Courses

Introduction to the fundamentals of physical geology. Composition and structure of the Earth, mineral and rock identification, plate tectonics, mountain building, geological structures, earthquakes, volcanism, erosion and sedimentation processes. Laboratory exercises concentrate on mineral and rock identification and the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps. At least one field trip to a nearby locality is required.

Prerequisite: None

Introduction to principles useful in studying the Earth's history, and to examine the physical and biological evolution of the Earth from the viewpoint of global tectonics. Laboratory exercises include examination of stratigraphic rock samples, index fossils and their identification, lithostratigraphic correlation, paleoenvirnoments, interpretation of paleogeographic and geological maps and cross-sections. At least one field trip to a nearby locality is required.

Corequisite : GEOL 201

Introduction to macrofossils and microfossils, including basic aspects of taxonomic theory, classification and principles of nomenclature; a review of the major palynomorphs, such as pollen, spores, chitinozoans and acritarchs; particular emphasis will be placed on the industrial application of these forms to aid palaeoenvironmental and biostratigraphic determinations as applied primarily to oil and gas exploration and production.

Prerequisite: GEOL 203

Systematic mineralogy including detail study of major rock-forming minerals with emphasis on their physical and optical properties, chemical composition, occurrences, and associations. Principles of crystallography, crystal systems, symmetry classes and crystal forms. Crystal chemistry. Structures of minerals. Optical mineralogy. Laboratory exercises include studies of common rock forming minerals using polarizing microscope, morphological crystallography using crystal models, and determination of mineral specimens by physical properties and using hand lens, and recalculations of chemical analysis.

Prerequisite: GEOL 201

Principles of structural geology. Concepts of true and apparent dip of strata, folds, structural contours for homoclinal and complex surfaces, geological cross-sections, block diagrams, isopachs, faults, intrusive and extrusive igneous structures, impact structures, landslides and sinkholes. Laboratory exercises focus on the interpretation of geological maps and cross-sections and stereographic projection using Schmidt net. Computer software will be used in directional data interpretation, manipulation, and diagram and graph construction. At least one field trip to a nearby locality is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 201

Sediments and their properties, processes of sedimentation; depositional environments; facies and facies analyses; provenance; principles and fundamentals of stratigraphic units, Walther’s law; correlation; overview of seismic and sequence stratigraphy. Laboratory exercises on types, texture and composition of common sedimentary rocks; core description; lithofacies map; facies analyses; correlation. Computer software will be used in startigraphic column construction and data interpretation. One field trip to nearby area is required.

Prerequisites: GEOL 201 and GEOL 203

Major tectonic elements of the Arabian Peninsula. Rocks and the sedimentary cover in Arabia. Geological, structural and geomorphological evolution of Arabia with emphasis on hydrocarbon potentials, mineral wealth and underground water resources. At least one field trip is required.

Prerequisites: Geology 201 and Junior Standing

Nature, origin, differentiation and crystallization of magma; Phase relations in silicate melts. Mode of occurrence, textures, petrography and minerals of igneous rocks. Texture, structure, compostion, provenance, diagenesis and classification of sedimentary rocks. Distribution and origin of sedimentary rocks in relation of plate tectonics and basin developments. Processes and types of metamorphism. Facies, textures, mineralogy of metamorphic rocks. P-T paths. Relations of rocks to plate tectonics. Laboratory studies of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in hand specimens and under microscope. At least one field trip is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 216

A total period of eight weeks of internship in the industry to gain practical experience in the field of geology. The student is required to submit a written report and make an oral presentation at the department based on the experience of the training program.

Prerequisites: ENGL 214, Junior standing and Approval of the Department

Preparation and presentation of selected geological topics. Each student is expected to submit a written report on his topic and make an oral presentation at the class.

Prerequisite: Geology Senior Standing

Definition and properties of petroleum and natural gas. The origin, migration and accumulation of hydrocarbons as related to source, reservoir and seal rocks and reservoir properties. Structural, stratigraphic and combination traps. Survey of exploration methods. Concept of petroleum province and basin analysis. Computer software will be introduced for basin analysis and data interpretation. At least one field trip is required to investigate the outcrop section of a major reservoir in Saudi Arabia.

Prerequisites: GEOL 318 and consent of the instructor.

Theory and geology of groundwater occurrence and flow. Introduction to the hydrology of surface and groundwater supplies; water bearing properties of rocks; hydrodynamics of flow through porous materials; flow nets, well hydraulics, analysis and evaluation of pumping test data. Groundwater quality, occurrence of groundwater in various rock types and sediments; field techniques used in groundwater exploration and survey. Computer software will be used in data interpretation, simulation, manipulation, and graphs construction. At least one field trip to a nearby locality is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 201 or consent of the instructor (for non Earth Sciences Majors).

Six weeks of systematic fieldwork for training in geological techniques. After a brief introduction and rehearsal of basic field procedures and mapping techniques including applications of remote sensing and aerial photography, a specific area will be mapped in detail. The course requires each student to prepare a complete field notebook, geological map, stratigraphic successions, cross-sections, and a comprehensive geological report. The participants of the course are also required to make an oral presentation based on the field report.

Prerequisites: GEOL 305, GEOL 307 and GEOL 320

Evironmental problems, hazards and their mitigation. Critical evaluation of geological processes: volcanic activity, earthquakes, slope failures and landslides, flooding, groundwater movement, solution cavities and sinkholes. Environmental problems associated with human interaction: groundwater pollution, groundwater withdrawal, acid rain, solid waste disposal, land development and urbanization, agricultural activity, soil erosion, and desertification. Current environmental issues. Selected case studies. Computer software related to the subject will be introduced At least one field trip to a nearby locality is required.

