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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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

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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.

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    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 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. 

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    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.

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    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)

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    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.

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