Earth Sciences (ESCI)

#: Course numbers with the # symbol included (e.g. #400) have not been taught in the last 3 years.

ESCI 400 - Freshman Field Seminar

Credits: 1

A field introduction for new or prospective majors to New Hampshire's mountains, rivers, estuaries, and beaches. Field excursions (approximately five) are scheduled on Friday afternoons.

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 401 - Dynamic Earth

Credits: 4

In this course we study the minerals, rocks and fluids which make up the Earth; the landforms on the surface of the Earth such as mountains, flood plains and stratovolcanoes; and processes such volcanism, earthquakes, erosion and glaciation that create and alter them. The rock cycle and plate tectonics are used to integrate activity at the surface of the Earth with processes in the Earth's interior. Campus field exercises. Lab.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Mutual Exclusion: No credit for students who have taken ESCI 409.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 402 - Earth History

Credits: 4

Course provides knowledge and skills necessary to interpret, understand, and appreciate the Earth's 4.6 billion-year history. The first third of the course introduces basic principles, including geological materials, plate tectonics, geological time, fossil preservation, and biological evolution. The remainder of the course tells the story of Earth history through case studies that illustrate scientific methods used to reconstruct critical events in our planet's evolution through time. Topics include the origin of the Earth, the Cambrian explosion of life, building of the Appalachians, assembly of Pangaea, the rise and fall of dinosaurs, the formation of the Rocky Mountains, mammalian evolution, human origins, and Pleistocene glaciation. Students gain experience in making geological observations through laboratory exercises and during one afternoon field trip. Lab.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 405 - Global Environmental Change

Credits: 4

Human activity rivals nature as an agent of change in the global environment. Explores evidence of environmental degradation in Earth's crust, hydrosphere, and atmosphere; considers prospects for future sustainable human health, diversity, and economic development. Problem solving through critical analysis of environmental variables.

Attributes: Physical Science(Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 409 - Geology and the Environment

Credits: 4

Environmental impact of geologic processes; natural hazards, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, erosion, and sedimentation; land exploitation and site investigations; environmental considerations of water-supply problems; the recovery of energy and mineral resources. Lab.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Mutual Exclusion: No credit for students who have taken ESCI 401.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 410 - Earth Hazards

Credits: 4

Introductory-level physical science course concerning Earth processes that impact humanity, with natural disasters as the focus. Topics include the causes and effects of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides. The course covers basic concepts of physical geology using hands-on-activities, small-group discussions, and in-class demonstrations and is intended for students with little or no previous experience in Earth sciences.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 420 - Our Solar System

Credits: 4

Course focuses on the nature and formation of our solar system and the planets associated bodies it contains, with emphasis on the physical and chemical processes significant in the system's origin and evolutionary history. Our approach provides the basis for understanding key differences between the Earth-like terrestrial planets and those farther out in the solar system (the gas giants). We also explore recent discoveries on Mars and moons of the gas giant planets and their implications for the search for life elsewhere in our solar system.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

Credits: 3

The climate as a system controlled by the fluid, chemical, geological, and biological dynamics of the earth. Investigation of natural and man-made climate change over the period of 100 to 100 million years, including the greenhouse effects, tectonic climate forcing, astronomic (Milankovitch) cycles, deep ocean circulation, and biological feedback. How past climate is measured.

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 401 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 409 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 402 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 501 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 530 - Geological Field Methods

Credits: 4

An introduction to basic geologic field mapping of bedrock and surficial materials using pace and compass, surveying and GPS techniques. Observational data plotted on topographic maps and/or aerial photographs, accompanied with stratigraphic measurements and sampling sites where appropriate, provide the basis for interpretative maps, cross sections and written reports and a field context for more advanced Earth sciences course work and independent research. One weekend field trip to western or northern New England.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): (ESCI 401 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 409 with a minimum grade of D-) and ESCI 402 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): ESCI 534

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 534 - Techniques in Environmental Sciences

Credits: 3

Elementary mapping and monitoring methods. Map interpretation, preparation of maps; survey techniques including pace and compass, leveling, and global positioning systems; environmental monitoring. Field lab. Cannot receive credit if taken after receiving credit for ESCI 530 or NR 542.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Equivalent(s): ESCI 530, NR 542

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 561 - Landscape Evolution

Credits: 4

Course focuses on the processes that shape the Earth's surface. Lectures discuss the development of landscapes in a wide variety of climatic and geologic settings, with an emphasis on understanding the process mechanics that create landforms and surficial deposits. Labs involve topographic map interpretation, geomorphic data analysis, and short field exercises. Course incorporates one weekend field trip that explores the landscapes of Cape Cod. Students also gain practical experience in geomorphic research by teaming up and completing a required lab- or field-based project. Lab.

