum companies, environmental firms, and federal and state agencies. In addition, an increasing number of our recent M.S. recipients are entering Ph.D. programs at major universities across the United States.

You may also use the resources of NAU's Career Services office in seeking employment opportunities.

Degrees Offered
We offer three graduate degrees:

• M.S. in geology

• M.S. in earth science

• M.A.T. in earth science

M.S. in Geology
You may earn the M.S. in geology under the thesis plan only.

Under this program, you must complete at least 32 credit hours of graduate coursework, including GLG 502 and a thesis for which 8 hours of credit is given. You select additional courses in geology in consultation with your research committee; these courses must meet a departmental requirement for breadth in subject matter. You may have all of your coursework in geology, or you may choose a minor in a related field with the approval of your research committee.

Please note that only 8 hours of thesis credit count toward your degree. However, master's students in geology average 12-14 thesis hours--because you must register for GLG 699 each semester while you are working on your thesis.

M.S. in Earth Science
We offer the M.S. in earth science with two options: an extended coursework plan and a thesis plan.

For the extended coursework plan, you may include a practicum of up to 4 credit hours as part of the 36-hour minimum required.

For the thesis plan, you must complete a 6-hour thesis as part of at least 34 credit hours. Please note that only 6 hours of thesis credit count toward your degree. However, you may end up taking more hours--because you must register for GLG 699 each semester while you are working on your thesis.

Most coursework for this program is offered in the summer only.

Under each option, you must complete at least 24 hours of coursework in geology and related fields. We recommend GLG 698 or SCI 698 and require an oral examination.

M.A.T. in Earth Science
We offer this degree under the extended coursework plan only. Most coursework for this program is offered only during the summer.

You must take at least 36 credit hours, which includes 24 hours of coursework in geology and related fields and an approved 12-hour minor in education. In addition, you must perform satisfactorily on a final comprehensive oral examination conducted by the earth science committee of the Department of Geology.

The minor in education consists of courses from the list below.

One of the following:
EDR 610 Introduction to Research
PSY 525 Introductory Statistics

One of the following:
ECI 666 Problems in Secondary School Curriculum
ECI 675 Principles of Curriculum Construction
ECI 696 Professional Problems of Teachers

One of the following:
EDF 670 Philosophy of Education
EDF 671 History of American Education
EDF 672 Comparative Education

One of the following:
EPS 591 Personality Adjustment
EPS 605 Applied Educational Psychology
EPS 611 Adolescent Psychology

Teaching Certification
Neither of our master's programs in earth science automatically qualifies you for teaching certification. To obtain certification, you must complete the course requirements of either:

• the extended B.S. in earth science with secondary certification
  (See the geology section of NAU's Undergraduate Catalog.)

• post-degree certification in secondary education (See the education section in the Academic Programs chapter of this catalog.)

Geology Courses
Most courses are not offered every semester. Check with the department for current information about when specific courses are offered.

GLG 502 Geologic Evolution of the Southwest (3). Overview of geologic setting and evolution of Southwest emphasizing the Colorado Plateau and adjacent Rocky Mountain and basin and range province. Two 75-minute lectures, field trips. Prerequisite: senior or graduate status in geology. Required of all first-year master's students.

GLG 504 Elements of Geology (2-3). An introductory course designed for teachers of earth science in elementary and secondary schools. For earth science majors only. Lectures, lab work, and field trips.

GLG 510 Electron Microprobe Techniques (2). Physical principles, equipment operation, and application of electron microprobe techniques to materials analysis.

GLG 530 Vertebrate Paleontology (3). The history of vertebrate organisms from the earliest fish to birds and mammal-like reptiles. Prerequisite: GLG 225 or BIO 223.

GLG 535 Paleoecology (3). Interpretation of ancient environments and the adaptation of organisms to those environments. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisites: GLG 102 or 225 and BIO 221. Fee required.

GLG 536 Vertebrate Paleobiology (3). Detailed examination of osteology and paleobiology of Cenozoic animals, with separate emphasis in: amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Field trip possible. May be repeated twice for credit.

GLG 537 Quaternary Geology (3). Introduction to Pleistocene geology and glaciation, pluvial conditions, hydrology, stratigraphy, and geomorphology. 3 hours lecture, field trips. Prerequisite: GLG 101, 102 (recommended), or permission of instructor.

