Dr. Jones's research has focused on understanding continental deformation that appears inconsistent with the plate tectonic environment of the region, with a special focus on the western United States. By integrating geologic and geophysical observations with physics of tectonic models, Jones and his students and colleagues have investigated the origin of the modern Sierra Nevada, the creation of the Rocky Mountains, the elevation of the High Plains and more generally the origin of topography in the western U.S. A specific observational focus is the use of passive-source seismology in imaging the lithosphere in this region.
FYSM 1000 - First Year Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Provide first year students with an immersive experience in an interdisciplinary topic that addresses current issues including social, technical and global topics. Taught by faculty from across campus, the course provides students with an opportunity to interact in small classes, have project based learning experiences and gain valuable communication skills. Seminar style classes focused on discussion and projects.
GEOL 1012 - Exploring Earth for Scientists
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2022
Studies Earth, its materials, its characteristics, its dynamic processes, and how it relates to people. This course is an introductory geology course suitable for geology and other STEM majors. Like GEOL 1010, but taught at a higher intellectual level with a greater amount of quantitative analysis. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is recommended. Degree credit not granted for both GEOL 1010 and GEOL 1012.
GEOL 4714 - Field Geophysics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Applies geophysical field techniques and data interpretation to studying geological and engineering problems. Fieldwork includes seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical measurements.
GEOL 4717 - Field Seminar in Geology and Tectonics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2023
Studies geologic features in and around Colorado to gain an overview of the geologic and tectonic evolution of the western U.S.
GEOL 5001 - Physics and Chemistry of the Solid Earth
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2023
Reviews the physical and chemical characteristics of the solid earth, from the core to the crust, and the processes that govern behavior through the earth. Lectures are supplemented with readings from the recent literature. Topics include convection, phase transitions, melt generation, forces of plate tectonics, origin of continents and lithosphere, continental tectonics, and earthquakes. Recommended requisite: a course in basic chemistry and a course in physics.
GEOL 5690 - Tectonic History of the Western United States
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2024
Provides students with the practical tools needed to make tectonic interpretations through study of the geologic history of the western United States and the geodynamic models used in interpreting that history. Paleomagnetism, geobarametry, geothermometry, geodynamic modeling, and elements of structural geology and stratigraphy are topics considered in this class.
GEOL 5703 - Seminar in Tectonics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2019
Focuses on a wide variety of topics related to crust, mantle and whole earth tectonics. Published papers from recent peer-reviewed literature are read and discussed. The format and specific topics will vary each semester (e.g., a relatively focused theme or open format) and will in part be determined by the makeup of enrolled students. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students only.
GEOL 5714 - Field Geophysics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Applies geophysical field techniques and data interpretation to studying geological and engineering problems. Fieldwork includes seismic, gravity, magnetic and electrical measurements. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students only and GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and MATH 1300 and PHYS 1110. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
GEOL 5717 - Field Seminar in Geology and Tectonics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2023
Studies geologic features in and around Colorado to gain an overview of the geologic and tectonic evolution of the western U.S. Department enforced prerequisites: restricted to graduate students only and GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and at least one of the following: GEOL 3120 or GEOL 3320 or GEOL 3430. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
