Dr. Tucker's work focuses on geomorphology and landscape evolution. He uses numerical modeling, field observations, in-situ field monitoring, digital elevation data analysis, and other techniques to improve our understanding of processes that shape the earth. He also works in designing, developing, and testing software for computer simulation and coupled modeling of earth-surface processes, including hydrology, sediment transport, and landscape evolution. His research includes work on present-day geological hazards such as debris flows, floods, and gully network growth, as well as research into the long-term formation of landscapes and sedimentary basins. Since 2017, he has served as Executive Director of the Community Surface Dynamics Modeling System (CSDMS).
GEOL 1012 - Exploring Earth for Scientists
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2026
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 ERTH 1010, but taught at a higher intellectual level with a greater amount of quantitative analysis. Separate lab (ERTH 1030) is recommended. Formerly GEOL 1012. Degree credit not granted for this course and ERTH 1012.
GEOL 3820 - The Fluid Earth
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Examines the myriad forms of fluid behavior found on Earth, from the atmosphere to the inner core. Explores how basic principles of fluid physics may be used to understand a broad range of earth processes, including mantle convection, atmosphere and ocean dynamics, stream flow, lava spreading, and glacier motion, among others. Covers fundamental fluid concepts such as viscosity, pressure, convection, friction, and free-surface flow. Department enforced prerequisites: MATH 1300 or APPM 1340 and APPM 1345 or APPM 1350. Recommended prerequisites: Any 1000 level GEOL class and PHYS 1110.
GEOL 5042 - Computational Tools in Geosciences
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2020
Scientific research and teaching in geological sciences and related disciplines relies increasingly on computational tools. This class aims to introduce graduate students in the geological, geophysical and biogeochemical sciences to a wide range of commonly used concepts and open source data tools to empower them to find the right tool for their computational needs in research and teaching. Previously offered as a special topics course. Recommended prerequisite: Prior experience with at least one programming language is recommended.
GEOL 5702 - Geomorphology Seminar
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025
Explores the dynamics and forms of the earth's surface through critical reading and discussion of both classical and modern literature. May be repeated up to 10 total credit hours. Formerly GEOL 5702.
GEOL 5775 - Introduction to Numerical Modeling in Geoscience
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2025
Numerical models play an essential role across the geosciences, with applications that include hypothesis exploration, data interpretation, and prediction. This course provides a hands-on introduction to numerical modeling. Students learn scientific programming and modeling concepts by iterating through a series of model-development assignments in Python and Matlab. Applications span a range of topics in the geosciences, with emphasis on physical processes that involve mass, energy, and/or momentum transport.
