Geosciences

Pamela E. Jansma

Department Chair

113 Ozark Hall

479-575-3355

E-mail: pjansma@uark.edu

David Stahle

Graduate Coordinator of Geography

113 Ozark Hall

479-575-3037

E-mail: dstahle@uark.edu

Doy Zachry

Graduate Coordinator of Geology

113 Ozark Hall

479-575-2785

E-mail: dzachry@uark.edu

Web: http://www.uark.edu/depts/geology/

Geography Faculty:

• Adjunct University Professor Limp

• Professors Cleaveland, Dixon, Hehr, Paradise, Stahle

• Associate Professors Davidson, Graff

Geology Faculty:

• Professors Brahana, Guccione, Jansma, Konig, Manger, Steele, Zachry

• Associate Professors Boss, Davis, Mattioli

• Adjunct Associate Professor Hays

• Research Assistant Professor Nelson

Degrees Conferred:

M.A. in Geography (GEOG)

M.S. in Geology (GEOL)

Areas of Concentration: Human geography, physical geography, GIS and cartography.

Prerequisites to Degree Program: Applicants must be admitted to the Graduate School and meet the following requirements: 1) satisfactory undergraduate preparation in geography, 2) three letters from persons competent to judge applicant’s potential for graduate studies, and 3) a completed departmental application. Students who do not meet these requirements may be admitted conditionally. Students with course deficiencies may enroll concurrently in graduate courses.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree: A student may choose one of three options to satisfy the requirements for a Master of Arts degree in Geography:

Geography M.A. with Thesis: A minimum of 24 semester hours of course work including core courses specified by the department, six semester hours of thesis, and an oral examination conducted by the candidate’s faculty committee.

Geography M.A. with Internship: A minimum of 30 semester hours of course work including core courses specified by the department, six hours of internship, evidence of research ability, and an oral examination conducted by the candidate’s faculty committee.

Geography M.A. Non-Thesis: Thirty-six semester hours including core courses specified by the department and an oral examination conducted by the candidate’s faculty committee.

Each student is required to complete GEOG 5093 History of Geography and GEOG 5333 Research Methods and Materials in Geography.

A list of courses that meet the general distribution requirement is available from the departmental chair.

Instruction in geology at the graduate level focuses on preparation of students to become practicing professional geologists in industry or to pursue, without deficiencies, doctorates at established programs. Students intending to enter the industrial workforce are encouraged to maintain a broad perspective with an emphasis in an area of geology that has a demonstrated record of past employment, such as petroleum geology or environmental geology. The greatest strength of the program in geology at the University of Arkansas is instruction in practical geologic interpretation, with emphasis on field relationships. This instructional strength includes all levels of teaching and supports an active research program that serves to strengthen the research and communication skills of the students through writing assignments, oral presentations, and participation in professional societies.

Prerequisites to Degree Program: Students admitted to graduate study should have completed an undergraduate geology program similar to that required for the B.S. degree at the University of Arkansas. Applicants lacking an appropriate background may satisfy deficiencies while enrolled in Graduate School. Prospective students should submit application forms, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of their graduate and professional goals before March 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester to assure their consideration. These dates are also deadlines for receipt of application for financial assistance.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree: The program in Geology requires 30 graduate course credit hours, six of which will be derived from a thesis reporting the results of an original laboratory or field research problem. All course work, a thesis topic, and the final thesis must be approved by the student’s thesis committee. This committee is selected by the student and the student’s thesis director and will consist of a minimum of three members. At least two of the committee members will be chosen from geology faculty whose areas of expertise coincide with the research interests of the student.

Each student will complete a core curriculum consisting of a minimum of 12 hours selected from the following courses: GEOL 4053 Geomorphology; GEOL 4433 Geophysics; GEOL 5063 Geochemistry or GEOL 5263 Hydrochemical Methods; GEOL 5123 Stratigraphic Principles and Practice; GEOL 5223 Sedimentary Petrology. Each student must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in geology courses, including one credit hour of GEOL 5001 Graduate Seminar, in addition to the six credit hours for the thesis.

Students who have completed some or all of these core courses as part of their undergraduate program must substitute additional elective courses, as approved by their thesis committee, to fulfill the minimum required 24 credit hours of course work.