GLG 542 Advanced Structural Geology (3). Advanced study of deformation of Earth's crust. Stress and strain theory, deformation mechanisms, geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of orogenic belts. Prerequisites: GLG 315 and 435.

GLG 550 Statistical Analysis in Geology (3). Use of statistical and computer techniques in the analysis of geologic data. 3 hours lecture. Prerequisites: CSE 123 and MAT 270.

GLG 560 Introduction to Applied Geophysics (3). Survey of the principles and methods of exploration geophysics as applied to geologic problems. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisites: GLG 101, MAT 137, and PHY 112 or 262.

GLG 561 Regional Tectonics (3). Geologic principles, plate tectonic theory applied to the interpretation of geologic history on a regional scale. 3 hours lecture, field trips. Prerequisite: graduate status in geology or consent of instructor.

GLG 565 Introduction to Solid Earth Geophysics (3). Survey of the principles and methods of geophysics as applied to the study of the earth; its origin, history, and internal constitution. 3 hours lecture. Prerequisites: GLG 435, MAT 137, and PHY 112 or 262.

GLG 575 Geochemistry of Natural Waters (4). Introduction to the equilibrium and kinetic processes responsible for the chemical composition of natural fresh, saline, and hypersaline surface and ground waters; application of these processes to geologic problems including diagenesis, weathering, and mineral deposits. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisites: GLG 101, CHM 151 and 152, and CHM 320:320L.

GLG 599 Contemporary Developments (1-3).

GLG 601 Field Geology for Teachers (3). Field study of selected geological localities in northern Arizona. Prerequisite: one year of geology.

GLG 602 Topics in Earth Science (3). For education or earth science majors only. Fundamentals of a selected earth-science topic. 3 hours lecture or 2 hours lecture and 2 hours lab. Field trips. Prerequisite: 8 hours of earth science or geology. May be repeated for credit. Fee required.

GLG 607 Earth History (3). Origin and development of the earth; major structural and stratigraphic features. Only open to earth-science graduate students. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, field trips.

GLG 608 Fieldwork Experience (1-12). Fee required.

GLG 609 Land Forms of North America (3). Historical development of the major structural features of North America. Only open to earth-science graduate students. 3 hours lecture. Fee required.

GLG 610 Volcanology (3). Classification of volcanoes and volcanic deposits, eruption mechanisms, and origin of volcanic features. 3 hours lecture, field trips. Prerequisite: GLG 315.

GLG 611 Regional Volcanism (3). The relationships of volcanism and tectonism with respect to magma-generating mechanisms, igneous rock series and geochemistry, style of volcanism, and plate tectonic setting. 3 hours lecture, field trips. Prerequisite: GLG 315.

GLG 612 Igneous Petrology (3). Petrogenesis of igneous rocks; advanced studies in thin section, computer applications. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: GLG 315.

GLG 615 Metamorphic Petrology (3). Analysis of metamorphic rocks, advanced studies in thin section, polymetamorphism, and environmental interpretations. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: GLG 315.

GLG 616 Petrologic Phase Equilibria (3). Theory and application of quantitative methods in petrology, with focus on methods useful for ascertaining the physical conditions under which a rock formed. 3 hours lecture. Prerequisite: GLG 315.

GLG 621 Sedimentary Analysis (3). Advanced studies in sedimentary geology. Areas of focus may include stratigraphic principles and sequence stratigraphy or sedimentologic principles, sediment transport, and deposition. 3 hours lecture, field trips. Can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: GLG 324.

GLG 622 Carbonate Petrology (4). Petrographic analysis of carbonate rocks; their origin, distribution, composition, and texture. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, field trips. Prerequisites: GLG 315 and 324.

GLG 625 Sandstone Petrology (4). Petrographic analysis of sandstone; paleogeographic reconstruction of source areas. 3 hours lecture, 3 hrs lab, field trips. Prerequisites: GLG 315 and 324.

GLG 627 Depositional Systems (3). An analysis of processes, facies, and models of ancient and modern depositional systems. Areas of focus may include continental or marine systems. 3 hours lecture, field trips. Can be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: GLG 324.