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 401 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 409 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 614 - Introduction to Petrology

Credits: 0 or 4

Description, classification and formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks in the field, hand specimen, and thin section. Lab and field trips.

Prerequisite(s): (ESCI 401 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 409 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 402 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 501 with a minimum grade of D-) and ESCI 512 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 631 - Structural Geology

Credits: 4

Structural units of the Earth's crust and mechanics of their formation. Lab and fieldwork.

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 530 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 642 - Biogeosciences in the Earth System

Credits: 3

This interdisciplinary course applies concepts from chemistry, physics, biology and geology to understand biogeochemical cycles in the Earth system. Course topics includes terrestrial, ocean and freshwater environments; water and energy cycles; carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur cycles; biogeochemical cycles through Earth history and a synthesis of how humans have impacted the Earth system. Students will use quantitative methods to explore relationships between causes and effects, positive and negative feedbacks, and thresholds in the Earth systems.

Prerequisite(s): (MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- or MATH 424B with a minimum grade of D-) and (CHEM 404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM 405 with a minimum grade of D- or NR 561 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 654 - Fate and Transport in the Environment

Credits: 4

An introduction to the basic processes controlling the migration and transformation of chemicals in surface water, groundwater, and the atmosphere, including advection, diffusion, dispersion, retardation, and chemical reaction. Extensive practice with quantitative problem solving in the environmental sciences, including constructing and using box models.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM 405 with a minimum grade of D- or NR 561 with a minimum grade of D-) and (MATH 425 with a minimum grade of D- or MATH 424B with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 695 - Topics

Credits: 1-4

Geologic, hydrologic, and oceanographic problems and independent studies by means of conferences, assigned readings, and field or laboratory work fitted by ESCI faculty to individual student needs; or new or specialized courses. Topics include geochemistry; geomorphology; geophysics; glaciology; groundwater; structural and regional geology; crystallography; mineralogy; petrology; thermodynamics; ore deposits; earth resource policy; paleontology; sedimentation; stratigraphy; water resources management; chemical, physical, and geological oceanography; Earth systems. May be repeated barring duplication of subject.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated up to unlimited times.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 696 - Topics

Credits: 1-4

Repeat Rule: May be repeated up to unlimited times.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 701 - Quantitative Methods in Earth Sciences

Credits: 4

Introduces quantitative tools necessary for upper level Earth Science courses. Incudes basic statistical descriptions of spatially and temporally varying data, curve fitting, and time-series analysis with emphasis on atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial data sets. Students learn to construct simple numerical models of Earth Systems. Instruction in data and analysis and modeling in Matlab.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- and (ESCI 401 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 402 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 501 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 705 - Principles of Hydrology

Credits: 4

Basic physical principles important in the land phase of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, snowmelt, infiltration and soil physics, evapotransportation, and surface and subsurface flow to streams. Problems of measurement and aspects of statistical treatment of hydrologic data. Field trips. Lab.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 654 with a minimum grade of D- or ((MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- or MATH 424B with a minimum grade of D-) and (PHYS 401 with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS 407 with a minimum grade of D-)).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 710 - Groundwater Hydrology

Credits: 4

Principles for fluid flow in porous media with emphasis on occurrence, location, and development of groundwater but with consideration of groundwater as a transporting medium. Major topics include well hydraulics, regional groundwater flow, exploration techniques, and groundwater modeling. Laboratory exercises involve use of fluid, electrical, and digital computer models to illustrate key concepts. Lab.

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 654 with a minimum grade of D- or CEE 650 with a minimum grade of D- or NR 504 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 720 - Ocean Measurements Lab

Credits: 4

Measurements of fundamental ocean processes and parameters. Emphasizes understanding typical coastal and estuarine measurements their applications, and the use of acquired data in terms of the effects on structures and processes in the ocean.

Equivalent(s): OE 710

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 726 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Credits: 4

This course focuses on the origin and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks from field, petrographic mineral chemistry, experimental, and theoretical studies. Igneous systems include volcanic and plutonic suites, with emphasis on mineralogic records of magma chamber systematics. Metamorphic systems include pelitic, mafic, and calc sillcate rocks, with special emphasis on closed- and open-system reactions, mutl-systems, reaction space, and pressure-temperature-time paths. Field trips. Lab.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 614 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 734 - Geophysics

Credits: 0 or 4

The structure of the solid Earth, including the continental and oceanic lithosphere and the deep interior as revealed by investigations of seismic waves, the Earth's gravitational and magnetic fields, heat flow, and earthquakes. Lab.

