The Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre


Tory Building 304
Telephone: 520-4401
Fax: 520-4490
E-mail: earth_sciences@carleton.ca

The Centre


Director of the Centre:
A. Fowler
Associate Director:
S. Carr

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 earth science.

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

The home department of each member is indicated by (CU) for the Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University; (UO) for the Department of Geology, University of Ottawa; (CE) for the Department of Civil Engineering, Carleton University; (PHY) for the Department of Physics, University of Ottawa; (GEOGCU) for the Department of Geography at Carleton University; (GEOGUO) for the Department of Geography at the University of Ottawa. F.P. Agterberg,*Geomathematics, Evaluation of Nonrenewable Resources, Automated Stratigraphic Correlation (UO)
R.W. Arnott, Clastic Sedimentology, Experimental Sedimentology (UO)
G.M. Atkinson, Engineering Seismology, Strong Ground Motion, Seismic Hazard (CU)
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)
John Blenkinsop, Mass Spectrometry, Geochronology, Isotope Geochemistry (CU)
G.F. Bonham-Carter,* Spatial Information Systems, Spatial Data Modelling (UO)
R.L. Brown, Tectonics and Structural Geology (CU)
C.R. Burn, Permafrost and Ground Ice, Yukon and Western Arctic (GEOGCU)
E.M. Cameron,* Precambrian Geochemistry, Genesis of Gold Deposits, Exploration Geochemistry (UO)
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)
André Desrochers, Carbonate Sedimentology and Diagenesis, Canadian Arctic (UO)
G.R. Dix, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Emphasis on Modern and Ancient Carbonate Settings (CU)
O.A. Dixon, Invertebrate Paleontology, Stratigraphy, Canadian Arctic (UO)
J.A. Donaldson,* Precambrian Stratigraphy and Sedimentology (CU)
Claude Duguay, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GEOGUO)
A.D. Fowler, Geochemistry, Archean Metavolcanic Belts, Non-linear Dynamics (UO)
H.M. French, Permafrost and Periglacial Phenomena (UO)
Konrad Gajewski, Climatology and Climatic Changes: Quaternary Paleoecology (GEOGUO)
Maria-Anne Geurts, Palynology and Geomorphology, Travertine (GEOGUO)
H.J. Gibson,* Subaqueous Volcanic Processes and Metallic Mineral Deposits (CU)
W.D. Goodfellow,* Geochemistry of Modern and Ancient Sediment-hosted Deposits, Mass Extinction  (UO)
S.K. Hanmer,* Shear Zones, Progressive Strain, Grenville Problems (CU)
M.D. Hannington,* Economic Geology, Mineral Deposits (CU)
Keiko Hattori, Isotope Geochemistry, Mineral Deposits, Archean Geology (UO)
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)
Ralph Kretz,* Mineral Chemistry, Metamorphism, Environmental Studies (UO)
Jarmila Kukalova-Peck,* Paleontology, Fossil Insects (CU)
A.E. Lalonde, Petrology and Mineralogy of Plutonic Rocks (UO)
Bernard Lauriol, Geomorphology (GEOGUO)
D.A. Leckie,* Clastic Sedimentology, Sequence Stratigraphy, Basin Analysis (CU)
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)
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)
R.H. Rainbird,* Precambrian Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (CU)
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)
C.J. Schröder-Adams, Micropaleontology, Biostratigraphy, Paleoecology, Foraminifera, Sequence Stratigraphy (CU)
T.N. Setterfield,* Metallic Mineral Deposits, Volcanism, Epithermal Gold Deposits (CU)
W.W. Shilts,* Quaternary Geology, Glacial Sedimentology, Mineral Exploration in Glaciated Terrains, Environmental Geochemistry (CU)
G.B. Skippen, Metamorphic Petrology, Aqueous Geochemistry (CU)
M.W. Smith, Permafrost, Microclimate, Soil Freezing (GEOGCU)
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)
Jan Veizer, Sedimentary Geochemistry, Carbonates, Diagenesis, Ores, Precambrian Sedimentology (UO)
D.H. Watkinson, Metallic Mineral Deposits (CU)
P.J. Williams,* Soil Freezing and Geotechnical Problems, Cold Region Pipelines (GEOGCU)

Postdoctoral Fellows

I.A. Beresnev, Seismology, Earthquake Hazards (CU) D.D. Marshall, Fluids (CU)

Master of Science

Admission Requirements

The normal requirement for admission to the program is an honours B.Sc. degree, with at least high honours standing, in geology or a related discipline.

Program Requirements

Academic Standing

A grade of B– or better must normally be received in each course counted towards the master’s degree.

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

Students who show outstanding academic performance and research promise may be permitted to transfer to the Ph.D. program. A student requesting such a transfer must first successfully complete the Ph.D. comprehensive examination and the M.Sc. course requirements.

Program Requirements

Residence Requirement

The normal residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree is at least four terms of full-time study.

