Earth Sciences

Novas and Supernovas, Solar Nebula Theory, Catastrophism and Uniformitarianism. Earth as a heat engine. Origin, growth and main features of the Earth's crust. Origin and evolution of oceans, continents and the atmosphere. The rock cycle, seafloor spreading, plate tectonics, mountain building and deformation of the Earth's crust, earthquakes, igneous and metamorphic processes and their products. Surficial processes, hydrogeology, and energy, and mineral resources. Credit can be obtained for only one of ESCI 1001 or ESCI 1063. 

A laboratory course designed to accompany ESCI 1001. An introductory study covering topographic and geological maps (bedrock and surficial) and their interpretation; construction of cross sections; identification of common minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; geological structures (map analysis as a predictive tool); radiometric and relative age dating and the geological time scale; coastal processes; glaciations and glacial deposits; aspects of plate tectonics.

An introductory laboratory course that provides practical laboratory experiences related to practicing Environmental Geology.  The lab uses a mixture of written exercises, hands-on activities, satellite and Google Earth explorations.  Specific topics may include: tectonic processes and earthquakes, earth materials and geological time, paleontology, volcanoes and volcanic hazards, river floods and groundwater, mass wasting and landslides.  

An introductory study covering topographic and geological maps (bedrock and surficial) and their interpretation; construction of cross sections; identification of common minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; geological structures (map analysis as a predictive tool); dating and the geological time scale; coastal processes; mass wasting (especially the recognition and amelioration of hazards related to debris flows, avalanche and landslides); and glaciations and glacial deposits (especially glacial deposits in eastern Canada and their significance to engineers).

An introductory study covering topographic and geological maps (bedrock and surficial) and their interpretation; construction of cross sections; identification of common minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; geological structures; dating and the geological time scale; coastal processes; mass wasting (in terrane analysis, and the recognition and avoidance of hazards); and glaciations and glacial deposits (especially in eastern Canada and their relevance to foresters).

Earth is a complex system in which humans and the rest of the biosphere interact with the rocks that form the earth, the oceans, rivers and lakes that form hydrosphere and the gases that form the atmosphere.  In this course we will examine how human interactions cause changes in the earth system and how the earth affects humans. We will examine some topical issues including human effects on earth’s atmosphere and ocean system, our use of energy and mineral resources and the impacts of geological hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes on humanity. Designed primarily for students in faculties other than Science, Engineering, and Forestry and Environmental Management. Cannot be used for credit in place of, or after taking ESCI 1001 or ESCI 1012. 

Introduction to field observations, traversing, sampling and mapping in the first week of May or before classes begin in the fall. Accommodation expenses (Fredericton) paid by the student.

A study of geological materials and hazards for site investigation and assessment of risk and remediation; engineering classification of geological materials, properties and relationships; engineering in the existing and changing environment and exacerbation of natural processes; geological constraints for construction, foundations, tunnelling, waste disposal and mining, with case histories of geological problems in engineering projects.

Appraisal of rock-forming materials for Earth and similar solid planetary bodies. Fundamentals of mineralogy, with emphasis on crustal and mantle silicates. Controls on mineral structure and composition related to temperature, pressure and chemistry. Laboratories focus on describing the physical properties of the more common minerals, their identification in hand specimen, determining their structural formulae and appraising their economic value.

We learn the use of polarizing microscopy techniques to identify and describe the textures of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, mineral and rock identification, and rock classification. Lectures also focus on concepts of mineral nucleation and growth, simple thermodynamic controls on mineral stability, and the kinetic parameters that control crystallization rates of rocks and minerals. The laboratories focus on the practical aspects of mineral and rock description and identification using polarizing microscopy techniques.

Lectures and labs first cover the description and classification of the physical and chemical properties of sediment and sedimentary rock. This is followed by investigation into the processes (including environmental and engineering impacts) involved in the origin of sediment, such as weathering, physico-chemical, biochemical, and biogenic sediment precipitation, and processes influencing mass movements, sediment erosion, transportation, deposition, reworking, sedimentary structures, soil formation and lithification. The course concludes with an introduction to basic sedimentary facies, stratigraphic principles, and the relative and absolute dating of strata.

An introduction to geometrical aspects of earth sciences with emphasis on cartographic methods, geological map production and interpretation and basic compass techniques. Geological map studies are supported by an introduction to lithological assemblages, tectonic structures (faults and fold patterns), Earth architecture and the tectonic evolution of North America.

Understanding the origin and evolution of the earth requires an interdisciplinary approach that combines traditional geology with cosmochemistry, geochemistry and geophysics. This course comprises three interlinked themes. First, the origin of the planets of our solar system with a focus on the geochemical evolution of the earth – moon system. Second, an examination of the geophysical and geochemical methods by which we determine the earth’s internal and external structure, composition and mineralogy. Finally, we bring together earth chemistry and physics to explain how the earth works within the plate tectonic paradigm.

