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 make use of the college’s research vessel, the R/V Folger, and learn quantitative data visualization and analysis techniques.

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.

Dynamics of Earth's climate system 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.  Prereq: 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. (Formally GEOL 0221)

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. (Formerly GEOL 0250)

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. (formerly GEOL 0255)

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.

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

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.

Allison Jacobel

David West

Elizabeth Ultee

Jeff Munroe

Lisa Luna

Nicholas Perlongo

Peter Ryan

William Amidon

Lovely lovely class. Outdoor labs, research paper review and group work was much of the classload. Most of the semester was spent on a self-directed group research project that was super awesome and allowed for a lot of experience with different research methods and equipment.

This course is very slow-paced for the first 4-6 weeks, mainly self-paced projects for the last six weeks. There are a total of two presentations that you must do. There are two assignments that serve as take-home exams, which are fully open. 

Dave West is my favorite professor at this college and he's super accommodating and understanding. I would recommend reaching out to him before the first lab is due, as his grading is a little bit confusing.