 |
|
|
Introductory Seminars
 |
| Wondering what those polar exploreres were thinking?
Try GES 38N: The Worst Journey in the World! |
Stanford Introductory Seminars offer freshman and sophomores the opportunity
to work in small group settings with faculty members on specific topics
that may not be covered in other courses. Seminars in GES are no exception
- there are multiple opportunities to explore intriguing topics in depth,
get into the field, and discuss practical implications of the geological
and environmental sciences. For more information about applying to seminars,
please visit the Stanford
Introductory Seminars website.
|
|
| Course |
Course Description |
Offered |
|
GES 37N |
Energy and the Environment on the Back of an Envelope Caldeira
Problem-solving and discussions to develop a quantitative understanding of which energy sources might be scaled up to satisfy long-term global energy demans while preserving our environment. |
Autumn |
| GES 38N |
The Worst Journey in the World: What Drives Polar Exploration?
Dunbar
The focus of this seminar is on the main scientific and geographic
achievements of polar exploration. Includes an optional
winter field trip to the Sierra. |
Winter |
| GES 42N |
Landscapes and Tectonics of the San Francisco Bay Area Hilley
The diverse landscapes of the SF Bay Area result from ongoing active faulting and erosion. Field excursions will introduce earth science concepts and skills through investigation of the local valley, mountain, and coastal areas. |
Autumn |
GES 43N |
Environmental Problems Loague
For students interested in understanding the various components of
multidisciplinary environmental problems and in identifying ethical
questions that are often associated with decision making in the regulatory
arena. Topics includegroundwater contamination from point (e.g., Love
Canal) and nonpoint (agricultural) sources, cumulative watershed effects
related to timber and mining practices, acid rain, subsurface disposal
of nuclear waste, the Alaska pipeline, slope stability (e.g., Devils'
Slide), oil tanker spills (e.g., Exxon Valdez), etc. |
Winter |
| GES 45N |
Energy Issues Facing the World
Graham, Howell
Factors shaping energy use and development throughout the Pacific Rim. Class develops a game simulation based on critical energy issues, student-initiated energy projections, and assessment of the principal stakeholders. |
Winter |
| GES 48N |
Volcanoes of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mahood
Students research primary sources about young volcanoes, hot springs,
earthquake faults, paleoclimate, and other features of the eastern
Sierra Nevada in order to produce a field trip guide for a 4-day
field trip. |
Spring (alt,
given 05-06) |
| GES 49N |
Field Trip to Death Valley and Owens Valley
Mahood
The focus of this course is a six-day field
trip to Death Valley and Owens Valley during spring break. |
Winter, spring break |
Back to top
|
|
| Course |
Course Description |
Offered |
|
GES 12SC |
Sophomore College: Environmental and Geological Field Studies in the Rocky Mountains Chamberlain
This three-week field program covers a broad range of topics including the geologic origin of the American West from three billion years ago to today, paleoclimatology and the glacial history of the mountainous region, the long- and short-term carbon cycle and global climate change, and environmental issues in the American West that are related to changing land use patterns and increased demand for its abundant natural resources.
SoCo website
|
Sept. |
| GES 54Q |
California Landforms and Plate Tectonics Miller
This seminar will explore how plate tectonics produces California's
striking landforms, active faults, and earthquakes. Includes field
trips to the San Andreas Fault. |
Autumn |
| GES 55Q |
The California Gold Rush: Geologic Background and Environmental
Impact Bird
This seminar will investigate the geologic processes that led to concentration
of gold in the river gravels and rocks in the Mother Lode region of
California, as well as the environmental impact of the population
increase and mining operations. Includes one field
trip to the Mother Lode. |
Spring |
| GES 56Q |
Changes in the Coastal Ocean Dunbar
Using the Monterey and San Francisco Bays as examples, this seminar
will investigate recent changes in climate, land use, and coastal
ocean practices and conditions. Includes several field
trips in the Bay Area. |
Spring (alt,
given 05-06) |
Back to top
Geophysics and Petroleum Engineering Seminars |
| Course |
Course Description |
Offered |
|
Back to top
|