To complete the requirements for the degree, the candidate must complete all course work with a grade-point average of 3.00, submit an acceptable thesis, and pass a comprehensive examination based primarily on a defense of the student’s thesis.

GEOG4013 Latin America (IR)  Geography of South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands.

GEOG4033 Geography of the Middle East (IR)  Physical and cultural landscapes, natural and cultural resources, art and architecture, landuse, political history, OPEC, and current problems of North Africa and the Middle East region west of Afghanistan are discussed. Class participation, discussions, slides and films, and student presentations will round out the class. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEOG4063 Urban Geography (SP)  Areal patterns of modern urban regions and the focus shaping these patterns. Emphasis is placed on American urban areas and their evolution and functional areas. Field work. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEOG4093 Geography of Arkansas (FA)  Natural resources of the state, its leading occupations, and its geographic regions. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEOG4173 The Latin American City (IR)  This course examines the social, political, and cultural aspects of the modern Latin American city from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course includes an introduction to urban studies concepts, and each semester is organized around a specific set of case studies. (Same as ANTH 4173, HIST 4173, LAST 4173)

GEOG4243 Political Geography  (FA, Odd years)  Contemporary world political problems in their geographic context. Development of the principles of political geography with emphasis upon the problems of Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEOG430V Internship in Physical Geography (3-6) (FA, SP, SU)  Supervised experience in municipal, county, state or private natural resource management agency, or any other such organization approved by instructor.

GEOG4353 Elements of Weather (FA)  Examination of the atmospheric processes that result in multifarious weather systems. Offered as physical science. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEOG4363 Climatology (SP)  Fundamentals of topical climatology followed by a study of regional climatology. Offered as physical science. Prerequisite: GEOG 1003 and/or GEOG 4353.

GEOG4384 Principles of Landscape Evolution (FA)  Examines the role of waves, rivers, wind, and tectonics in shaping and modifying the surface of the earth. Considers the way in which an understanding of landscape processes is essential to the effective solution of environmental problems. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week.

GEOG440V Internship in GIS & Cartography (3-6) (FA, SP, SU)  Supervised experience in GIS and/or cartographic applications with municipal, county, state, or private enterprises. May be repeated for 6 hours.

GEOG4523 Computer Mapping (SP)  This course addresses advanced cartographic concepts (i.e. visual hierarchy, aesthetics, image cognition) and production techniques as they relate to computer-assisted mapping. Students produce a variety of maps using AutoCad and FreeHand software to build a map portfolio. Field trips may be required. Prerequisite: GEOG 3023.

GEOG4543 Geographic Information Systems (FA)  Computer assisted analysis and display of geographic resource data. Course develops the theory behind spatial data analysis techniques, and reinforces the theory with exercises that demonstrate its practical applications. (Same as ANTH 4543)

GEOG4553 Introduction to Raster GIS (FA)  Theory, data structure, algorithms, and techniques behind raster-based geographical information systems. Through laboratory exercises and lectures multidisciplinary applications are examined in database creation, remotely sensed data handling, elevation models, and resource models using boolean, map algrebra, and other methods. (Same as ANTH 4553) Prerequisite: GEOG 4543 or ANTH 4543.

GEOG4563 Vector GIS (FA, SP, SU)  Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) applications in marketing, transportation, real estate, demographics, urban and regional planning, and related areas. Lectures focus on development of principles, paralleled by workstation-based laboratory exercises using Arc-node based software and relational data bases. (Same as ANTH 4563) Prerequisite: GEOG 3023 or GEOG 4543.

GEOG4573 Introduction to GRASS Applications in GIS (IR)  An introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) problem solving using the Geographic Resource Analysis Support System (GRASS) software. (Same as ANTH 4573)

GEOG4593 Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (FA, SP, SU)  Introduction to navigation, georeferencing, and digital data collection using GPS receivers, data loggers, and laser technology for natural science and resource management. Components of NavStar Global Positioning system are used in integration of digital information into various GIS platforms with emphasis on practical applications. (Same as ANTH 4593)

GEOG4653 Advanced Raster GIS  (SP, Odd years)  Advanced raster topics are examined beginning with a theoretical and methodological review of Tomlin’s cartographic modeling principles. Topics vary and include Fourier methods, image processing, kriging, spatial statistics, principal components, fuzzy and regression modeling, and multi-criteria decision models. Several raster GIS programs are examined with links to statistical analysis software. (Same as ANTH 4653) Prerequisite: GEOG 4553 or ANTH 4553.