Origin of elements. Theories of the origin and chemical evolution of the earth, atmosphere, and oceans. Laws governing the distribution of elements in the earth. Application of phase diagrams to petrologic problems of the crust and mantle. Chemical weathering. Use of stable and radioactive isotopes in geology. Geobarometry and geothermometry. Hydrothermal process and base-metal ore deposits.

Principles of stratigraphy and geological mapping. Provides two weeks supervised training in field work and preparation of stratigraphic sections, geological maps, and cross sections. At least the cost of accommodation expenses is paid by the student. 

Petrology of igneous and metamorphic rocks with emphasis on their macroscopic textures, mineral associations, classification and field relations. Laboratories concentrate on the identification of the common igneous and metamorphic rocks using hand specimens and thin sections. 

The course provides an overview of the evolution of life on Earth, its origin, diversification and its gradual expansion from sea to land. Focus is on the processes leading to fossilization and on the major events of the evolution of life. Students are introduced to the taxonomy and ecology of the invertebrate groups most commonly represented in the fossil record, with special attention for the fossilizable parts and their significance towards understanding the evolution of the total biosphere. Further emphasis is on how fossilized remains and traces of organisms can be used in the fields of stratigraphy, paleoecology and paleoclimatology.

The oceans modulate the climate, are key regulators of biogeochemical cycles and support rich and diverse biological habitats. This course is designed to provide an overview of the role and functioning of the modern oceans. This course also introduces students to the latest methods used in paleoceanography (i.e. the study of past oceanic conditions), a domain that has contributed considerably to our understanding of climate functioning and changes. A sample of the topics, related to the chemistry, physics and biology of the oceans that will be discussed includes: thermohaline circulation, dynamics of upwelling zones, tides, El Niño/La Niña and other climate oscillations, biogeochemical cycles, impact of human activities on the oceans (e.g. eutrophication, acidification), tracers and proxies in marine records (e.g. biological tracers and biomarkers, geochemical tracers, etc.).

An investigation of the turning points in Earth’s history from its formation, over the emergence/evolution of life and connected environmental changes, to the eventual appearance of humans. We discuss both paleontological and geological records, examine the mechanisms that steer climatic changes, and put the recent history of Earth’s climate into a long-term perspective.

Stress and strain, introduction to deformational behaviour of rocks. Origin of folds, foliations, lineations, joints and faults. Geometrical analysis. Labs will include simple experiments and advanced map problems. 

Lectures and labs investigate the deformation and fracture behaviour of rocks when subjected to natural and engineering-imposed stress fields. The concepts of stress, strain, stress-strain relations, and strength are applied to geological materials in laboratory and field settings. The mechanisms involved in the failure of continuous, discontinuous, ductile, and brittle rocks are discussed. Consideration of these subjects is given in the context of various rock engineering applications, including slopes and underground excavations such as mines, tunnels, and caverns.  

An introduction to the global water cycle and water balance, catchment water balance, measurement and estimation of water balance parameters, aspects of sediment transport and erosion, monitoring the distribution of contamination by sediment sampling.  Assignments focus on aspects of catchment water balance.  Seminars and term papers are based on topics of regional and global importance with respect to water availability and quality.

This course presents various types of mineral deposit resources, integrated with economic and environmental considerations with impacts related to exploration and mining activity.

A multi-disciplinary study of petroleum and its role in global carbon cycles: its chemical composition, distribution (rock types, sedimentology and heterogeneity of reservoir rocks, subsurface conditions, overpressures), theories of petroleum generation, migration, trapping and accumulation.  Aspects of the petroleum industry are reviewed, including exploration and development of conventional and unconventional resources (including oil sands and shale gas); development economics; Canadian and global petroleum resources and declining reserves.  The environmental impact of the petroleum industry (groundwater, surface, and atmospheric pollution, and global warming), mitigation (carbon capture and storage/conversion), and alternative energy options are discussed.  Labs or projects cover interpretation of petrophysical and seismic data, environmental and economic data assessment.

Application of geochemistry to mineral exploration. Distribution and controls on element migration in rocks and soils. Recognition of anomalous concentrations. Selected case histories. Common analytical methods for rock, soil, and water samples.

The principles of chemical equilibria, reaction kinetics and transport applied to natural water systems. Chemical weathering and diagenesis. Chemistry of surface waters, ground water and the oceans. Geochemical cycles. Applications to environmental problems. Labs include chemical analysis of water, carbonate equilibria and geochemic modeling. One Saturday field trip. 

Principles of structural geology and geological mapping. Provides two weeks supervised training in field work and preparation of an independent structural map and report of a selected area. At least the costs of accommodation expenses are paid by the student. To be taken as part of the final year.

