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.

Active Tectonics and Earthquake Hazards In this class we will explore what drives Earth’s system of tectonic plates and why plate motion causes earthquakes.  We will learn about modern techniques used to document plate motion and predict the size, style, and timing of earthquakes.  Students will also explore the numerous hazards associated with earthquakes and how the threat they pose to humans can be mitigated.  Learning goals will focus on reading primary scientific literature, identifying unanswered questions, and developing ideas for original research.

Shaping Earth: Past and Future This course will explore the fundamental processes that have shaped Earth and its atmosphere over time, including plate tectonics, glaciation, rivers, and soil-forming processes.  Most scientific content will be presented in a series of place-based field trips to experience examples of these processes and better understand how scientists study them.  Research, writing, and speaking skills will be developed through interactive exercises and a series of assignments, each one including multiple revision cycles.

Remote Sensing in Environmental Science  In this course we will discuss fundamentals of air- and space-based remote sensing applied to geological and environmental problems. The core goal is to understand how different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation interact with Earth's surface, and how images collected in these different wavelengths can be used to address questions in the Earth sciences. Lectures will present theory and basics of data collection as well as applications in hydrology, vegetation analysis, glaciology, tectonics, meteorology, oceanography, planetary exploration, and resource exploration. Labs will focus on commonly-used imagery and software to learn techniques for digital image processing, analysis and interpretation in Earth science.

Telling Time with Geochronology In this course we will explore the field of geochronology: the methods by which the age of rocks and landforms are determined to illuminate the mysteries of ancient earth.  Content will include understanding how rocks and landscapes form, as well as aspects of physical chemistry such as radioactive decay and mass spectrometry.  Learning will occur through seminar-style discussions and hands-on lab work centered around a 4-week project using U-Pb dating to test hypotheses about the geologic history of Vermont.  Students working in small groups will learn how to use instruments such as the scanning electron microscope and laser-ablation mass spectrometry.   This course is nominally restricted to geology majors although other interested students are encouraged to contact the professor.

Senior Thesis Research Seminar This seminar will focus on methods and strategies for completing advanced geological research and provides a springboard for senior thesis research. Topics will include field and laboratory techniques, primary literature review, and scientific writing. Students taking this course are expected to be simultaneously working on the early stages of their senior thesis research. During the semester students will present a thesis proposal and the seminar will culminate with each student completing a draft of the first chapter of their senior thesis. ECSC 0400 is required of all geology majors. 3 hrs. disc. or lab

Senior Thesis Research Seminar This seminar will focus on methods and strategies for completing advanced geological research and provides a springboard for senior thesis research. Topics will include field and laboratory techniques, primary literature review, and scientific writing. Students taking this course are expected to be simultaneously working on the early stages of their senior thesis research. During the semester students will present a thesis proposal and the seminar will culminate with each student completing a draft of the first chapter of their senior thesis. GEOL 0400 is required of all geology majors. 3 hrs. disc. or lab

William Amidon

Reviews and ratings for William Amidon at Middlebury College.William Amidon teaches Environmental Geology, Act Tectonics-Earthquake Haz, Shaping Earth: Past and Future and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is William Amidon good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This class is a really good intro to earth science and the labs make it fun as well. Will is a great teacher and is accommodating and helpful. The tests are all directly based on in class activities which make the pretty easy, there are also only two for the semester in addition to a final project 

I highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in Geology. Will is super nice, funny, and puts in the effort to get to know the students in the class. All of the labs and lectures were super interesting and very clear.

This class is packed with a ton of really cool material. It is nowhere near my major, but I nonetheless found this information interesting and I am very glad I have learned it. Professor Amidon is very very nice and he knows his stuff. He definitely feels like a teacher who is on your side the entire time.