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 401 with a minimum grade of D- and MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- and PHYS 408 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 741 - Geochemistry

Credits: 4

Course focuses on the application of chemical principles to solve problems in the Earth sciences. Students learn the chemical tools of thermodynamics and kinetics, element partitioning, conservation of mass, and isotope geochemistry. Explore geochemical properties/processes in the deep Earth and the Earth surface, atmosphere and marine systems, and cosmo-chemistry and investigate the interactions between these components of the Earth system. Lab.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- and (CHEM 404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM 405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 745 - Isotope Geochemistry

Credits: 4

Course focuses on the application of radiogenic, radioactive and stable isotopes to improve students' knowledge about the processes and timescales relevant to the formation of the planet and solar system, the evolution of the Earth system and interactions in the hydrosphere and biosphere. Topics include geochronology, tracer applications, Earth surface applications, as well as applications in the hydrosphere and biosphere. Systems discussed include the classic radiogenic systems (K-Ar, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf and U-Th-Pb), traditional (H, C, N, O) as well as nontraditional (e.g., Mg, Ca, Fe) stable isotope systems, and radioactive isotopes (e.g., radiocarbon). Course consists of lecture, where students are exposed to these applications, and a lab section to work through any questions on the homework assignments, discuss relevant papers from the literature, and carry out a project. Lab.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- and (CHEM 404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM 405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 747 - Aqueous Geochemistry

Credits: 4

The chemical processes that determine the composition of aquatic systems such as rivers, lakes, groundwater and the ocean. The goal is to quantitatively understand the behavior of inorganic species such as carbon dioxide, nutrients, trace metals and inorganic pollutants in natural waters. Topics include, acid-based equilibria, carbonate chemistry, reduction-oxidation reactions, organic complexation and mineral precipitation and dissolution. Lab. Prereq: one year college chemistry or geochemistry or permission.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- and (CHEM 404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM 405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 752 - Chemical Oceanography

Credits: 3

This course investigates the physical and biogeochemical processes that determine the composition of seawater. Topics include biological effects on chemistry, ocean nutrient cycles, air-sea gas exchange, radiogenic and stable isotopes as tracers of ocean processes, sediment and tace-metal chemistry.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- and (CHEM 404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM 405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 754 - Sedimentology

Credits: 4

This course focuses on modern sedimentary processes and ancient sedimentary records through the examination, identification, and interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Topics such as sediment transport mechanisms, depositional environments, and time in sedimentary records will provide a strong framework for any student studying Earth processes and sedimentary systems. Lab and field trips.

Prerequisite(s): (ESCI 401 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 402 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 409 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 501 with a minimum grade of D-) and ESCI 512 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 756 - Geotectonics

Credits: 3

The geological record of plate tectonics past and present. The first part of the course focuses on modern tectonic settings with an emphasis on plate geometries, geodynamical processes, and sedimentary products. The second part of the course focuses on reconstructing ancient tectonic settings with an emphasis on methodology (paleomagnetism, basin analysis, provenance) and case studies (e.g. India-Asia collision). Field trip.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 614 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 631 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 758 - Introductory Physical Oceanography

Credits: 3

Descriptive treatment of atmosphere-ocean interaction; general wind-driven and thermo-haline ocean circulation; waves and tides; continental shelf and near-shore processes; instrumentation and methods used in ocean research. Simplified conceptual models demonstrate the important principles.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 407 with a minimum grade of D- and ESCI 501 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 759 - Geological Oceanography

Credits: 4

Major geological features and processes of the ocean floor; geological and geophysical methods; composition of the earth, sedimentary processes, plate tectonics and paleoceanography.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 501 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 760 - Paleoceanography

Credits: 3

This course introduces the basic principles of paleoceanography, such as the preservation of ocean history in sediment archives and the analysis/interpretation of paleoceanographic data. The course focuses on the capabilities and limitations of paleoceanographic techniques, and empowers students to critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of results presented in scientific journals. Topics include Milankovitch cycles, faunal assemblages, temperature and circulation proxies, linear and non-linear responses to climate forcings, abrupt climate events, atmospheric teleconnections and monsoons.

