Claire E. Bucholz
Assistant Professor of Geology
B.S., Yale University, 2009; Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2016; Caltech, 2017-.
Research Summary
I investigate a variety of petrologic problems pertaining to the formation of the continental crust, mass transfer occurring at subduction zones, and temporal variations in the chemistry and character of igneous rocks. My general approach to geologic questions begins with detailed field studies that are complimented by a number of techniques, including geochemistry, geochronology, and modeling.
Research Options
Geology;
Publications
Please see Claire Bucholz's publication page: http://www.its.caltech.edu/~cbucholz/Publications.html
Ge 119. Geology of the American Southwest.
9 units (3-0-6); third term, 2022-23.
Prerequisites: Ge 11 a or Ge 101 or permission of the instructor.
This course is a lecture-based course on the geologic history of the American Southwest (broadly defined as the southern parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado as well as Arizona and New Mexico). Lectures will cover the geologic history in chronologic order and will highlight the important scientific studies that deciphered the geologic record of the region.
Instructor: Bucholz
Instructor: Bucholz
Ge 120 a. Field Geology: Introduction to Field Geology.
9 units (1-6-2); third term, 2022-23.
Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab, Ge 106 (may be taken concurrently with Ge 106).
A comprehensive introduction to methods of geological field mapping in preparation for summer field camp. Laboratory exercises introduce geometrical and graphical techniques in the analysis of geologic maps. Field trips introduce methods of geological mapping.
Instructor: Bucholz
Instructor: Bucholz
Ge 120 b. Field Geology: Summer Field Camp.
15 units (0-15-0); summer term, 2022-23.
Prerequisites: Ge 120 a or instructor's permission.
Intensive three-week field course in a well-exposed area of the western United States covering techniques of geologic field observation, mapping, analysis, and report preparation. Field work begins in mid-June after Commencement Day.
Instructor: Bucholz
Instructor: Bucholz
Ge 123. Continental Crust Seminar.
3 units (1-0-2); second term, 2022-23.
A seminar course focusing on a topic related to the continental crust, which will be decided depending on the interest of participating students. Potential topics include arc magmatism, the evolution of the composition of continental crust through time, formation of granites, or specific localities/regions that help shape our understanding of continental crust generation. The course will comprise weekly student-lead discussion of scientific journal articles.
Instructor: Bucholz
Instructor: Bucholz
Ge 119. Geology of the American Southwest.
9 units (3-0-6); third term, 2021-22.
This course is a lecture-based course on the geologic history of the American Southwest (broadly defined as the southern parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado, as well as, Arizona, New Mexico). Lectures will cover the geologic history in chronologic order and will highlight the important scientific studies that deciphered the geologic record of the region. offered 2021-2022.
Instructor: Bucholz
Instructor: Bucholz
Ge 120 a. Field Geology: Introduction to Field Geology.
9 units (1-6-2); third term, 2021-22.
Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab, Ge 106 (may be taken concurrently with Ge 106).
A comprehensive introduction to methods of geological field mapping in preparation for summer field camp. Laboratory exercises introduce geometrical and graphical techniques in the analysis of geologic maps. Field trips introduce methods of geological mapping.
Instructor: Bucholz
Instructor: Bucholz
Ge 120 b. Field Geology: Summer Field Camp.
15 units (0-15-0); summer term, 2021-22.
Prerequisites: Ge 120 a or instructor's permission.
Intensive three-week field course in a well-exposed area of the western United States covering techniques of geologic field observation, mapping, analysis, and report preparation. Field work begins in mid-June after Commencement Day.
Instructor: Bucholz
Instructor: Bucholz
Ge 123. Continental Crust Seminar.
3 units (1-0-2); second term, 2021-22.
A seminar course focusing on a topic related to the continental crust, which will be decided depending on the interest of participating students. Potential topics include arc magmatism, the evolution of the composition of continental crust through time, formation of granites, or specific localities/regions that help shape our understanding of continental crust generation. The course will comprise weekly student-lead discussion of scientific journal articles.
Instructor: Bucholz
Instructor: Bucholz
Ge 195. Special Topics in Field Geology.
Units to be arranged; , 2021-22.
Offered by announcement. Field experiences in different geological settings. Supporting lectures will usually occur before and during the field experience. This course will be scheduled only when special opportunities arise. Class may be taken more than once.
Instructor: Staff
Instructor: Staff
Ge/ESE 298. Mentoring and Outreach.
Units to be arranged, up to 12 units per year; , 2021-22.
In consultation with a faculty advisor and the Caltech Center for Teaching, Learning, and Outreach, students may obtain credit for engaging in volunteer efforts to promote public understanding of science; to mentor and tutor young people and underserved populations; or to otherwise contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusiveness of the scientific enterprise. Students may petition their option representative (graduate students) or academic advisor (undergraduate students) if they seek credits beyond the 12-unit limit.
Instructor: Staff
Instructor: Staff