My research primarily focuses on deep continental crust, specifically the physical and chemical processes associated with rock deformation. I pursue questions such as: How do variations in mechanical properties, chemical composition or mineral reactions due to changing pressure, temperature, and water availability impact where and on what scale deformation occurs? How do these processes influence the physical properties of the crust? How do they influence our ability to remotely image the structure of tectonic plates through geophysical methods? What do the intrinsic characteristics and evolutionary tendencies of these rocks imply about the growth, modification and/or stabilization of the continents? With these questions in mind, I generally group my research efforts into the following topical areas of deep crustal evolution: 1) deep crustal rheology, 2) seismic and density properties, and 3) accessory mineral petrogenesis.
GEOL 1040 - Geology of Colorado
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2022 / Spring 2026
Reviews the geologic evolution and history of Colorado. It first develops the basic concepts needed to interpret the geology and then systematically shows how the state evolved through geologic time. Designed for those who enjoy understanding the beauty and splendor of the state. Formerly GEOL 1040.
GEOL 2005 - Introduction to Earth Materials
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2019 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Provides introduction to the classification, composition and properties of the materials that compose the Earth, how these materials are studied, and how they are used to interpret Earth history and processes. Required for the Earth Science major. Formerly GEOL 2005.
GEOL 3120 - Structural Geology
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2018 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2025
Introduces the basic principles and processes involved in deformation of natural rocks and minerals and the techniques used to analyze a variety of common geological structures (e.g., fractures, folds, fault zones). Formerly GEOL 3120.
GEOL 4120 - Advanced Structural Geology and Tectonics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2025
Provides valuable exposure to theory and applications related to deformation (rheology) of solid Earth materials as well as the structural and geophysical characteristics of the world's major orogenic belts. The processes that will be covered span a wide range of Earth's depths, from compaction in sedimentary rocks and flow of ice/salt near Earth's surface to cataclastic mechanisms in fault rocks to plastic flow of deep crust and mantle rock. The course will involve lectures, some in-class and take home problem sets, some local field exercises and field data analysis, classic and modern paper discussions, and a research term project (written and oral presentation). Same as GEOL 5120.
GEOL 4719 - Field Analysis and Tectonics of Crystalline Rocks
Primary Instructor
-
Summer 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2024
Introduces basic and advanced mapping tools and concepts for structural and tectonic analysis of solid-state and magmatic deformation, metamorphism, and fluid flow in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Includes some digital mapping concepts using smartpad and smartphone applications, and computer-based analysis of structure data. Includes multi-day mapping projects in the Front Range, and in western Colorado, southern Wyoming, or northern New Mexico. Also includes introductions to Precambrian tectonic history of western North America and mineral resources of Colorado. Same as GEOL 5719.
GEOL 5102 - Introduction to Earth Science Faculty II
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2025
Continues to introduce all new graduate students to the Department of Earth Science. Faculty discuss their research and their academic trajectories. The week�s geology colloquium is discussed. In addition, students craft reports on their intended research. Formerly GEOL 5102.
GEOL 5120 - Advanced Structural Geology and Tectonics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2025
Provides valuable exposure to theory and applications related to deformation (rheology) of solid Earth materials as well as the structural and geophysical characteristics of the world's major orogenic belts. The processes that will be covered span a wide range of Earth's depths, from compaction in sedimentary rocks and flow of ice/salt near Earth's surface to cataclastic mechanisms in fault rocks to plastic flow of deep crust and mantle rock. The course will involve lectures, some in-class and take home problem sets, some local field exercises and field data analysis, classic and modern paper discussions, and a research term project (written and oral presentation). Same as GEOL 4120. Recommended prerequisite: GEOL 3120.
GEOL 5703 - Seminar in Tectonics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 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. Formerly GEOL 5703.
GEOL 5719 - Field Analysis and Tectonics of Crystalline Rocks
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2024
Introduces basic and advanced mapping tools and concepts for structural and tectonic analysis of solid-state and magmatic deformation, metamorphism, and fluid flow in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Includes some digital mapping concepts using smartpad and smartphone applications, and computer-based analysis of structure data. Includes multi-day mapping projects in the Front Range, and in western Colorado, southern Wyoming, or northern New Mexico. Also includes introductions to Precambrian tectonic history of western North America and mineral resources of Colorado. Same as GEOL 4719.
