Energy and Mineral Resources The global economy, world politics, and many aspects of our daily lives are dependent on the extraction and use of materials taken directly from the Earth.  Within our lifetimes we will be faced with significant shortages of many of these resources.  In this course we will focus on how energy resources (e.g., oil, coal, natural gas), and mineral resources (e.g., aluminum, gold, rare earth elements) are generated by geological processes, how they are extracted and processed, and how these activities impact the environment.  Field trips during the laboratory portion of the course will allow us to view first-hand the impacts of resource extraction, processing, and use. (Not open to students who have taken FYSE 1120 or GEOL 0112 or GEOL 0170). 3 hrs lect./disc.; 3 hrs lab

Natural Hazards Despite increasing technological sophistication, modern civilization remains vulnerable to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, extraterrestrial impacts, and other events. In this course we will consider the geologic mechanisms behind these hazards, the societal implications of these hazards, and approaches to reducing risk. Case studies will be combined with exploration of fundamental geologic concepts to provide students a foundation for understanding risk exposure and evaluating approaches to hazard management.

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.

How to Build a Habitable Planet In this course we will examine how Earth came to be the planet we know today: a uniquely habitable world, home to a diverse array of organisms and interconnected systems. We will begin our journey through deep time with the Big Bang and the coalescence of the first stardust, and conclude by examining how humans have become integral drivers of planetary evolution, transforming Earth’s surface and atmosphere at largely unprecedented rates. Students will engage with cutting edge scientific research via readings, discussion, and synthesis of the primary and secondary scientific literature.

Earth’s Oceans and Coastlines In this course we explore our planet’s oceans and coastlines through the interdisciplinary study of marine geology, physics, biology, and chemistry. We use these fields as lenses through which we examine our reliance on the oceans for climate stability, food, economic resources, and waste dispersal, among a host of other ecosystem services. In parallel, we explore how humans are fundamentally altering coastal and marine ecosystems, posing unequally distributed, but increasingly severe threats to ocean and human health. In labs, we learn quantitative data visualization and analysis techniques making use of real-world observations and datasets.

Geologic Evolution of Vermont This course explores the fascinating geology of Vermont. Students learn the geology through six field problems, involving extended trips around western Vermont. Lectures on the meaning of rocks support the fieldwork. The last few indoor labs are devoted to understanding the geologic map of Vermont. Emphasis is on descriptive writing and on use of data to interpret origin of rocks. Culminates in a written report on the geologic and plate tectonic evolution of Vermont.

Climate Dynamics In this course we will explore the interconnected components of Earth’s climate system, the laws governing their dynamics, and their changes over time.  We will describe how we gather information about Earth’s climate and how we know it is changing.  In a weekly laboratory, we will analyse real data and apply simple numerical models to draw conclusions about phenomena in the atmosphere, ocean, ice sheets, and more.  A major goal of this course is for students to gain confidence in quantitative methods for studying the Earth system.  (Any 100-level course in ECSC. (ECSC majors or with instructor approval) Lecture/lab.

Mineralogy This course covers the nature, identification, composition, and meaning of minerals and mineral assemblages. Introduction to crystallography, hand-specimen identification, optical mineralogy, x-ray analysis, and electron microbeam analysis. Laboratory: study of minerals in hand-specimen and under the polarizing microscope; use of x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy in mineral analysis.

Landscape Evolution  In this course we will investigate processes that shape the Earth's surface, including weathering, mass movements, and the effects of water, wind, and ice. Students will examine how such processes govern the evolution of landforms in differing climatic, tectonic, and lithologic settings. Field and laboratory study will focus on the role of active surficial processes, as well as glaciation and other past events, in development of the landscape of west-central Vermont. We will also discuss implications for human activities and maintenance of natural systems.

Surface and Ground Water Fresh water is the most fundamental resource sustaining life on the continents. This course is an introduction to the study of water and its interactions with the geologic environment. Basic hydrological processes such as precipitation, stream flow, and the subsurface flow of ground water are analyzed by quantitative methods. Climatic and human-induced changes in the hydrological cycle are examined, and current issues and policies are discussed in light of the increasing demands and impacts of a technological society on water resources and associated natural systems.

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.