GEOG4723 Australia and the Pacific Islands (IR)  Natural setting, resources, and human use of these areas and the significance of their world position. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEOG4753 Geography of the United States and Canada (IR)  The geographic regions of Anglo-America. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEOG4783 Geography of Europe (IR)  Geographic regions of the area with emphasis on their present development. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEOG4793 Geographic Concepts for Global Studies (SU)  Application of geographic concepts and perspectives for analyzing global relationships. Developing and developed nations as well as geographic themes of current importance will be examined. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEOG4863 Quantitative Techniques in Geography (FA, SP, SU)  An introduction to the application of standard quantitative and spatial statistical techniques to geographical analysis. Students will use both micro and large system computers in the course. (Same as ANTH 4863) Prerequisite: (STAT 4003 and STAT 4001L) or equivalent.

GEOG5003 Seminar in Geography (IR)  Selected topics, the nature of which varies with the need. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOG5011 Colloquium (SP)  Weekly meetings of faculty, graduates, advanced students and guests to discuss research and trends in the field of geography. May be repeated for 2 hours.

GEOG5053 Quaternary Environments (FA)  An interdisciplinary study of the Quaternary Period, including dating methods, deposits, soils, climates, tectonics, and human adaptation. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. (Same as ANTH 5053, GEOL 5053) Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOG5093 History of Geography  (SP, Even years)  Chronological development of the science; leaders in the field of geography; and the evolution of the major concepts of geography. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOG510V Special Problems in Physical Geography (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)  Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOG5113 Global Change (FA)  Examines central issues of global change including natural and human induced climate change, air pollution, deforestation, desertification, wetland loss urbanization, and the biodiversity crisis. The U.S. Global Change Research Program is also examined.

GEOG520V Special Problems in Human Geography (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)  Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOG530V Special Problems in Regional Geography (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)  Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOG5313 Planetary Atmospheres (IR)  Origins of planetary atmospheres, structures of atmospheres, climate evolution, dynamics of atmospheres, levels in the atmosphere, the upper atmosphere, escape of atmospheres, comparative planetology of atmospheres.

GEOG5333 Research Methods and Materials in Geography  (FA, Odd years)  Geographical research and the preparation of research papers. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOG600V Master’s Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)  Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOL4033 Hydrogeology (SP)  Occurrence, movement, and interaction of water with geologic and cultural features. Lecture 3 hours per week. Corequisite: GEOL 4030L. Prerequisite: MATH 2564 and GEOL 3513 and GEOL 3511L.

GEOL4030L Hydrogeology Laboratory (SP)  Exercises and field trips illustrating principles of water movement through porous media and the methods by which this movement is monitored. Corequisite: GEOL 4033.

GEOL4043 Water Resource Issues (FA)  Human impact on the quantity and quality of water resources including impact of agriculture, industrial, and municipal uses, and a comparative policies and water resource development, past and present.

GEOL4053 Geomorphology (SP)  Mechanics of landform development. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Several local field trips are required during the semester. Corequisite: GEOL 4050L. Prerequisite: GEOL 1004 and GEOL 1113 and GEOL 3002.

GEOL4050L Geomorphology Laboratory (SP)  Corequisite: GEOL 4053.

GEOL4153 Karst Hydrogeology (IR)  Assessment of ground water resources in carbonate rock terrains; relation of ground water and surface water hydrology to karst; quantification of extreme variability in karst environments; data collection rationale. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 4033.

GEOL4223 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (SP)  Introductory investigation of stratigraphic and sedimentologic factors important to the study of sedimentary rocks. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. A required weekend, two-day field trip will be conducted during the semester. Corequisite: GEOL 4220L. Prerequisite: GEOL 3413.

GEOL4220L Stratigraphy and Sedimentation Laboratory (SP)  Corequisite: GEOL 4223.

GEOL4253 Petroleum Geology (FA)  Distribution and origin of petroleum. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: GEOL 4250L. Prerequisite: geology major and senior standing.

GEOL4250L Petroleum Geology Laboratory (FA)  Corequisite: GEOL 4253.

GEOL436V Geology Field Trip (1-2) (SP)  Camping field trip to areas of geologic interest, usually conducted during Spring Break. May be repeated for 4 hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 3313.

