Information found in this online edition of the 2008-09 catalog is unofficial and for informational purposes only. By authority of the dean of the College, some factual corrections to the printed version may appear here. The official document of record is the printed edition of the 2008-09 Catalog. For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Geological Science
Coordinator: Elizabeth B. Safran
Earth is a laboratory in which grand experiments in physics, biology, and chemistry unfold and interact. Perched on the Pacific rim, Lewis & Clark is nestled in the crucible itself, surrounded by spectacular evidence of the behavior and functioning of our home planet. From the blasted remains of Mount St. Helens to the flood-gouged Columbia River Basalts, the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest provoke us to ask ourselves, "Why did this happen? When?" Geological science addresses itself to these questions. At Lewis & Clark, geology courses are designed to provide students with a basic understanding of major Earth processes while emphasizing environmental implications and regional issues.
Training in geological science enhances understanding of critical environmental problems, an invaluable asset for natural scientists, consultants, environmental lawyers, teachers, and all citizens. It also heightens appreciation for natural settings by illuminating the fascinating ways in which they evolve.
Sponsoring Faculty
Elizabeth B. Safran, associate professor. Geomorphology.
GEO 150 Environmental Geology
Safran
Content: Introduction to major geological processes that impact human activity. Emphasis on regional issues. Plate tectonics, loci of seismic and volcanic activity, distribution of mountain ranges, and sediment sources. Floods, landslides, mudflows, tsunamis. Assessment of anthropogenic shifts in landscape functioning. Consequences of standard logging practices, dams, channel modification. Chronic versus catastrophic environmentally significant events. Lecture and laboratory. Weekly laboratory includes two required daylong field trips, held on weekends.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 055.
Taught: Annually, 5 semester credits.
GEO 240 Spatial Problems In Geology
Safran
Content: Recognition and interpretation of spatial patterns of geological phenomena. Firsthand analysis of a current research question with a strong spatial component. Familiarization with the background of the research question and its broader context. Hypothesis development about geological processes from remote data (e.g., topographic data, satellite imagery), articulation of appropriate field tests for hypotheses. Development of analytical skills and use of Geographic Information Systems software. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geology 150.
Taught: Alternate years, 5 semester credits.
GEO 280 The Fundamentals Of Hydrology
Safran
Content: An analysis of the behavior and movement of water in natural and modified environments. Major components of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, interception, evaporation, evapotranspiration, runoff, groundwater. Introduction to river channel behavior, flood hazard calculation, water supply issues. Quantification, through measurements and calculations, of water fluxes through various pathways, with allusion to planning applications. Laboratory work focuses on field and modeling projects. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geology 150.
Taught: Alternate years, 5 semester credits.