Climate and Earth’s History  In this course we will discuss how external forces and internal feedbacks within the Earth system govern climate. Specific topics will include orbital variability, changes in ocean circulation, CO2 uptake in terrestrial ecosystems, and molecular vibrational controls on infrared absorption and Earth's heat budget. We will then examine climate change through Earth's history as evidenced by a number of geologic proxies including the sedimentary record, ice cores, isotopic records, glaciers, soils, and tree rings. Ultimately, our improved understanding of past climates will provide a context within which to discuss future changes to come.

Mineralogy (formerly GEOL 0211) This course covers the nature, identification, composition, and meaning of minerals and mineral assemblages. Introduction to crystallography, hand-specimen identification, optical mineralogy, x-ray analysis, and electron microbeam analysis. Laboratory: study of minerals in hand-specimen and under the polarizing microscope; use of x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy in mineral analysis.

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.

Environmental Geochemistry This course examines the chemical composition of natural and human-influenced environments, with a focus on predicting the behavior (“fate and transport”) of major ions, trace elements, nutrients and organic compounds (natural and synthetic) in soil, water, rock and air. Topics include aqueous geochemistry, chemical weathering, elemental cycles, isotopic tracers, atmospheric processes, climate impact of energy resources, and remediation of environmental contamination. Students will do chemical and mineralogical analysis using a variety of analytical and instrumental techniques, including ICPMS, SEM-EDS, XRF, XRD, and synthesis experiments. This is a project oriented course.

Sedimentary Processes and Environments This course examines modern sedimentary processes and environments, with the goal of understanding the environmental conditions under which ancient sediments were deposited and preserved. Topics include the dynamics of weathering and sediment transport; the interpretation of depositional environments from sedimentary textures, structures and relationships; and stratigraphic techniques for interpreting Earth history. Field trips provide hands-on opportunities to apply course material and investigate Middlebury’s ancient history as a sandy, tropical paradise. (Any 0100-level geology 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.

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)

Water Resources and Hydrogeology Fresh water is the most fundamental resource sustaining life on the planet. In this course we examine all elements of the hydrologic cycle, focusing first on precipitation and surface water flow and then on subsurface flow. We study examples from across the globe to understand factors influencing water quality and availability, and apply mathematical approaches to quantify constraints on sustainable use. The consequences of climate change and other anthropogenic impacts to the hydrological cycle are examined, and current issues and policies are discussed in light of increasing demands on water resources and associated natural systems.

Soils and the Environment Soils constitute the fundamental link between atmosphere, water, biota, and rock.  Knowledge of the physical, chemical, and biological processes operating in soils is essential when assessing natural cycles as well as anthropogenic alterations to those natural cycles.  In this course, we will analyze a wide range of issues, including soil formation, climate, soil mineralogy, soil fertility and nutrient cycling, sediment pollution, soil contamination, water pollution, sediment erosion and deposition, and implications for land-use planning.  Labs will be project-oriented and will consist of a combination of fieldwork and instrument analysis.

Glaciology In this course we will detail the fundamental role of ice in Earth's climate system, integrating insights from observation, theory, and computer modelling to form a cohesive understanding of glaciers and ice sheets.  We will study the unique physics that allow glaciers to flow and break, the power of ice in shaping the landscape, and the flow of water from atmosphere to glacier to ocean and back again.  Discussions will treat recent developments in glaciology, as well as the role of glaciology in society.  A final project will invite students to develop expertise on a glaciological question of their choosing. (MATH 0122 and two 200-level courses in ECSC/GEOL, or by instructor approval; MATH 0223 is recommended)

Physical Volcanology In this course, we will detail one of the fundamental geologic processes acting across the Solar System – volcanism.  We will study the fundamental principles that underlie volcanism, the different expressions observed at the surface, and predict what types of volcanism are expected under various conditions.  We will integrate insights from observations, theory, and modelling to form a cohesive understanding of volcanic principles.  This will entail why and how volcanism occurs, the formation of igneous rock, and the incorporation of volcanic deposits into the rock record.  Likewise, we will use our terrestrial understanding as a jump off point to explore volcanic processes on other planets.  A final project will invite students to apply the fundamental principles of volcanology learned during the semester to critically examine an active area of volcanology, develop the skills to critically analyze scientific data and literature, and effectively communicate their findings.