GEOL4413 Principles of Remote Sensing (FA)  Theoretical and practical consideration of radar imagery, aerial photography, and infrared imagery for understanding Earth resource problems related to agriculture, archeology, engineering, forestry, geography, and geology. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: GEOL 4410L. Prerequisite: GEOL 1004 and GEOL 1113 or GEOL 3002.

GEOL4410L Principles of Remote Sensing Laboratory (FA)  Corequisite: GEOL 4413.

GEOL4433 Geophysics (IR)  Derivation from physical principles, of the geophysical methods for mapping the Earth. Computational methods of converting gravity, magnetic, radiometric, electrical, and seismic data into geologic information. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: GEOL 4430L. Prerequisite: MATH 2564 and PHYS 2033 and PHYS 2031L and GEOL 3513 and GEOL 3511L.

GEOL4430L Geophysics Laboratory (IR)  Corequisite: GEOL 4443.

GEOL5001 Graduate Seminar (IR)  Informal discussions of research as reported in geological literature. All graduate students are expected to attend.

GEOL5053 Quarternary Environments (FA)  An interdisciplinary study of the Quarternary Period, including dating methods, deposits, soils, climates, tectonics, and human adaptation. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. (Same as ANTH 5053, GEOG 5053) Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOL5063 Geochemistry (FA)  Chemistry of geologic processes and the geochemical cycles of selected elements. Prerequisite: CHEM 1103 and CHEM 1101L and CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L.

GEOL5076 Advanced Field Methods of Applied Hydrogeology (SU)  Applied field course emphasizing collection and interpretation of ground water data. Three hours may be applied toward an M.S. degree in geology. Prerequisite: GEOL 4033.

GEOL5123 Stratigraphic Principles and Practice (IR)  Physical and biological characteristics of sedimentary environments and their correlation in time with emphasis on the local geologic section. Corequisite: GEOL 5120L. Prerequisite: GEOL 4223.

GEOL5120L Stratigraphic Principles and Practice Laboratory (IR)  Corequisite: GEOL 5123.

GEOL5132 Ammonoid Biostratigraphy (IR)  Laboratory study of the biology, taxonomy and biostratigraphy of Paleozoic ammonoid cephalopods. Pre- or Corequisite: GEOL 5123.

GEOL5142 Conodont Biostratigraphy (IR)  Laboratory study of the biology, taxonomy, and biostratigraphy of the conodonts. Pre- or Corequisite: GEOL 5123.

GEOL5153 Environmental Site Assessment (IR)  Principles, problems, and methods related to conducting an environmental site assessment. An applied course covering field site assessment, regulatory documentation, and report preparation. Prerequisite: GEOL 4033.

GEOL5163 Hydrogeologic Modeling (IR)  Topics include numerical simulation of ground water flow, solute transport, aqueous geochemistry, theoretical development of equations, hypothesis testing of conceptual models, limitations of specific methods, and error analysis. Emphasis on practical applications and problem solving. Prerequisite: GEOL 4033 and computer literacy.

GEOL5223 Sedimentary Petrology (FA)  Sediments and sedimentary rocks. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: GEOL 5220L. Prerequisite: GEOL 4223.

GEOL5220L Sedimentary Petrology Laboratory (FA)  Corequisite: GEOL 5223.

GEOL5263 Hydrochemical Methods (SP)  Collection, analytical and interpretation techniques and methods for water, including quality control and quality assurance. Prerequisite: CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L.

GEOL5413 Planetary Geology (IR)  Exploration of the solar system, geology and stratigraphy, meteorite impacts, planetary surfaces, planetary crusts, basaltic volcanism, planetary interiors, chemical composition of the planets, origin and evolution of the Moon and planets.

GEOL5423 Remote Sensing of Natural Resources  (SP, Odd years)  Advanced course in remote sensing technology with special emphasis on interpretive techniques for resource management and research. Prerequisite: GEOL 4413.

GEOL5444 Advanced Petroleum Geology  (SP, Even years)  Advanced well logging techniques, quantitative analysis, and subsurface correlation. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: GEOL 5440L. Prerequisite: GEOL 4253.

GEOL5440L Advanced Petroleum Geology Laboratory  (SP, Even years)  Corequisite: GEOL 5444.

