Ge 101. Introduction to Geology and Geochemistry. 9 units (3-0-6); first term, 2023-24. Prerequisites: graduate standing or instructor's permission. A broad, high-level survey of geology and geochemistry with emphasis on quantitative understanding. Historical deduction in the geological and planetary sciences. Plate tectonics as a unifying theory of geology. Igneous and metamorphic processes, structural geology and geomorphology; weathering and sedimentary processes. Nucleosynthesis and chemical history of the solar system; distribution of the elements in the earth; isotopic systems as tracers and clocks; evolution of the biosphere; global geochemical and biogeochemical cycles; geochemical constraints on deep Earth structure. One mandatory overnight field trip, selected laboratory exercises, and problem sets.
Instructor: Bucholz

Ge 11 a. Introduction to Earth and Planetary Sciences: Earth as a Planet. 9 units (3-3-3); first term, 2023-24. A broad introduction to the physical and chemical processes that have shaped Earth as a planet over geological time, and the observable products of these processes. Topics covered include Earth's internal structure, plate tectonics, minerals, igneous rocks and magmatism, metamorphic rocks and metamorphism, weathering, erosion, and sedimentary rocks, rock deformation, earthquakes, streams and drainage systems, groundwater, glaciers and glaciation, the oceans and their margins, climate change, geologic resources, geologic time and Earth history. The course includes an overnight field trip and a weekly laboratory section. Although Ge 11 abcd is designed as a sequence, any one term may be taken as a standalone course.
Instructor: Bucholz

Ge 120 a. Introduction to Field Geology. 9 units (1-6-2); third term, 2023-24. 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. Field exercises and associated projects introduce methods of geological mapping, field observations, and graphical techniques in the analysis of geologic maps.
Instructor: Bucholz

Ge 123. Continental Crust Seminar. 3 units (1-0-2); third term, 2023-24. 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

Ge/ESE 298. Mentoring and Outreach. Units to be arranged, up to 12 units per year; , 2023-24. 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

Ge 121 abc. Advanced Field Geology. 12 units (0-9-3); first, second, third terms, 2022-23. Prerequisites: Ge 120 or equivalent, or instructor's permission. Field mapping and supporting laboratory studies in topical problems related to the geology of the southwestern United States. Course provides a breadth of experience in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks or geomorphology. Multiple terms of 121 may be taken more than once for credit if taught by different instructors.
Instructors: Avouac (a), Kirschvink (b), Wernicke (c)

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