GLG 629 Evolution of Sedimentary Basins (3). Integrative study of styles, rates, and physical mechanisms of basin subsidence, with an emphasis on quantitative methods applied to understanding tectonic and structural controls on the evolution of sedimentary basins. Prerequisites: GLG 324 and 435.

GLG 630 Micropaleontology (3). Identification and interpretation of important microfossils, especially foraminifera, radiolaria, ostracods, and conodonts. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: GLG 225.

GLG 632 Advanced Paleontology (3). Selected topics in paleontology. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: GLG 225.

GLG 637 Geochronology of Quaternary Depositional Systems (3). Chronological, geologic, stratigraphic, paleoecologic investigation, analysis, and interpretation of Quaternary depositional systems. 3 hours lecture, field trips. Prerequisite: GLG 101; recommended: GLG 537.

GLG 641 Rock Deformation (3). Processes and products of brittle and/or ductile deformation, analysis of fault systems, shear zones, and structures produced by plastic flow in rocks. Prerequisites: GLG 435 and 542.

GLG 650 Quantitative Geology (3). Specific application of advanced data analysis in solving computational problems in the geological sciences. Prerequisite: GLG 550 with a grade of B or better.

GLG 664 Global Tectonics (3). Plate tectonic theory, analysis of global tectonic regimes, and intraplate tectonics. Prerequisite: graduate status in geology or consent of instructor.

GLG 670 Advanced Hydrogeology (4). In-depth treatment of theories and equations of groundwater flow; investigation of prevalent groundwater problems and solutions. Specific areas of focus: field techniques, groundwater modeling, and groundwater contamination and solute transport. 3 hours lecture; 3 hours lab. Prerequisites: GLG 451 and CSE 123.

GLG 675 Shale Petrology (4). A detailed investigation of the crystal chemistry of the clay minerals, their geologic distribution through time; space; their origin and alteration by geologic processes; and their significance in environmental and pedogenic processes. 3 hours lecture; 3 hours lab. Prerequisites: GLG 310 and 324. Fee required.

GLG 685 Graduate Research (1-6). Directed research on selected topics. May be repeated for credit.

GLG 697 Independent Studies or Directed Reading (1-6).

GLG 698 Graduate Seminar (1-3). Discussion and reading on selected topics. May be repeated for credit.

GLG 699 Thesis (1-9). Prerequisites: graduate regular status, program submitted, and thesis proposal approved by committee.

Faculty
Larry D. Agenbroad, Ph.D., Professor
Quaternary geology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, archaeogeology, distribution and interpretation of Quaternary megafauna (University of Arizona 1967)

Charles W. Barnes, Ph.D., Professor
Structural geology of monoclines, polyphase deformation, structural evolution of Colorado Plateau, oblique-slip fault mechanics, planetary geology (University of Wisconsin 1965)

David M. Best, Ph.D., Professor
Mathematical geology, geophysics (gravity and magnetics), and computer modeling, geophysical modeling of the transition zone of central Arizona (University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill 1977)

Ronald C. Blakey, Ph.D., Professor
Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic stratigraphy, sedimentology, sedimentation and tectonics, basin analysis, continental and shallow marine depositional systems on the Colorado Plateau with special emphasis on eolian processes and depositional systems (University of Iowa 1973)

David S. Brumbaugh, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Arizona Earthquake Information Center
Mechanics of normal and thrust faulting; seismology and geophysics, Cenozoic tectonics of the southern Colorado Plateau and transition zone (Indiana University 1972)

Rebecca J. Dorsey, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Integrated studies of sedimentation, tectonics and basin modeling (Princeton University 1989)

Ernest M. Duebendorfer, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Structural geology, emphasis on crystalline terranes, Precambrian geology, basin and range extension, ductile deformation (University of Wyoming 1986)

David K. Elliott, Ph.D., Professor
Vertebrate paleontology, emphasizing vertebrate origins and agnathans, Paleozoic biostratigraphy, general paleontology, paleoecology of trace fossils, and taphonomy (University of Bristol, U.K. 1979)

Thomas D. Hoisch, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Metamorphic petrology and mineralogy, emphasis on geothermobarometry, phase equilibria, fluid-to-rock interaction, computer modeling of crustal thermal evolutions, and field studies (University of Southern California 1987)