GEOL5533 Marine Geology (FA)  Geological principles as applied to the study of the world’s ocean basins. Course includes basic theories of ocean basin evolution, continental margin evolution, coastal geologic processes, and methods of study of deep sea records of global change and paleoceanography. Corequisite: GEOL 5530L.

GEOL5530L Marine Geology Laboratory (FA)  Corequisite: GEOL 5533.

GEOL5543 Tectonics (FA)  Development of ramifications of the plate tectonics theory. Analysis of the evolution of mountain belts. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 3513 and GEOL 3511L.

GEOL560V Graduate Special Problems (2-6) (FA, SP, SU)  Library, laboratory, or field research in different phases of geology. May be repeated for 4 hours.

GEOL600V Master’s Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)  Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOS4413 Principles of Remote Sensing (FA)  Theoretical and practical consideration of radar imagery, aerial photography, and infrared imagery for understanding Earth resource problems related to agriculture, archeology, engineering, forestry, geography, and geology. Corequisite: GEOS 4410L. Prerequisite: GEOL 1004 and GEOL 1113 or GEOL 3002.

GEOS4410L Principles of Remote Sensing Laboratory (FA)  Corequisite: GEOS 4413.

GEOS4563 Geology of Our National Parks (FA)  This course examines the underlying geology responsible for selected parks, and explores the interplay of geology, biology, climate, topography, and humans to evaluate the value of the parks, and to anticipate the problems they will face in the near and long-term. Prerequisite: GEOL 1113.

GEOS4563H Honors Geology of Our National Parks (FA)  This course examines the underlying geology responsible for selected parks, and explores the interplay of geology, biology, climate, topography, and humans to evaluate the value of the parks, and to anticipate the problems they will face in the near and long-term. Prerequisite: GEOL 1113.

GEOS4560L Geology of Our National Parks Laboratory (FA)  

GEOS4633 Near Surface Prospection (SP)  Geophysical remote sensing methods are investigated for detecting and mapping subsurface features up to 5m in depth. Magnetometry, resistivity, conductivity, ground-penetrating radar, and other methods are examined with a particular focus on their use for understanding archeological deposits. Requires use of instruments, computer skills, and field trips. (Same as ANTH 4633) Prerequisite: ANTH 4553 or GEOG 4553 or ANTH 4573 or GEOG 4573 or GEOG 4543 and GEOL 1113 and ANTH 3023.

GEOS4693 Environmental Justice (SP)  This course deals with the ethical, environmental, legal, economic, and social implications of society’s treatment of the poor, the disenfranchised, and minorities who live in the less desirable, deteriorating neighborhoods, communities, and niches of our country. The class integrates science with philosophy, politics, economics, policy, and law, drawing on award-winning films, current news, and case studies.

GEOS4693H Honors Environmental Justice (SP)  This course deals with the ethical, environmental, legal, economic, and social implications of society’s treatment of the poor, the disenfranchised, and minorities who live in the less desirable, deteriorating neighborhoods, communities, and niches of our country. The class integrates science with philosophy, politics, economics, policy, and law, drawing on award-winning films, current news, and case studies.

GEOS4690L Environmental Justice Laboratory (SP)  

GEOS4733 GPS Geodesy in Geoscience  (SP, Even years)  Applications of GPS geodesy in geosciences are presented with emphasis on case studies of on-going research projects such as seismic and volcanic hazard. Statistical procedures and factors affecting data quality will be discussed. Analysis will focus on archived data, on-line data from GPS research networks, and data collected by students. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 1113.

GEOS4730L GPS Geodesy in Geoscience Laboratory  (SP, Even years)  

GEOS5053 Quarternary Environments (FA)  An interdisciplinary study of the Quarternary Period, including dating methods, deposits, soils, climates, tectonics, and human adaptation. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week.(Same as ANTH 5053, ENDY 5053, GEOG 5053). Prerequisite: graduate standing.

GEOS5853 Stable Isotope Geology (SP)  Introduction to principles of isotope fractionation and distribution in geologic environments, isotopic analytical methods, and extraction of isotope samples; application of isotopes in characterization of geologic processes and interaction with hydrologic, surficial, and biologic attenuation, paleothermometry soil, and biogeochemical processes. May be repeated for 3 hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 5063 or GEOL 5263.