Environmental Geology Geological processes form the physical framework on which ecosystems operate. We require an understanding of the geological environment in order to minimize disruption of natural systems by human development and to avoid hazards such as floods and landslides. This course is an overview of basic tectonic, volcanic, and landscape-forming processes and systems, including earthquakes, rivers, soils, and groundwater. Environmental effects of energy, mineral, and water resource use, and waste disposal are also examined. Weekly field labs after spring break. Registration priority for first and second-year students.

Glacial and Quaternary Geology In this course we will examine the causes and effects of glaciation along with the characteristics that make the Quaternary Period unique in geologic time. Topics will include glaciology, glacial erosion and deposition, glacier reconstruction, and techniques for interpreting and dating the Quaternary stratigraphic and paleoclimatic record from diverse terrestrial, lacustrine, and marine archives. Consideration also will be given to how severe climatic fluctuations impacted nonglacial environments. An overnight weekend field trip at the end of the semester will introduce students firsthand to alpine glacial landforms. (Any 0100-level geology or geography course, or by waiver)

Past, Present, and Future of the Mountain Critical Zone The Critical Zone is the name given to the thin slice of the Earth from the treetops to the base of the soil where geology, biology, hydrology and climate all come together.  This course will focus on topics germane to the Critical Zone in mountain environments including glaciers and permafrost, cold-climate weathering and landforms, ecosystem adaptations to cold environments, snow and snowpack hydrogeology, responses to contemporary climate change and projections for the future. The goal is to provide a strong scientific grounding through which contemporary issues involving mountain regions can be understood. Laboratory exercises will include analysis of datasets from mountain environments.

Mountains of the Northeast The mountains of the northeastern U.S. are an integral part of the cultural and natural history of this region. In this seminar we will consider topics germane to northeastern mountains including the geologic origin of the northern Appalachians, characteristics of mountain environments, changing perceptions of northeastern mountains over time, mountains as resources for modern society, and challenges facing these environments today and in the future. Readings and discussion will be combined with field excursions to enhance our understanding of mountains from a variety of perspectives. 3 hrs sem.

Karst and Cave Geology This course will provide an overview of the diverse aspects of a peculiar landscape known as “karst”, from  surface geomorphology to caves as past environmental archives. Through in-class discussions and  exercises, students will learn about karst hydrology and the challenges of using karst aquifers for drinking  water supply. Students will understand the main processes of cave development, and how cave formations  like stalagmites are created and can be used to generate paleoclimate records. A week-long fieldtrip to  Mammoth Cave National Park will allow students to study the characteristic morphological features of  both surface and subsurface karst. Students will discuss related topics such as landscape evolution,  environmental pollution and cave archaeology with local experts. They will also gain experience in  fieldwork such as karst spring monitoring or microclimate and sediment studies of caves and upon return to Middlebury College they will conduct labwork to analyse the different types of samples collected during  fieldwork. Finally, they will interpret the results in small groups. (Any lab-based 100-level Geology course or permission from the Chair) (Approval Only) .

Past, Present, and Future of the Mountain Critical Zone The Critical Zone is the name given to the thin slice of the Earth from the treetops to the base of the soil where geology, biology, hydrology and climate all come together.  This course will focus on topics germane to the Critical Zone in mountain environments including glaciers and permafrost, cold-climate weathering and landforms, ecosystem adaptations to cold environments, snow and snowpack hydrogeology, responses to contemporary climate change and projections for the future. The goal is to provide a strong scientific grounding through which contemporary issues involving mountain regions can be understood. Laboratory exercises will include analysis of datasets from mountain environments. (Formerly GEOL 0250)

Jeff Munroe

Reviews and ratings for Jeff Munroe at Middlebury College.Jeff Munroe teaches Environmental Geology, Quaternary Geology, The Mountain Critical Zone and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Jeff Munroe good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I absolutely loved taking Jeff's class. He was so passionate and gave good lectures. The main assignment was a group presentation at the end of the semester. Weekly assignments were post-lab homework style questions that were not too bad. 

A very hands on and exciting course, but filled up a lot of my time during the semester. Learned a lot from the labs, but never got the grades I was hoping for. I recommend this class if you are interested in quaternary geology, but if you just need an ECSC elective there are probably better options. 

Great class!! Was a lot of fun and very useful for the major. Jeff doesn't give a lot of cushion grades, so there was a lot of pressure on the larger projects and exams he gave. But the labs were a lot of fun if you like to spend time outside!