Richard F. Holm, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Volcanic geology and igneous petrology, volcanic geology and volcano stratigraphic evolution of central Arizona (University of Washington 1969)

James I. Mead, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department Chair, and Assistant Director, Quaternary Studies Program
Quaternary paleontology, osteology of mammals and reptiles, paleoecology of western North America (University of Arizona 1983)

Larry T. Middleton, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Sedimentology, sedimentary petrology, sedimentary mechanics, sedimentary tectonics, basin analysis, sedimentary petrology, analysis of coarse-grained depositional systems and Precambrian sedimentary geology (University of Wyoming 1980)

Paul Morgan, Ph.D., Professor
Geophysics (potential field), regional tectonics and planetary geology; heat flow, geothermal studies and thermal structure of lithosphere; continental rift systems and extensional tectonics (University of London, U.K. 1973)

J. Dale Nations, Ph.D., Regents' Professor
Cretaceous and Cenozoic biostratigraphy, paleoecology, micropaleontology, vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, Cretaceous and Cenozoic basin evolution, coal stratigraphy and energy resources (University of California-Berkeley 1969)

Roderic A. Parnell Jr., Ph.D., Professor
Low-temperature geochemistry and clay mineralogy, acidification of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, geochemistry of weathering processes, soils and ground and surface waters of the Colorado Plateau, geochemistry of Mesozoic and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks of the Colorado Plateau (Dartmouth College 1982)

Nancy R. Riggs, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Facies analysis and geochronology of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, relationship of volcanism to plate tectonics (University of California-Santa Barbara 1991)

Abe Springer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Hydrogeology, environmental geology, saturated and unsaturated flow and transport modeling, contaminant hydrogeology, remediation and reclamation of ground- and soil-waters, riparian hydrogeology (Ohio State University 1994)

James H. Wittke, Ph.D., Geological Materials Analyst
Igneous petrology and geochemistry, emphasizing rocks of Arizona and the southwestern United States (University of Texas-Austin 1984)

Adjunct Faculty
Wendell A. Duffield, Ph.D.
Volcanic geology, geothermal energy, volcanic hazards (Stanford University 1967)

Robert P. Fillmore, Ph.D.
Sedimentary tectonics, clastic petrology and provenance reconstruction, processes of coarse-grained sediment transport (University of Kansas 1994)

Gordon B. Haxel, Ph.D.
Tectonics of the Cordillera, igneous petrology (University of California- Santa Barbara 1978)

Baerbel K. Lucchitta, Ph.D.
Planetary geology (Pennsylvania State University 1966)

Ivo Lucchitta, Ph.D.
Geomorphology, evolution of Colorado Plateau, tectonics (Pennsylvania State University 1967)

Michael Morales, Ph.D.
Vertebrate paleontology, Dinosauria, distribution, evolution, biostratigraphy, and interpretation of early and middle Triassic vertebrates (University of California-Berkeley 1983)

Michael H. Ort, Ph.D.
Recent volcanology of southwestern United States, South America, and Italy, isotope geochemistry, volcanic petrology (University of California-Santa Barbara 1991)

John H. Sass, Ph.D.
Exploration seismology and gravimetry, computer programming, continental scientific drilling (Australian National University)

Gordon A. Swann, Ph.D.
Precambrian geology, tectonics of Colorado Plateau transition zone, lunar geology (University of Colorado 1962)

Paul J. Umhoefer, Ph.D.
Structural geology and tectonics of Mesozoic and Cenozoic strike-slip fault systems (University of Washington 1989)

A. Wesley Ward, Ph.D.
Eolian processes, volcanic geology (University of Washington 1978)

Emeritus Faculty
Stanley S. Beus, Ph.D., Regents' Professor
Paleozoic biostratigraphy, paleontology and paleoecology, with emphasis on Devonian-Mississippian studies, geology of Grand Canyon (University of California-Los Angeles 1963)

Augustus S. Cotera Jr., Ph.D.
(University of Texas 1962)

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Please note that this electronic version of the 1996-1998 Graduate Catalog is a reproduction of the official printed catalog and is not updated more frequently than the printed catalog. If you have questions or comments about these pages, please e-mail Graduate Admissions and Academic Services.