Courses
ESS has fantastic, educational and fun introductory classes to get you into earth sciences. Many of these provide hands on learning experiences and opportunities to get outside and see geology in action. Introduction to Geology and Societal Impacts (ESS 101), taught by the inimitable Terry Swanson, is taken by thousands of students every year. (Terry has won no fewer than four distinguished teaching awards!)
There are many other offerings for those interested in volcanoes, geologic hazards, climate change, dinosaurs, glaciers, and more. For more about our classes, and more advanced offerings, choose one of the tabs below, or go to the ESS Course Descriptions and Time Schedules in the University of Washington General Catalog.
Introductory General Interest Classes for Undergraduates
ESS 100 Dinosaurs (2) NW
Biology, behavior, ecology, evolution, and extinction of dinosaurs, and a history of their exploration. With dinosaurs as focal point, course also introduces the student to how hypotheses in geological and paleobiological science are formulated and tested.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 100
ESS 101 Introduction to Geology and Societal Impacts (5) I&S/NW
Introduction to the processes, materials and structures that shape Earth. Emphasizes the dynamic nature of the earth’s tectonic system and its relationship to physical features, volcanism, earthquakes, minerals and rocks and geologic structures. The course emphasizes the intrinsic relationship between human societies and geologic processes, hazards and resources. Not open for credit to students who have taken ESS 210. Optional field trips. Prerequisite: No prerequisite classes required. Offered: AWSpS.
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ESS 102 Space and Space Travel (5) I&S/NW
Explores the sun, solar storms, observations from space and from Earth; Earth’s space environment, radiation belts and hazards, plasma storms and auroras, rockets and propulsion, human exploration efforts, societal impact, planetary systems and resources, and project highlighting space and its exploration. Open to non-majors. Offered: AWSp.
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ESS 103 Earth’s Origin and Transformations Over 4.6 Billion Years (1) NW
Explores history and evolution of Earth, from the Big Bang to present day. Emphasizes disparate timescales over which Earth processes operate – planetary formation, plate tectonics, evolution of life, geologic climate change, and catastrophes such as earthquakes, volcanoes, meteor impacts, and mass extinctions. Sets stage for understanding the origins of extraordinary geologic features in the Pacific Northwest. Credit/no-credit only.
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ESS 104 Prehistoric Life (3) NW
Fossils and how they are preserved. What fossils tell us about past life and environments. How the history of life unfolded and what caused the great events in biological evolution. Open to non-science majors, but also lays a foundation for higher-level geobiology courses.
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ESS 105 Natural Hazards and Disasters (3) NW
Examines a range of natural hazards and their impact on society, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, wildfire, and landslides. Focuses on the causes of these extreme events, how they unfold, their differential effects on communities, and how to make society more resilient to natural hazards.
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ESS 106 Living with Volcanoes (3) I&S/NW
Explores volcanoes and volcanic eruptions on Earth and in the solar system. Examines how volcanoes work and how they affect the environment, life, and human societies. Illustrates principles using local examples of recent volcanism and ancient examples of mega-eruptions. Evaluates the possibility of predicting future eruptions.
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ESS 107 Introduction to Ice in the Earth and Space Sciences (5) NW, QSR
Covers glaciers, ice sheets, sea ice, icebergs, permafrost, lake ice, and snow on Earth and other planets. Emphasis is placed on human impacts. Course evaluation is based on quantitative assignments with significant coding and quantitative writing components. Support available for students without a STEM or coding background. Offered: Sp.
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ESS 115 Astrobiology: Life in the Universe (5) NW
Introduction to the new science of astrobiology, study of the origin and evolution of life on Earth, and the search for microbial and intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe. Designed for non-science, liberal arts majors. Offered: jointly with ASTBIO 115/ASTR 115/BIOL 114/OCEAN 115.
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Introductory for Undergraduate Majors and Minors
ESS 201 Earth’s Climate System (3) NW
Earth’s dynamic environment, global energy balance, interplay of chemical, physical, and biological processes shaping the Earth’s surface and climate. Emphasis on quantitative methods for measuring, evaluating, and understanding contemporary changes relative to the last several thousand years. Prerequisite: either MATH 124, MATH 134, or Q SCI 291; recommended: An introductory background in earth sciences, chemistry or physics is helpful, but not required. Offered: Sp.
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ESS 211 Physical Processes of the Earth (5) NW. REQUIRED class in the ESS — Geology Major
Introductory structural geology and geomorphology. Deformation of soil, sediment, and rock. Erosional and depositional processes and landforms. Structural, geomorphic, and climatic interactions in major tectonic regimes. Use of geologic maps and cross sections. One optional overnight field excursion. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in either MATH 124, MATH 134, or Q SCI 291, either of which may be taken concurrently; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in either both PHYS 114 and PHYS 117, or PHYS 121. Offered: A.
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ESS 212 Plate Tectonics and Materials of the Earth (5) NW REQUIRED class in the ESS — Geology Major
Origin, composition and structure of the Earth; identification of important rock-forming minerals; identification and description of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes; formation of continental and oceanic crust; driving mechanisms for plate tectonics; comparison of Earth to other planets. Prerequisite: either CHEM 110, a passing score on the General Chemistry Placement Exam, or a score of 1 or higher on the Chemistry AP test; recommended: high school or college chemistry; and high school or college pre-calculus. Offered: W.
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ESS 213 Evolution of the Earth (5) NW REQUIRED class in the ESS — Geology Major
Introduction to paleontology, types of stratigraphy, and radiometric dating. The physical, chemical, biological, and plate tectonic evolution of the earth’s crust, seawater, and atmosphere. Comparison with other planets. Climate changes and man as a geologic agent. Two one-day field excursions. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in either ESS 210, ESS 211, or ESS 212. Offered: Sp.
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ESS 230 Rivers and Beaches (3/5) NW
Introduction to Earth surface environments, the processes that shape them, how humans affect them and are affected by them. Field trips examine mountains, rivers, deltas/estuaries, beaches, and environments beyond. Focuses on linkages between these environments to illustrate coupling between landscapes and seascapes. Offered: jointly with OCEAN 230.
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More Advanced Classes suitable for Non-Majors
ESS 301 Geology of the Northwest (5) NW
Geologic history of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Emphasis on use of geologic principles in interpreting evidence found in landscapes and rocks. Weekend field trips optional. Prerequisite: either ESS 101, ESS 105, ESS 210, ESS 211, or ESS 212.
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ESS 305 Geology of the National Parks (5) NW
Reviews a wide range of fundamental geological processes, using North American parks and monuments as examples of natural laboratories. Includes plate-tectonic history, volcanism, mountain-building, and glacial, fluvial, and a host of other geomorphic forces as preserved in geologic exposures of National Parks. Prerequisite: either ESS 101, ESS 105, ESS 210, ESS 211, or ESS 212.
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ESS 306 Planetary Geology (5) NW
Up-to-date survey of geological features and processes on and within planets and their moons deduced from sampling, remote sensing, spacecraft imagery, and theory. Comparative discussion of volcanism, tectonics, surface processes, and thermal evolution. Examination of moon rocks and meteorites. Prerequisite: either ESS 101, ESS 105, ESS 210, ESS 211, or ESS 212.
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Core Undergraduate Courses for ESS Majors
ESS 311 Geomechanics (5) NW REQUIRED class in the ESS — Geology Major
Introduction to continuum mechanics: elasticity, fluid dynamics, diffusion, porous flow, multiphase flow, dimensional analysis, and natural convection. Example applications: earthquakes and rock mechanics, flow of glaciers, slope stability, debris flows, groundwater flow, contaminant transport, flow in rivers and channels, mantle and magma convection. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in either MATH 125, MATH 135, or Q SCI 292; a minimum grade of 2.0 in either both PHYS 114 and 117, or PHYS 121; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in ESS 211; recommended: Previous experience with MATLAB. Offered: W.
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ESS 312 Earth Materials (5) NW REQUIRED class in the ESS — Geology Major
Crystallography, crystal chemistry, and characteristics of rock-forming and ore minerals. Description, phase equilibria, origin, and associations of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory study of hand specimens. One one-day field excursion. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in either CHEM 142 or CHEM 145; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in ESS 212; recommended: ESS 211 and ESS 213. Offered: Sp.
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ESS 313 Geobiology (5) NW
Introduction to the early record of life on earth. Environmental factors leading to life’s diversification. The role of life in biomineralization. The history of biodiversity. The role of life in landform and soil formation. Laboratory exercises demonstrate specimens and techniques. Prerequisite: minimum 2.0 in either CHEM 142 or CHEM 145; minimum 2.0 in ESS 213. Offered: A.
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ESS 314 Geophysics (5) NW
Introduction to geophysical methods including refraction and reflection seismology, gravity, magnetics, electrical resistivity, heat flow, and geodesy. Laboratory exercises explore interpretation of geophysical data to determine elastic wave speed, density, magnetic susceptibility, and electrical conductivity at depth. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in either MATH 126, MATH 136; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in either both PHYS 115 and PHYS 118, or PHYS 122. Offered: A.
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ESS 315 Environmental Earth Science (5) NW
Analysis of geologic constraints upon human activity and the environmental consequences of such activity. Topics include hillslope processes, fluvial and groundwater processes, earthquake and volcanic hazards, and environmental aspects of deforestation and atmospheric pollution. Prerequisite: either ESS 101, ESS 105, ESS 210, ESS 211, or ESS 212. Offered: jointly with ENVIR 313.
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ESS 316 Geochemistry (5) NW REQUIRED class in the ESS — Geology Major
Geochemical processes and differentiation of the Earth. Crystal chemistry and elemental affinities, thermodynamics of geologic processes, trace element and isotopic fractionation, radioisotopes, geochronology, cosmochemistry, weathering, introductory aqueous geochemistry and exploration of global geochemical cycles. Laboratory exercises explore and model geochemical processes. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in either CHEM 142 or CHEM 145; a minimum grade of 2.0 in either MATH 125, MATH 135, or Q SCI 292; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in ESS 212. Offered: Sp.
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ESS 326 Geomorphology (5) NW
Introduction to landforms and surficial deposits. Emphasis on landscape-forming processes. Intended for students who wish to take additional courses in geomorphology. Prerequisite: either PHYS 114 or PHYS 121.
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ESS 401 Field Geology with GIS (12) NW
Geologic mapping in a variety of rock types in the Western United States coupled with and augmented through geospatial analyses. Enhances students’ knowledge of geologic phenomena and processes. Development of skills in mapping, field interpretation, GIS/remote sensing analysis, and report writing. Students responsible for own living expenses while in the field. Prerequisite: ESS 211; ESS 212; ESS 213; ESS 420; and either ESS 311, ESS 312, ESS 313, ESS 314, or ESS 316. Offered: S.
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ESS 402 International Field Geology (3-12, max. 12) NW
Supervised field study, international travel, and exploration. Work may include independent research projects and experiential learning in outdoor environments. Prerequisite: No prerequisites required but related experience is encouraged.
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More Advanced Undergraduate Courses
ESS 408 Great Geological Issues (3) NW
History and development of geological and paleontological theories and controversies; philosophy and methodology that have driven scientific inquiry in the earth sciences.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 408
ESS 410 Marine Geology and Geophysics (4) NW
Explores the geological and geophysical processes that form and shape the ocean basins and continental margins. Prerequisite: either OCEAN 310 or ESS 211 Offered: jointly with OCEAN 410; A.
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ESS 411 Geophysical Continuum Mechanics (5) NW
Analysis of stress and strain. Measurement and interpretation of strain in geological materials. Elasticity applied to determine stress in the Earth’s lithosphere. Creep of solids and flow of geological materials. Prerequisite: either MATH 136, both MATH 207 and MATH 208, or both AMATH 351 and AMATH 352.
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ESS 412 Introduction to Seismology (3) NW
Examines stress and strain, the wave equation, travel times, amplitude and phase, reflection seismology, surface waves, and source theory, including moment tensors, radiation patterns, far-field wave shapes, source spectra, stress drop, and magnitude. Prerequisite: either MATH 136, both MATH 207 and MATH 208, or both AMATH 351 and AMATH 352; recommended: ESS 411 and PHYS 123.
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ESS 418 Geoscience Communication (4)
Covers principles of organizing, developing, and writing geoscience information including abstracts, presentations, scientific articles, correspondences, and proposals. Reviews writing conventions, use of illustrations, style, and tone. Prerequisite: Two of ESS 201, ESS 205, ESS 211, ESS 212, ESS 213, any of which may be taken concurrently.
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ESS 420 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for the Earth Sciences (5) S. WALTERS
Examines principles of GISA applied to the geological sciences. Covers basics of GIScience, data types, and GIS analyses. Includes hands-on analysis applied to geologic patterns and phenomena: sources geological data; geological mapping; measures of topography; hydrologic flow patterns; and topics of the students’ own interests. Offered: ASp.
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ESS 421 Introduction to Geological Remote Sensing (4) NW
Principles of image interpretation for geologists. Study of land forms, structure, lithology, surface processes using aircraft and satellite data. Use of digital multispectral images and radar images for geological mapping.
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ESS 422 Field Methods in Remote Sensing (4) NW
Explores the use of field instrumentation to remotely sense the environment with applications to landslides, glaciers, surface topography, and change detection. Also covers wave propagation, surface scattering, absorption and reflectance; data processing, analysis, and interpretation; field data collection strategies. Prerequisite: ESS 211; recommended: PHYS 116 or PHYS 123; ESS 421.
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ESS 425 Tectonic Geomorphology (3)
Advanced-level survey of tectonic geomorphology topics, focusing on the interplay between tectonic and surface processes that shape the landscape in regions of active deformation and at time scales ranging from days to millions of years. Prerequisite: either ESS 311, ESS 326, ESS 426, or ESS 427.
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ESS 426 Fluvial Geomorphology (5)
Hydraulic and morphological characteristics of streams and valley floors. Landscape evolution by stream erosion and deposition. Field exercises emphasize quantitative analysis of fluvial processes, channel forms, acquisition of various skills, such as mapping, topographic surveying, report writing. Prerequisite: either ESS 311 or ESS 326.
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ESS 427 Hillslope Geomorphology (5) NW
Theoretical, laboratory, and field study of hillslope evolution by mass wasting and water erosion. Prerequisite: either ESS 311 or ESS 326.
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ESS 431 Principles of Glaciology (4) NW
Covers snow deposition and metamorphism, avalanches, heat and mass balance at snow and ice surfaces, glacier flow, ice sheets, sea ice, permafrost, methods of paleoclimate reconstruction, Ice Age theories. Prerequisite: PHYS 121.
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ESS 433 Environmental Change in the Glacial Ages (5) NW
Physical, biological evidence of climatic change during Quaternary Period; emphasizing stratigraphy, chronology. Impact of alternating glacial/interglacial cycles on earth’s terrestrial, marine environments. Theories on causes of climatic variation.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 433
ESS 439 Petrology of Igneous Rocks (5) NW
Systematic study of the major families of volcanic and plutonic igneous rocks with emphasis on tectonic setting, phase relations, geochemistry, and models of their origin and evolution throughout geologic time. Laboratory emphasizes thin-section study of rocks using transmitted and reflected light. Prerequisite: ESS 316.
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ESS 445 Economic Geology (4) NW
Formation and geologic context of metallic and non-metallic ore deposits and energy resources. Covers chemical and physical concentration processes, deposit types, and geology of key mineral commodities. Includes an overview of mineral and energy economics, mineral exploration and Washington state mineral resources. Prerequisite: ESS 211; ESS 212; ESS 213; and ESS 316, which may be taken concurrently.
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ESS 447 Engineering Geology: Methods and Application (4)
Applies the application of geologic principles to geotechnical and environmental problems; includes investigation and characterization of soil and rock properties. Includes two weekend field trips. Prerequisite: either ESS 210, ESS 211, or ESS 212; and either ESS 311, ESS 411, ESS 463, or CEE 220.
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ESS 448 Analytical Paleobiology (5) NW
Introduction to the principles and analytical methods in the study of paleobiology, morphology, and systematics. Topics include paleobiogeography, morphology-based phylogenetics, evolutionary rates, biodiversity curves, functional morphology, morphometrics, and paleoecology. Emphasis on application of methods using fossil and modern specimens. Prerequisite: either BIOL 280, BIOL 354, or ESS 213. Offered: jointly with BIOL 438; A.
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ESS 449 Paleobiology Field Methods and Research (3-5) NW
Introduces field methods and research in various areas of biology, e.g., paleontology, ecology, climate change, and mycology. Includes two or more weeks away from campus at field site. Offered: jointly with BIOL 475; S.
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ESS 450 Paleobiology (3) NW
Biological evolution over the past 500 million years, considering how the reciprocal interactions between environment and evolution have influenced the major episodes in life’s history and providing a background for assessing the evolutionary impact of modern environmental change.
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ESS 451 Invertebrate Paleontology (5) NW
Important larger invertebrate groups; morphology, classification, stratigraphic distribution, evolution, paleoecology. Offered: jointly with BIOL 451.
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ESS 452 Vertebrate Paleontology (5) NW
Examines fossil vertebrate life, focusing on systematics and morphology of major lineages (fish, reptiles, bird, and early mammal relatives). Examines fossil and modern vertebrates from the Burke Museum collection in the lab. Weekend field trip. Prerequisite: either BIOL 354, BIOL 452, BIOL 453 or ESS 100. Offered: jointly with BIOL 450.
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ESS 453 Fossil Mammals (5) NW
Evolutionary relationships of fossil mammals, from mammal-like reptiles of late Paleozoic to diverse Cenozoic groups. Morphology, adaptations, extinctions, evolutionary patterns. Structures and relationships of most major groups. Field trip. Prerequisite: either ESS 100 or ESS 452.
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ESS 454 Hydrogeology (4) NW
Covers the analysis of groundwater flow systems, geologic controls, and hydrologic properties; basics of chemistry and solute transport in groundwater; and the use of numerical models. Considers local examples and groundwater resource management. Prerequisite: either ESS 311 or ESS 314; recommended: either MATH 126, MATH 136; a background in quantitative analysis using spreadsheets or MATLAB
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ESS 455 Stratigraphy (4) NW
Systematic study of stratified rocks and space-time implications. Principles of stratigraphy, including biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, subsurface analysis. Basin analysis, evolution of sedimentary basins and continental margins. Prerequisite: ESS 213.
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ESS 456 Sedimentary Geology and Depositional Environments (4) NW
Principles of sedimentary geology, including survey of modern processes that produce sedimentary rocks and sequences. Recognition of various depositional environments represented in the geologic record, including terrestrial, marine terrigenous, and carbonate environments. Two field trips required. Prerequisite: ESS 213; recommended: ESS 311 and either ESS 326, ESS 425, ESS 426, or ESS 427
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ESS 457 Environmental Geochemistry (4) NW
Geochemistry of natural waters, emphasizing applications in geology. Topics include groundwater composition, weathering, mineral adsorption, equilibrium computer modeling, clay minerals, organic geochemistry, and groundwater quality. Prerequisite: either ESS 316, CHEM 152, or CHEM 155.
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ESS 460 Cosmogenic Nuclides in Geomorphology (3) NW
Use of cosmic-ray-produced nuclides to date rock surfaces and analyze geomorphic processes. Nuclide production by cosmic radiation above and below ground; tracer methods; exposure dating; coupling of cosmogenic nuclide data to geomorphic models. Open to undergraduate students only. Prerequisite: either ESS 311 or ESS 316.
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ESS 461 Geological Time (3) NW
Principles of radiometric dating. Methods applicable to Earth history from planetary formation to the recent past. Radiocarbon dating; geological dating with long-lived isotopes; uranium series, trapped charge and cosmogenic isotope techniques. Applications in archaeology, climate change, geomorphology, tectonics, and Earth evolution.
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ESS 462 Volcanic Processes (4) NW
Pre-eruption, eruption, and post-eruption processes. Examines triggers of magma ascent, controls on volatile build-up and loss, magma fragmentation, magma-groundwater interaction, eruption column dynamics, gravity-controlled eruptive phenomena, syn- and post-eruption lahars and other re-working of deposits. Prerequisite: either ESS 311, ESS 312, or ESS 316.
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ESS 463 Structure and Tectonics (5) NW
Geometry, kinematics, and tectonic setting of major types of structures, including those in contractional fold-and-thrust belts; extended crust; strike-slip-dominated regimes; and shear zones. Laboratory exercises develop basic tools of structural geology. Prerequisite: ESS 211; ESS 212; and ESS 213.
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ESS 469 Machine Learning in Geosciences (4) RSN
Provides introduction to machine learning in geosciences, basics of computing, and methodologies in applied machine learning. Focuses on canonical and topical data sets in seismology, oceanography, cryosphere, planetary sciences, geology, and geodesy. Topics include unsupervised clustering, logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and deep learning. Prerequisite: either CSE 160, CS163, STAT 220, STAT 221/SOC 221/CS&SS 221, STAT 311, STAT 390, MATH 207, MATH 208, AMATH 301, AMATH 351, or AMATH 352. ; recommended: either knowledge in Matlab or Python, AMATH 301, or 100- or 200-level ESS, ATM S, or OCEAN courses in earth sciences.
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ESS 475 Current Research in Climate Science Seminar (3, max. 6)
Weekly lectures focusing on a particular aspect of climate from invited speakers, complemented by class discussion, readings, and final paper. Promotes interdisciplinary understanding of climate concepts. Prerequisite: either ESS 201, ATM S 211, or ATM S 321. Offered: jointly with ATM S 475/OCEAN 475; A.
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ESS 480 Advanced Methods in Isotope Geochemistry (3, max. 18) NW
Studies new developments in isotope geochemistry. Topics vary by quarter and may include clumped isotopes, triple-oxygen isotopes, rate isotopes, mass-independent fractionation, and their incorporation into Earth system models. Introduces theory, measurement, and applications to processes in Earth, ocean, atmospheric, planetary, and climate science. Prerequisite: either ESS 316, ESS 424, ESS 457, or ESS 459.
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ESS 482 Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory (4) NW
Laboratory techniques and experiments relevant to analyses of natural waters. Topics include alkalinity measurements, iron analyses, colorimetric analyses, heavy metal adsorption and geochemical modeling. Prerequisite: ESS 316 or ESS 457.
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ESS 488 Space Law and Policy (5) I&S
Law and policy foundations of outer space activities. Essential origins, sources, and role of space law, as well as key institutions, forums, and forces shaping the contemporary governance of space activities. Provides a thorough grounding in U.N. treaties, principles, resolutions, regulations, and private international and national space laws and policies. Offered: jointly with A A 490/JSIS B 444.
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ESS 489 Honors Seminar (3)
Covers current scientific topics in earth and space sciences; philosophy and methodology of science strategies for developing research projects; scientific education and career planning. May require colloquium or local conference attendance. Offered: A.
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ESS 491 US Geology Seminar and Field Trip (1)
Supervised preparation for geological field study and domestic fieldwork. Work may include independent research projects focused on the field study region and experiential learning in outdoor environments. Recommended: introductory geology course. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: W.
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ESS 490 Special Topics (1-10, max. 20) NW
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ESS 492 Education in the Earth Sciences (2-3, max. 12) NW
Seminar in earth science education and laboratory teaching practicum. Teaching experience gained through assisting earth science instructors in college or K-12 classrooms, laboratories. and field settings. Earth science pedagogical logistics, teaching methods, laboratory classroom, and field teaching methods are covered in seminar sessions. Prerequisite: either ESS 101, ESS 210, ESS 211, ESS 212, or ESS 213. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: AWSpS.
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Graduate Courses
ESS 501 Geochemical Systems (3)
Geochemical systems through time, from solar system origin to present. Explores fundamental geochemical concepts using current research issues and discussion. Concepts include radiogenic and stable isotope systematic, thermodynamics, high and low temperature chemistry of rocks and water, geochemical cycles through Earth’s history. Prerequisite: graduate student standing or permission of instructor. Instructors: Nelson
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ESS 502 The Solid Earth (3)
Concepts of internal earth processes: Earth as heat engine and chemical processor, style of mantle convection, origin and evolution of the Earth’s magnetic field, Cascadia subduction and hazards. Introduces seismology, fluid dynamics, heat flow, gravity, and geomagnetism. Focuses on the analysis, critique, and communication of ideas from scientific literature.
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ESS 505 The Cryosphere (4)
Covers snow deposition and metamorphism, avalanches, heat and mass balance at snow and ice surfaces, glacier flow, ice sheets, sea ice, permafrost, methods of paleoclimate reconstruction, and Ice Age theories. Prerequisite: PHYS 121. Instructors: Waddington, Warren Offered: A.
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ESS 508 Great Geological Issues (3)
History and development of geological and paleontological theories and controversies; philosophy and methodology that have driven scientific inquiry in the earth sciences. Requires a term paper analyzing primary material. Prerequisite: graduate standing in earth sciences, or in history of science, or permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 508
ESS 509 Applied Geology Investigations (3)
Introduction to problems and techniques of applied geology. Studies the interactions among land use, infrastructure, and the dynamic landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Focus on field techniques, recording and presentation of observations. Includes mid-September and weekend field trips. Prerequisite: graduate standing in ESS; recommended: undergraduate degree in geology or a closely related field, including a geologic field methods course. Offered: A.
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ESS 510 Advanced Applied Geology Field Investigations (3)
Application of applied geology core curriculum to field problems. Includes multi-day intensive, field trips in the Pacific Northwest to study the intersection of society and the environment and to gain working knowledge of the geology there. Focus on field techniques, designing an investigation, recording observations, and report writing Prerequisite: ESS 509; three of ESS 420, ESS 454, ESS 526, ESS 527, or ESS 547. ; recommended: undergraduate degree in geology or closely related field; and an undergraduate field course related to geology. Offered: Sp.
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ESS 511 Geophysical Continuum Mechanics (5)
Analysis of stress and strain. Measurement and interpretation of strain in geological materials. Elasticity applied to determine stress in the Earth’s lithosphere. Creep of solids and flow of geological materials. Includes advanced, research-oriented problems. Prerequisite: either MATH 207 and MATH 208, or equivalent.
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ESS 512 Seismology (3)
Examines stress and strain, the wave equation, travel times, amplitude and phase, reflection seismology, surface waves, and source theory, including moment tensors, radiation patterns, far-field wave shapes, source spectra, stress drop, and magnitude. Prerequisite: either ESS 511, or PHYS 123 and either MATH 207 or MATH 208.
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ESS 517 Early Earth Evolution (3)
Geological, biological, and environmental evolution of the Earth over the first 4 billion years of its history, as an analogue for the development of other habitable planets.
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ESS 518 Technical Communication in Applied Geosciences (1, max. 3)
Reading, writing, and presentation of technical information in the geosciences. Topics vary by quarter Offered: AWSp.
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ESS 519 Scientific Writing and Graphics (2)
Covers principles of scientific writing; methods of ensuring clarity in writing for scientific journals and research proposals; principles of graph construction; and authorship, peer review, and citations. For graduate students in Earth-science related fields. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: jointly with ATM S 519/OCEAN 518; Sp, odd years.
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ESS 520 Application in Geographic Information Systems for the Earth Sciences (4)
Covers applied uses of GIS in the applied earth sciences. Includes hands-on instruction in and discussion of analysis of geologic patterns and phenomena: terrain analysis and interpretation; riverbed modeling; floodplain analysis; rainfall patterns and effects; landslide forecasting; isostatic phenomena; and topics of the students’ own interest. Also covers basic instruction in geospatial statistics. Prerequisite: ESS 420 or permission of instructor. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 520
ESS 521 Advanced Geospatial Analysis with Python for the Earth Sciences (4)
Advanced application of geospatial analysis and spatial numerical methods in the earth sciences, particularly using Python scripting. Hands-on, “workshop” approach exploring topics of interest to students: e.g., 3D (sub-) surface analysis; hydrologic routing/modeling; dynamic landscape change; image interpretation; and pattern analysis/geostatistics. Course activities combine instructional lab exercises with independent project research. Prerequisite: ESS 420 (or equivalent) or permission of instructor; recommended: graduate-level background and/or standing in earth and environmental sciences. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 521
ESS 522 Geophysical Data Collection and Analysis (3)
Theory and practical application of data collection and analysis applied to geophysical problems. Digital processing of signals; filtering and spectral analysis. Laboratory sessions include problem solving on computer-based processing system.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 522
ESS 523 Geophysical Inverse Theory (5)
Introduction to the mathematical techniques for estimating properties of physical systems, such as the earth or atmosphere, from data that is insufficient for a precise specification of the system. Emphasis is on the concept of the resolving power of data sets. The ideas developed are quite general and have a wide range of applicability in the field of data interpretation. Offered: Sp, even years.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 523
ESS 524 Numerical Heat and Mass Flow Modeling in the Earth Sciences (3)
Numerical solution of steady and transient advective-diffusion equations describing heat and mass transport processes in earth sciences, emphasizing finite-volume methods and their relationship to finite-difference and finite-element methods. Topics include discretization methods; coordinate systems; boundary conditions; accuracy; and stability. Prerequisite: either MATH 207 and MATH 208, equivalent, or permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 524
ESS 525 Tectonic Geomorphology (3)
Advanced-level survey of tectonic geomorphology topics, focusing on the interplay between tectonic and surface processes that shape the landscape in regions of active deformation and at time scales ranging from days to millions of years. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 525
ESS 526 Fluvial Geomorphology (5)
Hydraulic and morphological characteristics of streams and valley floors. Landscape evolution by stream erosion and deposition. Field exercises and independent project emphasize quantitative analysis of fluvial processes, channel forms, acquisition of various skills, such as mapping, topographic surveying, and report writing.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 526
ESS 527 Hillslope Geomorphology (5)
Theoretical and applied study of hillslope processes including erosion and deposition; mass wasting; and slope forms and evolution.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 527
ESS 531 Physics of Ice (3)
Structure of the water molecule. Crystallographic structures of ice. Electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of ice. Growth of ice from vapor and liquid phases. Offered: jointly with ATM S 510.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 531
ESS 532 Snow and Ice on the Earth’s Surface (3)
Snow and ice climatology. Formation of the ice crystals in clouds. Snow metamorphism. Transfer of radiative, sensible, and latent heat at snow and ice surfaces. Remote sensing of snow and ice. Growth and melt of sea ice. Climatic records from ice. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: jointly with ATM S 511.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 532
ESS 533 Dynamics of Snow and Ice Masses (3)
Rheology of snow and ice. Sliding and processes at glacier beds. Thermal regime and motion of seasonal snow, glaciers, and ice sheets. Avalanches and glacier surges. Deformation and drift of sea ice. Response of natural ice masses to change in climate. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: jointly with ATM S 512.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 533
ESS 541 Applied Fluvial Geomorphology (4)
Application of theory in fluvial geomorphology to framing and addressing questions in basic research and problems in applied contexts such as river engineering, land use planning, resource management, and river restoration. Prerequisite: either ESS 426, ESS 526, or permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 5
ESS 546 Continental-Margin Sedimentation (3)
Detailed evaluation of recent studies into processes forming strata on continental margins, including the diverse time scales ranging from sediment transport to sequence stratigraphy. Highlights the linkages with physical oceanographic processes, the fates of geochemical components, and the relationship to biological communities. Offered: jointly with OCEAN 546.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 546
ESS 547 Engineering Geology: Methods and Application (4)
Applies the application of geologic principles to geotechnical and environmental problems; includes investigation and characterization of soil and rock properties. Includes two weekend field trips.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 547
ESS 554 Paleoclimate Proxies (3)
Provides a critical evaluation of the most commonly applied paleoclimate proxies from the ocean, land, and ice sheets. Offered: jointly with ATM S 554/OCEAN 554.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 554
ESS 557 Vertebrate Paleontology (5)
Examines the biology of vertebrate animals, emphasizing their diversity, adaptations, and evolutionary history. Introduces aspects of behavior, physiology, morphology, and ecology that emerge from the comparative study of vertebrates. Laboratory includes local field trips and introduction to regional vertebrate fauna. Offered: jointly with BIOL 557.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 557
ESS 558 Introduction to Graduate Research in Paleobiology (1)
Introduction to paleobiology techniques and resources. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: jointly with BIOL 555; A.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 558
ESS 559 Climate Modeling (3)
Principles of Earth system modeling. Emphasis on atmosphere, ocean sea ice, and land-surface components. Climate forcing. Appropriate use of models. Topics of current interest including carbon cycle, atmosphere chemistry, and biogeochemistry. Prerequisite: either ATM S 587/OCEAN 587/ESS 587, ATM S 504 or ATM S 505. Instructors: Bitz, Thompson Offered: jointly with ATM S 559/OCEAN 558.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 559
ESS 560 Cosmogenic Nuclides in Geomorphology (3)
Use of cosmic-ray-produced nuclides to date rock surfaces and analyze geomorphic processes. Nuclide production by cosmic radiation above and below ground; tracer methods; exposure dating; coupling of cosmogenic nuclide data to geomorphic models. Prerequisite: either AMATH 301, AMATH 351, or permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 560
ESS 562 Observational Seismology (1, max. 18)
Quarterly research themes introduce students to a variety of digital and analog seismograms and techniques for their interpretation. Students present results of short investigations in an informal seminar setting. Credit/no-credit only.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 562
ESS 563 Theoretical Seismology I (3)
Advanced theoretical seismology. Attenuation and physical dispersion. Waves in anisotropic media. Moment-tensor source representation. Lamb’s problem. Waves in stratified media: propagator methods, asymptotic ray theory, WKBJ seismograms. Inverse methods and analysis of seismological data. Prerequisite: either ESS 412, ESS 512, or permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 563
ESS 564 Theoretical Seismology II (3)
Advanced theoretical seismology. Attenuation and physical dispersion. Waves in anisotropic media. Moment-tensor source representation. Lamb’s problem. Waves in stratified media: propagator methods, asymptotic ray theory, WKBJ seismograms. Inverse methods and analysis of seismological data. Prerequisite: ESS 563.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 564
ESS 567 Environmental Geochemistry (4) NW
Geochemistry of natural waters, emphasizing applications in geology. Topics include groundwater composition, weathering, mineral adsorption, equilibrium computer modeling, clay minerals, organic geochemistry, and groundwater quality. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 567
ESS 568 Oceanic Lithosphere (3)
Basic principles of elasticity, fluid flow, and heat transport with specific applications to the formation and evolution of the oceanic lithosphere. Includes deformation of the earth, flow in porous media, heat transport, and marine seismological and potential field techniques. Prerequisite: OCEAN 540. Offered: jointly with OCEAN 545.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 568
ESS 569 Machine Learning in Geosciences (4)
Provides an introduction to machine learning in geosciences, basics of computing, and methodologies in applied machine learning. Focuses on canonical and topical data sets in seismology, oceanography, cryosphere, planetary sciences, geology, and geodesy. Topics include unsupervised clustering, logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and deep learning. Recommended: either knowledge in Matlab or Python, AMATH 301, or 100- or 200-level ESS, ATM S, or OCEAN courses in earth sciences. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 569
ESS 573 Cloud Microphysics and Dynamics (3)
Basic concepts of cloud microphysics, water continuity in clouds, cloud dynamics, and cloud models. Prerequisite: ATM S 501 or permission of instructor. Offered: jointly with ATM S 535; Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 57
ESS 580 Advanced Methods in Isotope Geochemistry (3, max. 18)
Studies new developments in isotope geochemistry. Topics vary by quarter and may include clumped isotopes, triple-oxygen isotopes, rate isotopes, mass-independent fractionation, and their incorporation into Earth system models. Introduces theory, measurement, and applications to processes in Earth, ocean, atmospheric, planetary, and climate science. Prerequisite: one of ESS 316, ESS 424, ESS 457, ESS 459, ESS 501, ESS 554, OCEAN 583, or permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 580
ESS 581 Planetary Atmospheres (3)
Problems of origin, evolution, and structure of planetary atmospheres, emphasizing elements common to all; roles of radiation, chemistry, and dynamical processes; new results on the atmospheres of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and other solar system objects in the context of comparative planetology. Offered: jointly with ASTR 555/ATM S 555.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 581
ESS 582 Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory (4) NW
Laboratory techniques and experiments relevant to analyses of natural waters. Topics include alkalinity measurements, iron analyses, colorimetric analyses, heavy metal adsorption and geochemical modeling. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 582
ESS 584 Space Law and Policy (5)
Law and policy foundations of outer space activities. Essential origins, sources, and role of space law, as well as key institutions, forums, and forces shaping the contemporary governance of space activities. Provides a thorough grounding in U.N. treaties, principles, resolutions, regulations, and private international and national space laws and policies. Offered: jointly with A A 590/JSIS B 544; Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 584
ESS 586 Current Research in Climate Change (2, max. 20)
Weekly lectures focusing on a particular aspect of climate (topic to change each year) from invited speakers (both UW and outside), plus one or two keynote speakers, followed by class discussion. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: jointly with ATM S 586/OCEAN 586.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 586
ESS 587 Fundamentals of Climate Change (3)
Examines Earth’s climate system; distribution of temperature, precipitation, wind ice, salinity, and ocean currents; fundamental processes determining Earth’s climate; energy and constituent transport mechanisms; climate sensitivity; natural climate variability on interannual to decadal time scales; global climate models; predicting future climate. Offered: jointly with ATM S 587/OCEAN 587.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 587
ESS 588 The Global Carbon Cycle and Climate (3)
Oceanic and terrestrial biogeochemical processes controlling atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Records of past changes in the earth’s carbon cycle from geological, oceanographic, and terrestrial archives. Anthropogenic perturbations to cycles. Develop simple box models, discuss results of complex models. Offered: jointly with ATM S 588/OCEAN 588; W.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 588
ESS 589 Paleoclimatology: Data, Modeling, and Theory (3)
Evidence for past changes in land and sea surface temperature, in precipitation and atmospheric dynamics, and in ocean circulation: both long and interannual timescales. Paleoclimate modeling and theory. Time series analysis and climate noise. Rapid climate change. Statistical reconstruction of interannual variability. Offered: jointly with ATM S 589/OCEAN 589.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 589
ESS 590 Special Topics (2-10, max. 20)
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 590
ESS 592 Professional Practice in Applied Geosciences (1, max. 3)
Covers major issues and current topics in the practice of Geosciences: professional licensing, ethics, business trends, environmental regulation, emerging technologies. Includes internships and career guidance, as well as weekly guest speakers. Offered: AWSp.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 592
ESS 594 Introduction to Earth and Space Sciences Research (1-2, max. 4)
Introduces research of faculty and advanced graduate students to first-year graduate students and provides experience for the formulation, oral presentation, and defense of research proposals and results.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 594
ESS 595 Earth and Space Sciences Research Methods (2, max. 30)
Current research methodology and results based on recent literature and on faculty and student research. Designed to develop student perspective on observational and theoretical methods and on relation of specific research to broader developments in geophysics and interdisciplinary aspects of geophysics through faculty-guided presentations and discussion by students. Credit/no-credit only.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 595
ESS 596 Climate Science Capstone Project ([1-5]-, max. 5)
Climate capstone directed by a mentor, may be a group effort, and may encompass curriculum development, internships, workshop organization, etc., capturing interdisciplinary aspects of climate science and effective communication of climate science. Offered: jointly with ATM S 596/OCEAN 596; AWSpS.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 596
ESS 597 Applied Geoscience Investigation (1-5, max. 10)
Independent investigation in applied geosciences guided by a faculty member and commonly in association with an off-campus mentor or stakeholder organization. Must complete project agreement in advance of registration. Prerequisite: ESS 592 and permission of instructor Credit/no-credit only. Offered: AWSpS.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 597
ESS 599 Seminar (1, max. 24)
Review of current literature in geophysics and graduate student research with faculty participation. Credit/no-credit only.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 599
ESS 600 Independent Study or Research (*-)
Credit/no-credit only.
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 600
ESS 601 Internship (*)
Graduate internship and final exam. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Instructors: Crider, Troost
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 601
ESS 700 Master’s Thesis (*-)
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 700
ESS 800 Doctoral Dissertation (*-)
View course details in MyPlan: ESS 800
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Please find faculty codes for independent research here.