Prerequisites: GEOL 201 and Junior Standing.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Introduction; geologic processes; rocks and minerals; natural resources: hydrocarbons, minerals and, ground water; aspects of environmental and engineering geology; geophysics principles and practices; case histories. The Earth Sciences majors for credit cannot take this course.

Prerequisite: None

Introduction and principles of remote sensing; aerial photography and other remote sensing techniques; principles of photogrammetry and image interpretation for geological information; introduction to the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and its application in geosciences. Computer software will be used in data processing and interpretation.

Prerequisite: GEOL 305

Elementary methods of field observation and geological mapping as applied to various geological terrains. Principles of remote sensing and aerial photography. Emphasis will be on those aspects of rocks, geological structures and stratigraphic principles that are demonstrated in their natural setting in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Several laboratory exercises will be conducted in the field. Two weekend field trips to nearby localities are required. Computer software will be used in data processing and interpretation.

Prerequisite: GEOL 305

Modern concepts of engineering geology. Impact of geology on siting and structures design of engineering projects. Geological and mechanical fundamentals as related to engineering practices, emphasis on parameters of rock mass classification systems and on techniques relevant to site investigation programs. Case histories.

Prerequisite: GEOL 201 or Consent of the Instructor (for non Earth sciences Majors)

Composition of the Earth and nature of geochemical data. Geochemical classification of elements. Crystal-chemical controls of element distribution. Thermodynamics, partial pressure and Eh-pH diagrams. Geochemical cycle and isotope geochemistry.

Prerequisites: CHEM 102 and GEOL 216

Characteristics and origin of the oceanic and continental crust. Major structural elements of lithosphere. Plate tectonic theory. Mountain building and magmatic activities. Tectonic provinces of the continental crust. Transpression and transtension. Basin subsidence mechanisms. Global tectonics and Earth's resources, with special emphasis on the Middle East region.

Prerequisite: GEOL 305

Introduction to internal and external earth processes, and resulting landforms on the earth’s surface. Classification, description, and evolution of landforms. The fluvial and eolian domain. Analysis of geomorphic features using maps and aerial photographs. At least one field trip to a nearby locality is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 201 and Junior Standing

Introduction to the continental margin geological processes and features: continental shelf, barrier island, reef, atoll, slope, rise, and abyssal plains, submarine canyons and plate-tectonic activity. Worldwide sea level changes through time, oxygen isotope stratigraphy, and paleoceanic circulation. Marine sedimentary rocks of the Arabian Peninsula. At least one field trip to a nearby locality is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 201 and Junior Standing

Overview of the origin of petroleum, its chemical composition, and the methods used in petroleum geochemistry; carbon cycle; composition of biomass; kerogen and coal formation; maturity assessments; biomarkers and molecular geochemistry; geochemical correlation techniques; geochemical prospecting.

Prerequisites: GEOL 203 and GEOL 415

Fundamental oceanographic principles. Distribution of terrigenous and biogenic ocean sediments. Historical overview of seawater formation. Tidal influence, geostrophic force, storms, surface and deep ocean water circulation, photic and aphotic zones, total dissolved solids and formation of manganese nodules. Concept of CCD, lysocline, thermocline, oxygen-minimum layer, pycnocline, nepheloid concentration layer, salinity and temperature gradient, Pleistocene glaciation and worldwide carbon dioxide budget. At least one field trip to a nearby locality is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 201 and Junior Standing

Elements of sedimentary basin formation, style of sedimentation, provenance, associated facies, and subsequent physicochemical changes through time. Plate-tectonic, climatic, allo- and auto-cyclic constraints on sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on convergent and rifted margin sedimentary record. Usage of several macroscopical and microanalytical tools for detailed sedimentary basin analysis. . Computer software will be introduced for basin analysis and data interpretation. At least one field trip is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 307

Macro- and micro- analysis of geological materials. Fundamental principles and sample preparation techniques for detailed geochemical studies. Determination of bulk and trace element composition, fluid inclusion study, homogenization, pressure-temperature, and Eh-pH of the mineralizing solution. Laboratory exercises include: grain-size analysis, heavy mineral and magnetic separation, petrographic slide preparation, staining techniques, vacuum impregnation, peels and slices, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray florescence, electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), ICP, and gas chromatography. Individual research project report is required. At least one field trip to a nearby locality is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 216

Introduction to the modern concepts of quantifying geologic variables. Integration, analysis, and interpretation of geologic data. Application of statistical, spatial, and numerical techniques to characterize oil reservoirs, groundwater aquifers, mineral resources and environmentally contaminated sites. Computer packages are introduced for modeling purposes.

Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of the instructor (for non Earth Sciences Major)

Introduction, historical development of economic geology. Origin, classification, occurrences and association of mineral deposits. Metallogenic provinces and epochs. Study of important economic mineral deposits. Laboratory exercise includes ore microscopy and hand specimens’ identification of common ore minerals and gemstones. Computer software will be introduced for data processing and interpretation. At least one field trip is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 216

Basic concepts and historical developments. Geological principles of ore exploration and appraisal. Methods of ore body sampling, estimation and classification of reserves. Methods of mining and mineral processing. Computer software related to data processing ore reserve estimation, and interpretation will be used.

Prerequisite: GEOL 216

Basic concepts. Significance of the mineral industries in the economy. Examination and valuation of mineral properties, mine organization and administration, and mine management.

Prerequisite: GEOL 216

Carbonate rocks, their characteristics, classification, and distribution. Environments of deposition, associations, and economic importance. Relationship to petroleum deposits with special emphasis on shoals and reefs. Study of outcrops, hand specimens and thin sections. At least one field trip is required.

Prerequisite: GEOL 307

Contents to be arranged.

Prerequisite: To be set by the Earth Sciences Department.

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