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 514 with a minimum grade of D- and (CHEM 404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM 405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 762 - Glacial Geology

Credits: 4

Course provides a survey of glacier dynamics and processes, with an emphasis on understanding the origin and significance of glacial deposits and landforms. The first half of the course examines the physics of glaciers, and the second half focuses on glacial geologic processes. Lectures discuss glaciers and ice sheets as key agents of large-scale geomorphic change, as well as their central role in the Earth's past and present climate system. Labs involve analysis of glaciological data, glacial-geologic map interpretation, and short field exercises. Course incorporates one mandatory weekend field trip that explores the glacial landscapes of New England. Lab.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 561 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 764 - Spectral Analysis of Geophysical Time Series Data

Credits: 4

This course considers basic exploratory techniques and in-depth spectral analysis for estimation with geophysical time series data, including calculations of confidence intervals and significance testing. This course prepares students for interpreting time series data with science and engineering applications. Topics include sampling theory, filtering, statistics, probability, spectral analysis, and empirical orthogonal functions. Students gain experience in code-writing for the analysis of time series data.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): OE 764

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 765 - Paleoclimatology

Credits: 3

Course reviews the study of past changes in the Earth's climate system. Main discussion topics include astronomical theories of ice ages, Quaternary dating methods, Antarctic and Greenland ice core records, greenhouse gases, marine-based climate proxies, glacial mega-floods, and linkages between ocean circulation and abrupt climate change. Emphasis on climate variability during the Quaternary period (the last approximately 2.6 million years), a time interval dominated by cycles of global glaciation. Lectures include discussion of recent and emerging scientific papers in order to keep pace with the latest findings in paleoclimatic research.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 766 - Volcanology

Credits: 4

Provides a comprehensive overview of volcanic processes and their influences on planetary evolution and modern-day Earth systems. Lectures discuss the generation and properties of magma, tectonic setting of volcanism, eruption styles, volcanic landforms and products, monitoring of active volcanoes, volcanic hazards, and volcanism on other planets. Laboratory topics include modeling volcanic processes, hand-sample observation, topographic map interpretation, volcanographical data analysis, and two afternoon field trips. As volcanology is a rapidly developing field of active research, the course incorporates discussions of recent and emerging scientific papers from the literature and student-led updates of ongoing volcanic activity. Lab.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- and (ESCI 401 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 409 with a minimum grade of D- or ESCI 402 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 771 - Geodesy and Positioning for Ocean Mapping

Credits: 4

The science and technology of acquiring, managing, and displaying geographically-referenced information; the size and shape of the earth, datums and projections; determination of precise positioning of points on the earth and the sea, including classical terrestrial-based methods and satellite-based methods; shoreline mapping, nautical charting and electronic charts.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 426 with a minimum grade of D- and PHYS 408 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): OE 771

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 777 - GIS for Earth & Environmental Sciences

Credits: 4

Geospatial technologies provide insight into spatial and temporal aspects of environmental and earth systems. Students will master basic skills of a geographical information system. Weekly laboratory exercises will build upon a foundation of conceptual knowledge and data processing skills. Focus on applied research questions and projects will be addressed. The course will use the opensource program QGIS. Additional work will develop programming skills using the python language. Programming background is not a requirement but beneficial.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 778 - Remote Sensing Earth & Environmental Sciences

Credits: 4

Remote sensing provides insight into spatial and temporal aspects of environmental and Earth systems. Students will examine digital image processing techniques, different sensor and platform technologies, and new trends and frontiers in remote sensing science. Weekly laboratory exercises build upon conceptual knowledge, data processing skills, and development of programming skills. Applied research questions and projects will use Google Earth Engine. Hyperspectral, lidar, and unmanned aerial systems will be presented.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 795 - Topics

Credits: 1-4

Geologic, hydrologic, and oceanographic problems and independent studies by means of conferences, assigned readings, and field or laboratory work fitted by ESCI faculty to individual student needs; or new or specialized courses. Topics include geochemistry; geomorphology; geophysics; glaciology; groundwater; structural and regional geology; crystallography; mineralogy; petrology; thermodynamics; ore deposits; earth resource policy; paleontology; sedimentation; stratigraphy; water resources management; chemical, physical, and geological oceanography; earth systems. Also, senior synthesis and earth science teaching methods.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. May be repeated up to 3 times.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ESCI 796 - Topics

Credits: 1-4

Geologic, hydrologic, and oceanographic problems and independent studies by means of conferences, assigned readings, and field or laboratory work fitted by ESCI faculty to individual student needs; or new or specialized courses. Topics include geochemistry; geomorphology; geophysics; glaciology; groundwater; structural and regional geology; crystallography; mineralogy; petrology; thermodynamics; ore deposits; earth resource policy; paleontology; sedimentation; stratigraphy; water resources management; chemical, physical, and geological oceanography; earth systems. Also, senior synthesis and earth science teaching methods. Special fee on some topics.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. May be repeated up to 3 times.

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ESCI 799 - Senior Thesis

Credits: 1-4

Students work under the direction of a faculty sponsor to plan and carry out independent research resulting in an oral presentation and a written thesis. Research projects should include the development of a research question; collection analysis, and synthesis of data; and interpretation and presentation of results. A copy of the written thesis must be submitted to the Chair of the Department of Earth Sciences prior to graduation. A total of 4 credits is required and may be completed over multiple semesters.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading