Graduate Calendar Archives: 2000 / 2001

The Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre

The Centre

Established in 1982, the Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, a joint initiative of Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, offers programs leading to the degrees of M.Sc. and Ph.D. in most areas of geoscience. The Centre houses modern instrumental facilities, and research activity includes most areas of the Earth Sciences.

The size of the Centre and its location in the nation's capital offer unique opportunities for collaborative research over a broad range of disciplines. Of particular note is the Centre's close collaboration with the Geological Survey of Canada. The campuses are fifteen minutes apart by complimentary inter-university transport and within a short distance of most federal facilities.

Graduate students are enrolled in the university where their faculty supervisors hold appointments. Students draw from a program of courses in English or French and may pursue their research in either language.

Applications for graduate admission are made to the Director of the Centre.

The research interests of members of the Centre are listed below.

Members of the Centre

* F.P. Agterberg, Geomathematics, Evaluation of Nonrenewable Resources, Automated Stratigraphic Correlation (UO-Adjunct)
* R.W. Arnott, Clastic Sedimentology, Experimental Sedimentology (UO)
* G.M. Atkinson, Engineering Seismology, Strong Ground Motion, Seismic Hazard (CU)
* A. Bannari, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GEOGUO)
* G.E. Bauer, Geotechnical Engineering, Groundwater Flow, Soil Mechanics (CE)
* Keith Bell, Isotope Studies, Petrology of Alkaline Rocks and Carbonatites, Geochronology (CU)
* Keith Benn, Structural Geology, Structural Petrology, Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility, Basement Tectonics (UO)
* R.G. Berman, Metamorphic Petrology, Experimental Petrology (CU-Adjunct)
* John Blenkinsop, Mass Spectrometry, Geochronology, Isotope Geochemistry (CU)
* G.F. Bonham-Carter, Spatial Information Systems, Spatial Data Modelling (UO-Adjunct)
* R.L. Brown, Tectonics and Structural Geology (CU)
* C.R. Burn, Permafrost and Ground Ice, Yukon and Western Arctic (GEOGCU)
* M.W. Caldwell, Vertebrate Paleontology, Evolution, Systematics (CU-Adjunct)
* E.M. Cameron, Precambrian Geochemistry, Genesis of Gold Deposits, Exploration Geochemistry (UO-Adjunct)
* S.D. Carr, Cordilleran and Grenville Tectonics, U-Pb Geochronology (CU)
* I.D. Clark, Hydrogeology, Environmental Isotope Geochemistry (UO)
* B.L. Cousens, Igneous Petrology; Isotope Geochemistry (CU-Adjunct)
* S.L. Cumbaa, Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoecology (CU-Adjunct)
* André Desrochers, Carbonate Sedimentology and Diagenesis, Canadian Arctic (UO)
* M. D'Iorio, Remote Sensing; Radar Geology; Geostatics (UO-Adjunct)
* G.R. Dix, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Emphasis on Modern and Ancient Carbonate Settings (CU)
* O.A. Dixon, Invertebrate Paleontology, Stratigraphy, Canadian Arctic (UO-Adjunct)
* J.A. Donaldson, Precambrian Stratigraphy and Sedimentology (CU-Adjunct)
* R.M. Easton, Grenville and Proterozoic geology, physical volcanology, geochemistry (CU-Adjunct)
* Danielle Fortin, Geomicrobiology; Environmental Geochemistry (OU)
* A.D. Fowler, Geochemistry, Archean Metavolcanic Belts, Non-linear Dynamics (UO)
* H.M. French, Permafrost and Periglacial Phenomena (UO)
* William K. Fyson, Structural Analyses in Metamorphic Terrains (OU-Adjunct)
* Konrad Gajewski, Climatology and Climatic Changes: Quaternary Paleoecology (GEOGUO)
* Marie-Anne Geurts, Palynology and Geomorphology, Travertine (GEOGUO)
* H.J. Gibson, Subaqueous Volcanic Processes and Metallic Mineral Deposits (CU-Adjunct)
* W.D. Goodfellow, Geochemistry of Modern and Ancient Sediment-hosted Deposits, Mass Extinction (UO-Adjunct)
* S.K. Hanmer, Shear Zones, Progressive Strain, Grenville Problems (CU-Adjunct)
* M.D. Hannington, Economic Geology, Mineral Deposits (CU-Adjunct)
* K.H.Hattori, Isotope Geochemistry, Mineral Deposits, Archean Geology (UO)
* Donald D. Hogarth, Mineralogy; Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology; Alkalic Rocks (OU-Adjunct)
* P.G. Johnson, Glacial Geomorphology, Slope Mass Movements, Glacier Hydrology (GEOGUO)
* D.J. King, Remote Sensing, Vegetation Damage Assessment including Geobotanical Techniques, Geographic Information Systems (GEOGCU)
* Thomas Kotzer, Environmental Isotope Geochemistry; Hydrogeology; Radioisotopes (OU- Adjunct)
* Ralph Kretz, Mineral Chemistry, Metamorphism, Environmental Studies (UO-Adjunct)
* Jarmila Kukalova-Peck, Paleontology, Fossil Insects (CU-Adjunct)
* A.E. Lalonde, Petrology and Mineralogy of Plutonic Rocks (UO)
* Bernard Lauriol, Geomorphology (GEOGUO)
* D.A. Leckie, Clastic Sedimentology, Sequence Stratigraphy, Basin Analysis (CU-Adjunct)
* A.G. Lewkowicz, Permafrost Geomorphology, Hydrogeology, Effect of Global Change on Arctic Terrain (GEOGUO)
* Yvan L'Heureux, Non-linear Dynamics; Crystal Growth Modelling (PHY)
* Joyce Lundberg, Karst, Quaternary Studies, Geochronology (GEOGCU)
* Andrew M. McDonald, Mineral of hyperalkaline rocks: Crystal chemistry; Sulfide mineralog (UO-Adjunct)
* F.A. Michel, Isotope Geochemistry, Groundwater and Permafrost Studies (CU)
* R.T. Patterson, Micropaleontology Specializing in Foraminifera (CU)
* J.A. Percival, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Geochemistry, Structural Geology, Geochronology (UO-Adjunct)
* R.H. Rainbird, Precambrian Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (CU-Adjunct)
* Giorgio Ranalli, Rheology of the Earth, Geodynamics, Plate Tectonics (CU)
* D.G. Rancourt, Mössbauer Spectrometry, Mineralogy, Geobarometry, Geothermometry, Micas (PHY)
* M.R. Robin, Contaminant Hydrogeology, Geostatistics, Geomathematics (UO)
* W.R. Roest, Global Plate Tectonics, Potential Fields, Regional Geophysical Compilations, Continental Margin Development, Arctic Ocean and Adjacent Land Areas (UO-Adjunct)
* C.J. Schröder-Adams, Micropaleontology, Biostratigraphy, Paleoecology, Foraminifera, Sequence Stratigraphy (CU)
* G.B. Skippen, Metamorphic Petrology, Aqueous Geochemistry (CU)
* M.W. Smith, Permafrost, Microclimate, Soil Freezing (GEOGCU)
* R. Stern, U-Pb-Th Geochronology; Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry; Trace Element Geochemistry (CU-Adjunct)
* R.P. Taylor, Igneous Petrology, Mineral Deposits (CU)
* J.K. Torrance, Soil Chemistry, Clays, Oxide Minerals and Geotechnical Problems (GEOGCU)
* Cees van Staal, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Terranes in Europe and North America and Tectonic Evolution of the Appalachian Orogen (UO- Adjunct)
* Jan Veizer, Sedimentary Geochemistry, Carbon- ates, Diagenesis, Ores, Precambrian Sedimentology (UO)
* D.H. Watkinson, Metallic Mineral Deposits (CU)
* P.J. Williams, Soil Freezing and Geotechnical Problems, Cold Region Pipelines (GEOGCU- Adjunct)

Master of Science

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements

* The equivalent of 2.0 credits, one of which may be at the senior undergraduate level
* Public lecture on thesis results prior to the thesis examination

Academic Standing

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements

Residence Requirement

Guidelines for Completion of Master's and Doctoral Degrees

Directed Studies Courses

Graduate Courses

Geology 67.501 (GEO5101)

Seminars in Earth Sciences I

One-term modular courses covering a spectrum of Earth Science topics and current research problems, ranging from the geology and geophysics of the solid Earth, to its surface environment and crustal resources. A minimum of four modules offered per term, three must be completed to obtain course credit. Students may not normally take a module for credit that is offered by their supervisor, but may do so with the permission of the Director. Choice of modules must be approved by the Centre Director. Course complements Geology 67.502.

Geology 67.502 (GEO5102)

Seminars in Earth Sciences II

One-term modular courses covering a spectrum of Earth Science topics and current research problems, ranging from the geology and geophysics of the solid Earth, to its surface environment and crustal resources. A minimum of four modules offered per term, three must be completed to obtain course credit. Students may not normally take a module for credit that is offered by their supervisor, but may do so with the permission of the Director. Choice of modules must be approved by the Centre Director. Course complements Geology 67.501. diagenesis, brines and fluid dynamics, mineralization, rock cycle and evolution through geologic time.

Geology 67.531 (GEO5131)

Siliciclastic Sedimentology

Origin and significance of physical sedimentary processes and structures. Analysis of ancient siliciclastic depositional environments in a facies model and sequence stratigraphic framework. Course involves lectures, seminars and field excursions.

Geology 67.533 (GEO5133)

Advanced Micropaleontology

Selected topics in micropaleontology covered in greater detail than in introductory micropaleontology. Areas addressed include the paleoecology, biogeography and biology of foraminifera and other microfossil groups, as well as their application to biostratigraphy and paleo-oceanography.

Geology 67.535 (GEO5135)

Carbonate Sedimentology

Lectures and seminars will cover aspects of modern depositional systems, dynamic facies models, sequence stratigraphy, mineralogy, and diagenesis of carbonate sediments. The practical part of the course will consist of a field-laboratory project that integrates various techniques in carbonate sedimentology (mapping, petrography, staining, Cathodoluminescence, fluorescence, SEM)

Geology 67.536 (GEO5136)

Paleobiology

Selected topics in paleobiology of marine fossils. Topics include extinctions, micro- and macro-evolutionary processes, long-term trends and cycles in the Phanerozoic, and functional morphology.

Geology 67.538

Marine Geology

Development of ocean basins, physical and chemical oceanographic processes, paleoceanographic changes of watermass distribution and circulation patterns, interaction between atmosphere and ocean, marine sedimentation, offshore seismic stratigraphy, marine habitats, marine instrumention.

Geology 67.539 (GEO 5139)

Glacial Sedimentology

Systematic study of various glacial and glacially related sedimentary environments and processes. Significance of genesis of glacial sediments for stratigraphic correlations, mineral exploration, interpretation of environmental geochemistry, aggregate evaluation, and hydrogeology. Weekly 2 hour lectures and field excursions.

Geology 67.514 (GEO 5114)

Mineralogy

An advanced course covering selected topics in mineralogy, such as crystallography, crystal chemistry, crystal structure, mineralogy of rock-forming mineral groups, and instrumental methods in mineralogical research, such as use of electronic optical instruments, spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography; seminar presentations and practical exercises included.

Geology 67.521 (GEO5121)

Igneous Petrogenesis

Concentration on one or more of: origin and differentiation of basaltic magma; origin of granites; computer modelling of partial melting and fractional crystallization; magmatism in time and space, physical processes in igneous petrology. Laboratory and lecture material linked together in project form. (Also listed as GEO5721)

Geology 67.521 (GEO5721)

Pétrogenèse Ignée

Un cours basé sur un (ou plusieurs) des thèmes suivants: origine et différenciation de magma basaltique; origine de granites; simulation par ordinateur de fusion partielle et cristallisation fractionnée; magmatisme en temps et en espace. Laboratoire et cours qui s'enchainent sous forme d'un projet.

Geology 67.522 (GEO5122)

Physical Volcanology

The distribution, classification and physical characteristics of volcanos and other volcanic landforms; lava flows, tephra, breccias, and other rocks formed through volcanic activity. Volcanic environments; recognition of ancient volcanic features; case histories.

Geology 67.523 (GEO5123)

Metamorphic Petrology

Thermodynamics and kinetics of mineral reactions; metamorphic zones and isograds; mass transfer; regional and global aspects of metamorphism.

Geology 67.524 (GEO5124)

Mineral Deposits

Relationships of some metallic mineral deposits to igneous rocks; topics range from oxides and sulphides in and around intrusions to stratiform volcanogenic deposits. Course includes a field trip to northern Ontario and Quebec.

Geology 67.530 (GEO5130)

Dynamics of Sedimentary Systems

Weathering, rivers, ocean and atmosphere, sedimentation and tectonism, basins and their sediments, P-T evolution, compaction,

Geology 67.540 (GEO 5140)

Pleistocene permafrost and periglacial environments

An examination of the stratigraphical evidence for cold, non-glacial conditions during the Pleistocene when extensive areas of mid latitude were exposed to intense frost action and permafrost. Pleistocene periglacial sediments and sedimentary structures indicative of past permafrost are considered.

Geology 67.541 (GEO5141)

Permafrost Hydrology and Investigative Methods

An examination of groundwater flow in permafrost regions. The importance of groundwater in the formation of various types of ground ice, and the effect of groundwater flow on permafrost distribution.

Geology 67.542 (GEO5142)

Environmental Geoscience

A study-seminar course in which students will examine, in depth, certain environmental problems, including geological hazards, mineral and energy consumption and environmental degradation. The relation between development and the environment will be considered. Students will prepare a report and present a seminar on a subject of their choice, and will participate in a research project centred in the Ottawa area.

Geology 67.543 (GEO5143)

Environmental Isotopes and Groundwater Geochemistry

Stable environmental isotopes (¹⁸O, ²H, ¹³C, ³⁴S, ¹⁵N) in studies of groundwater origin and flow, and geothermal studies. Groundwater dating techniques involving tritium and radio-carbon, and exotic radioisotopes (e.g.,³⁶Cl, ³⁹Ar, ⁸⁵Kr). Low temperature aqueous geochemistry and mineral solubility with emphasis on the carbonate system. Some application to paleoclimatology will be discussed.

Prerequisite: Fourth-year hydrogeology (67.420 or GEO4192) or the equivalent.

Geology 67.544 (GEO5144)

Groundwater Resources

Advanced topics in the exploration and development of groundwater resources, including detailed aquifer response analysis. Examination of hydrogeology in arid and undeveloped regions will also be included.

Prerequisite: Fourth-year hydrogeology (67.420 or GEO4192) or the equivalent.

Geology 67.546 (GEO5146)

Numerical Methods in Hydrogeology

Application of numerical methods in hydrogeological problem solving, including a review of governing equations, initial and 
boundary conditions, and both finite element and finite difference methods. Additional topics to be explored include particle tracking, Laplace and Fourier transforms, and stochastic methods.

Prerequisite: Fourth-year hydrogeology or permission of instructor.

Geology 67.547 (GEO5147)

Geochemistry of Natural Waters

Aqueous speciation, solubility of metals, minerals and gas, reaction kinetics and equilibria. Chemistry and dynamics of groundwaters and hydrothermal fluids.

Geology 67.548 (GEO5148)

Theory of Flow and Transport in Porous Media

Course designed for hydrogeologists and engineers who want in-depth understanding of the theory of fluid flow and solute transport through geological materials. Emphasis on porous media. Topics to be covered: types of fluids and porous media; saturated, unsaturated, and multi-phase flow; development of solute transport equations using continuum and stochastic approaches. One three-hour lecture per week, reading and problem-solving assignments plus final examination.

Prerequisites: Fourth-year hydrogeology, second-year calculus, and first-year statistics, or permission of the instructor.

Geology 67.551 (GEO5151)

Precambrian Geology

Problems of Precambrian geology, emphasizing classical and current studies in North America; comparative study of the Canadian Shield and other Precambrian shields; research projects, field trips and petrologic studies of representative rock suites.

Geology 67.553 (GEO 5153)

Computer Techniques in the Earth Sciences

A practical course in the application of computer techniques in the acquisition and interpretation of geoscientific data. Topics will be selected from the following: remote sensing and geographic information systems; geostatistical analysis techniques; analysis and modelling of geoscientific data.

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Geology 67.557 (GEO5157)

Tectonic Processes Emphasizing Geochronology and Metamorphism

Applications of empirical, analytical and quantitative techniques to problems in regional geology and crustal tectonics; orogenic processes; heat and metamorphism; isotopic geochronology as applied to thermal history; derivation and interpretation of P-T-t paths.

Geology 67.560 (GEO5160)

Chemistry of the Earth

An investigation of the geochemical constitution of the Earth and how the Earth has evolved. Topics will include meteorites and the early history of the Earth; chemical and isotopic constraints on the geochemical evolution of the crust and mantle; Earth models and their limitations.

Geology 67.562 (GEO5162)

Physical Geochemistry

Application of thermodynamics to geologic problems. Experimental study of mineral equilibria.

Geology 67.563 (GEO5163)

Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Mechanisms of isotope fractionation in nature; physical and chemical isotope fractionation, kinetic isotope effects. Variation of stable isotope ratios (hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and sulphur) in nature. Preparation techniques of natural samples for isotope analysis. Applications of stable isotopes to study magma genesis, ore genesis, nature of water and formation fluids and sedimentary environments.

Geology 67.569 (GEO5169)

Radioisotope Geochemistry

Nucleosynthesis; chemical differentiation of the Earth. Evolution of large scale reservoirs. Isotopic tracers (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, common Pb). Geochronology; fundamentals and application of Sm/Nd, Rb/Sr, U/Pb, K/Ar and Lu/Hf methods. Evolution of the solid Earth from the isotopic perspective.

Precludes additional credit for 67.565 (GEO5165) (taken before 1997-98).

Geology 67.571 (GEO5171)

Physics of the Earth

The physics and dynamics of the solid Earth: seismology; gravitational and magnetic fields, thermal state. Geophysical constraints on the structure and composition of the interior. Geodynamic processes.

Geology 67.572 (GEO5172)

Tectonophysics

The physics of deformation; continuum mechanics approach (elasticity, strength, plasticity, viscosity), and micro-rheological approach (diffusion, dislocations, and flow mechanisms). Applications to tectonic processes.

Geology 67.573 (GEO5173)

Structural Geology

Selected problems in structural geology treated in seminar and laboratory sessions. Emphasis on interpretation of fabrics developed during synmetamorphic strain. Students investigate and report on individual projects.

Geology 67.574 (GEO5174)

Tectonics

An investigation of the structural style of mountain belts and their tectonic setting; tectonics of Precambrian deformed belts.

Geology 67.577F1 or W1 (GEO 5177)

Engineering Seismology

Seismological topics with engineering applications. Characterization of seismicity and seismic sources (areas and faults). Seismic hazard analysis. Empirical and theoretical modeling of strong ground motion in time and frequency domain.

Geology 67.590 (GEO5190)

Directed Studies

Directed reading and/or laboratory studies for 1.0 credit course, under the guidance of selected extramural or intramural directors. A written description of the project must be submitted for departmental approval prior to registration. This course does not count for credit toward the graduate degree requirements.

Geology 67.591 (GEO5191)

Directed Studies

Directed reading and/or laboratory studies for 0.5 credit course, under the guidance of selected extramural or intramural directors. A written description of the project must be submitted for departmental approval prior to registration. This course does not count for credit toward the graduate degree requirements.

Geology 67.593 (GEO5193)

Field Studies

Systematic investigations of geological problems, based on a minimum of fifteen days field work plus related library research and laboratory projects. Written report required.

Geology 67.599 (GEO7999)

M.Sc. Thesis

A thesis proposal must be approved by the research advisory committee by the end of the first year of registration.

Geology 67.699 (GEO9999)

Ph.D. Thesis

A thesis proposal must be approved by the research advisory committee by the end of the first year of registration.

The following geography courses are included in the Centre's program:

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University

Soil Thermal and Hydrologic Regimes

Characteristics of soil regimes, particularly in freezing soils, role of soil properties; analyti

cal and numerical methods, including computer simulation.

Geography 45.532F1

Soil Thermal and Hydrologic Properties

Instrumental techniques for investigation of hydrological and thermal processes near the Earth's surface, laboratory instrumentation and analysis of laboratory and field procedures in geotechnical science.

Geography 45.533W1

Periglacial Geomorphology

Permafrost, its distribution and significance, seasonal ground freezing, ground thermal regime, physical, thermodynamic, and geotechnical properties of freezing and thawing soils, terrain features ascribable to frost action, and solifluction and patterned ground.

Geography 45.534W1

Aspects of Clay Mineralogy and Soil Chemistry

The role of clay minerals in soils will be considered from a geotechnical and/or biological perspective.

Geography 45.583F1, W1, S1

Remote Sensing and Image Analysis

Radiometric, geometric and resolution characteristics of remotely sensed data, image processing algorithms, analysis of spectral, textural, and contextual image information, applications in vegetation mapping and environmental analysis.

Department of Geography, University of Ottawa:

GEG 5101

Field and Laboratory Research Methods A

GEG 5301

Cold Regions Hydrology and Geomorphology

Selected topics in the hydrology and geomorphology of cold regions. Emphasis on glacierized, periglacial, or nival environments. This course will alternate with GEG 5701.

GEG 5307

Research Design, Modelling and Environmental Data Analysis

Evaluation of the methodology of physical geography. Research and the role of modelling and advanced data analysis in contemporary research. This course will alternate with GEG 5707.

GEG 5701

Hydrologie et Géomorphologie des Régions Froides

Thèmes en hydrologie et en géomorphologie des régions froides. Exploration approfondie

des environnements glaciaires, périglaciaires ou nivaux. Cours offert en alternance avec GEG 5301.

GEG 5707

Conception d'un Projet de Recherche, Modélisation et Analyse de Données Environnementales

Évaluation des méthodes de recherche en géographie physique. Rôle de la modélisation et de l'analyse avancée des données dans la recherche contemporaine. Cours offert en alternance avec le GEG 5307.

GEG 7103

Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction and Climate Change

Theories of environmental change in relation to natural and anthropogenically induced climate change. Techniques used in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. This course will alternate with GEG7503.

GEG 7107

Northern Ecosystems

Dynamics of northern ecosystems with particular emphasis on their sensitivity to climate variability and climate change. This course will alternate with GEG 7507.

GEG 7301

Field and Laboratory Research Method C

GEG 7503

Reconstruction Paléoenvironnementale et Changement Climatique

Théories des changements environnementaux mises en relation avec les changements climatique d'origine naturelle ou d'origine anthropique. Méthodes utilisées dans la reconstruction paléoenvironnementale. Cours offert en alternance avec GEG 7103.

GEG 7507

Ecosystèmes Nordiques

Dynamique des écosystèmes nordiques en mettant l'accent sur leur sensibilité à la variabilité et au changement climatiques. Cours offert en alternance avec GEG 7107.

GEG 7703

Méthodes de Recherche sur le Terrain et au Laboratoire D.

GEG 7107

Northern Ecosystems

Dynamics of northern ecosystems with particular emphasis on their sensitivity to climate variability and climate change. This course will alternate with GEG 7507.

GEG 7301

Field and Laboratory Research Method C

GEG 7503

Reconstruction Paléoenvironnementale et Changement Climatique

Théories des changements environnementaux mises en relation avec les changements climatique d'origine naturelle ou d'origine anthropique. Méthodes utilisées dans la reconstruction paléoenvironnementale. Cours offert en alternance avec GEG 7103.

GEG 7507

Ecosystèmes Nordiques

Dynamique des écosystèmes nordiques en mettant l'accent sur leur sensibilité à la variabilité et au changement climatiques. Cours offert en alternance avec GEG 7107.

GEG 7703

Méthodes de Recherche sur le Terrain et au Laboratoire D.