Applications of geological, geochemical, geophysical and hydrological methods to an environmental site investigation. Typically includes one week of field work followed by one week for the analysis of data and preparation of a comprehensive written report summarizing the field investigation, synthesizing results, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations. A cost will be associated with this course.

A written report on the scientific activities of the work term. Credit for the course is dependent in part on the employer's evaluation of the student's work activities. Students must be accepted into the Geology Co-op program to register for this course. 

Study of igneous and metamorphic rocks emphasizing the processes responsible for their formation in terms of heat, pressure and fluid effects related to tectonic setting. Laboratories primarily concentrate on the acquisition of observational skills via hand specimens and detailed petrographic work supported by interpretation of geochemical and isotopic datasets.

Physical volcanology, textural, petrologic, and petrogenetic study of ultramafic to felsic volcanic systems in a variety of tectonic environments are examined. Emphasis on magma/melt properties, phase relations and composition, crystallization processes, and gas exsolution and groundwater interaction processes are key. Laboratory studies emphasize petrology of volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks in a variety of geological settings. 

Lectures focus on processes active in modern sedimentary environments, landform development, and facies (e.g., rivers, lakes, deltas, estuaries, beaches, barrier islands, shallow and deep oceans); and their interpretation and successions in the geologic record (sequence stratigraphy).  Labs cover microscopic examination of sedimentary diagenesis, introductory air photo/image analysis and interpretation, and exercises relating to paleogeography, sea-/lake-level change, and (sequence-) stratigraphic correlation.

Seminar course investigating the principles of crustal growth and recycling, plate tectonics, plate motions, plate margin processes, mantle anisotropy, and their application to Phanerozoic, Proterozoic, and Archean mantle and lithosphere evolution.

Application of material science to rock deformation. Theory of rock deformation. Development of microstructure and fabric in deformed rock. Labs will be concerned with observation and measurement of microstructure and fabric.

Study of the mass balance of glaciers and characteristics of flow, erosion and deposition by active and stagnant ice masses, facies relationships in processes and products of glaciated terrain, and assessment of terrain from air photos, maps, geophysical and core data. Practical applications include: relevance of sample collection and analyses for geotechnical evaluation and mineral prospecting, and identification of industrial resources and terrain hazards. 

Lectures and labs investigate applications of rock mechanics and rock engineering principles, using geological and geomechanical data in the open-ended design of surface and underground engineering structures sited in rocks, as well as geo-hazard mitigation. Analysis of design problems incorporates several industry standard software packages. The natural variability of geomaterials and implications for effective design solutions are discussed.

Mineral exploration, evaluation, exploitation, processing, marketing and conservation.

Introduction to environmental impact assessment (EIA) from the Canadian perspective, covering the history, scope and need for EIA, as well as the general approach and regulatory framework used in Canada and New Brunswick. The majority of the course focuses on geosciences in environmental investigations. Topics include: goals of investigations; physical processes of dispersion in the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater and glacial systems; important geochemical concepts that influence the transport and fate of contaminants in the environment. 

General features of mineral deposits, their origin, localization and classification, with emphasis on exploration, evaluation and development. 

Advanced features of mineral deposits, their origin, localization and classification, with emphasis on exploration, evaluation and development. 

Introduction to the principles, survey procedures and interpretation techniques of the gravity, magnetic, and gamma radiation methods of geophysical exploration. Applications of these methods to geological mapping, mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, engineering and environmental applications. 

Introduction to principles, survey procedures and interpretation techniques of electrical, electromagnetic, and seismic methods of geophysical exploration. Applications of these methods to mineral and hydrocarbon exploration as well as engineering and hydrogeological-environmental investigations. 

Application of thermodynamics and kinetics to geological problems. Multicomponent equilibria and activity coefficients. Water-rock interactions. 

Theory and application of stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry in geology. Coverage includes radiometric dating, radiogenic and stable isotopic systems in petrology and geochemistry, and applications of radiogenic and stable isotopes to the solution of problems in lithospheric evolution, paleoclimatology and environmental geochemistry. 

A written report on the scientific activities of the work term. Credit for the course is dependent in part on the employer's evaluation of the student's work activities. Students must be accepted into the Geology Co-op program to register for this course. 

Students who intend to undertake a thesis project, either as an elective course or as a requirement for an Honours BSc degree, are advised to consult with their intended faculty supervisor near the end of their third year. Students must have CGPA of 3.0 or better. Additional requirements and guidelines for the project can be obtained from the Director of Undergraduate Studies. A written request for admission to the Honours programe and/or for permission to take this course must be submitted by the student to the Departmental Chair no later than the last day to add classes of the fall term of the student's final year; the letter must state the provisional title of the project and the name of the faculty member who has agreed to supervise the project.

Advanced studies in a topic in geological sciences. The topic is to be chosen jointly by the student, advisor and Chair of the Department. May be taken for credit more than once. Title of topic will appear on transcript.