Modern Climate Seminar An advanced seminar for students with prior work in physical science of Earth's climate.  We will survey current climate change research by reading, discussing, and writing about scientific literature.  Assessment reports such as the US National Climate Assessment will form the foundation of our discussions.  At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to (1) read scientific papers, (2) identify key open questions in climate science research, and (3) relate scientific findings to common societal questions about climate action.  3hr seminar. (GEOL 0202, ECSC 0202, GEOL 0302 or ECSC 0302).

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

Collaborative Capstone Research Seminar This course features group research on community-connected projects that capitalize on student skills and knowledge developed through previous coursework and related experiences to meet objectives that are important to the community partners. Projects are guided by a faculty member with a high level of independent group work by the students. The course contains elements of readings and discussion, analysis and interpretation, collaboration with project partners, and development of written group thesis projects, culminating with a public presentation and dissemination of the written document.

Geology of Rocky Planets In this course, we will explore four rocky planets of the inner solar system (Mercury, Venus, the Moon, and Mars) and the fundamental geologic processes acting on their surfaces (volcanism, tectonism, impact cratering, and erosion/degradation). We will study how these processes have interacted to form the surfaces we see today and what those processes mean for the interior evolution of rocky bodies. Furthermore, we will use the 2023-2032 Decadal Survey as a guiding document to identify existing knowledge gaps and explore priority targets for future space missions. Naturally, the processes and landforms we investigate will link back to first principles and fundamental concepts developed on Earth Given the condensed time frame of the January term, we will have smaller daily assignments (e.g., reading annotations), GIS activities using planetary data, and weekly assessments. A final project will invite students to select the mission that is most appealing to their group, with emphasis on the instrumentation necessary to address their knowledge gaps of interest. Students will apply the fundamental principles of earth and climate science learned in other courses, including but not limited to developing skills to critically analyze scientific data and literature, data analysis via geographic information systems, and effectively communicate their findings.

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.

Introduction to the Space Environment Space - It’s all around us. What’s there? How do we know what’s there? How do we get there? What do we do there? We will explore these questions along with the fundamentals of space science and engineering, focusing on the near-earth space environment. Topics include: History of rocket science, basic physics (forces and Newton’s laws.), rocket and jet engines, orbits, satellite missions, the space environment/weather, space policy and commerce, and space in pop culture. We will have lectures interspersed with small group discussions. Labs will highlight the scientific process and associated skills such as data collection, validation, and analysis. Additionally, we will have guest presentations by space industry professionals.

Geohazards of the Central American Volcanic Arc In this course, students will examine case studies related to natural hazards, water resources and climate in Central America, including a week-long excursion to Costa Rica. Through seminars and case studies, students will learn geology, geography, hydrology and climate of this region, including tectonic environment, volcanism and earthquake risk, water resource challenges, and climate change impacts. For the field portion of the course, we will be joined by local scientists and students will do fieldwork for case studies. Upon return to Middlebury, students will conduct analyses related to fieldwork carried out in Costa Rica, culminating with conference-style poster/oral session.

Allison Jacobel

Cameron de Wet

David West

Jeff Munroe

Kira Waldman

Lisa Luna

Lizz Ultee

Nicholas Perlongo

Peter Ryan

Sean Peters

William Amidon

Read 142 reviews for Earth and Climate Sciences courses at Middlebury College. Find the best Earth and Climate Sciences professors and courses.  Discover your new major today!

I absolutely loved this course! The field labs are a blast, and it is evident how much Dave enjoys them and how knowledgeable he is on all the topics covered. I found the lab reports a fun way to write up what we had learned during the field lab, and after writing the first one or two the format becomes pretty easy.

Sean is such an awesome professor, and you can tell how enthusiastic he is about the material he teaches. He is always helpful when it comes to concepts that you may be confused about. I went to multiple of his office hours, and every time he was incredibly patient in his explanation. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in ECSC.

Jeff is a super nice professor, very knowledgeable, and covers pretty fascinating material. Unfortunately, while the structure of this class was creative, it didn't feel effective. 40% of our grade was participation, measured over the course of our weekly discussion based journal clubs. He graded our participation by comparing where we stood in comparison to other people. A zero-sum game for participation feels pretty unfair. You could get a good grade if you participated more than other people, which inherently means half the class participate below average and are graded poorly. It also fostered somewhat dumb contributions during class. I didn't learn well in the environment. 