Guidelines for Completion of Master’s and Doctoral Degrees

Full-time students enrolled in the 5.0 credit M.Sc. program are expected to complete the program by the end of six terms, and part-time students by the end of six years. A thesis proposal and selection of the thesis committee should be completed by the end of the second term for both Ph.D. and M.Sc. students.

Full-time students enrolled in the 10.0 credit Ph.D. program are expected to complete the program by the end of four years, and part-time students by the end of eight years, with the opportunity for extensions upon the recommendation of the supervisor and departmental supervisor of graduate studies. A comprehensive examination for Ph.D. students must be completed by the end of the first year.

Directed Studies Courses

Directed studies courses are not permitted as credit toward the graduate degree requirements. Such courses may be taken as extra to the minimum requirements for the M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees.

Graduate Courses

  • Geology 67.511 (GEO5111)
    Crystallography
    Principles and techniques of X-ray crystallography; interpretation of X-ray photographs and application to the study of minerals.

  • Geology 67.512 (GEO5112)
    Rock-Forming Minerals
    Recent work on structure, chemistry and interrelationships of igneous and metamorphic rock-forming minerals.
    (To alternate with 67.513/GEO5113 or GEO5713)

  • Geology 67.513 (GEO5113)
    Mineralogy of Plutonic Rocks
    A seminar course reviewing the applications of mineralogical studies to the petrogenesis of felsic and mafic plutonic rocks. Topics include: structural state of feldspar minerals, applications to granitic rocks; chemical evolution of mica, pyroxene and amphibole minerals in plutonic bodies; phase relationships; review of the mineralogy of specific plutonic rock-types (e.g. anorthosites, syenites and hyperaluminous granites).
    (To alternate with 67.512/GEO5112)

  • Geology 67.513 (GEO5713)
    Minéralogie des Suites Plutoniques
    Un cours ayant pour but d’accentuer la contribution des études minéralogiques détaillées à l’élaboration de la pétrogénèse des roches plutoniques mafiques ou felsiques. Parmi les sujets couverts figurent: la mise en ordre des feldspaths, son évaluation et ses applications à l’étude des granites, l’évolution chimique des micas, pyroxènes et amphiboles, relations de phases ainsi qu’une revue de la minéralogie de suites plutoniques spécifiques telles que les anorthosites, les syénites et les granites hyperalumineux.

  • 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. Laboratory and lecture material linked together in project form.
    (Also offered 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)
    Metallic 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 67.527 (GEO5127)
    Physical Processes in Igneous Petrology
    Lecture, reading and seminar course dealing with the physical processes responsible for generation, ascent, crystallization and cooling of igneous rocks. Topics covered include partial melting in the upper mantle and separation of the liquid; magma properties, structure, viscosity, temperature, density, and heat; magma processes, intrusion, extrusion, diffusion, convection types, assimilation, nucleation, and crystal growth; cooling of magmas, conduction, convection, permeability, vapour phase exsolution, meteoric water, development of spinifex, spherulites. These processes will be related to field examples wherever possible.

  • Geology 67.527 (GEO5727)
    Les Processus Physiques en Pétrologie Ignée
    Les processus responsables directement à la génération, l’ascension, la croissance et le refroidissement des roches ignées seront présentés dans les cours, les colloques et dans la discussion de la littérature récente. Les sujets suivants seront traités; fusion dans le manteau et la séparation du liquide; propriétés des magmas, la structure, la viscosité, la température, la densité et la chaleur; les processus magmatiques, l’intrusion, l’extrusion, la diffusion, la convection, la perméabilité, l’exsolution d’une vapeur, l’eau météorique, le développement de spinifex et les sphérulites. Les processus seront étudiés à l’aide d’exemples de terrain chaque fois que ça sera possible.

  • Geology 67.528 (GEO5128)
    Ores in Sediments
    Ore-forming processes in sediments and sedimentary rocks. The generation, transport and deposition of ore elements relative to processes such as redox traps, basin water expulsion, direct precipitation from seawater, and placer sedimentation are discussed in seminar format. All major sedimentary deposit-types are included.
    Prerequisite: An undergraduate course in mineral deposits.

  • Geology 67.530 (GEO5130)
    Dynamics of Sedimentary Systems
    Weathering, rivers, ocean and atmosphere, sedimentation and tectonism, basins and their sediments, P-T evolution, compaction, diagenesis, brines and fluid dynamics, mineralization, rock cycle and evolution through geologic time.

  • Geology 67.531 (GEO5131)
    Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
    Selected problems in sedimentary geology, emphasizing sedimentary structures, facies models and diagenesis. The application of modern techniques of stratigraphic, petrologic and statistical analysis.

  • Geology 67.532 (GEO5132)
    Paleoecology
    Emphasis on marine fossils as paleoenvironmental indicators: effects of substrate type, energy conditions, light, temperature, biotic associates and other environmental factors on the occurrence and distribution of organisms and their fossil remains.

  • 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 67.534 (GEO5134)
    Fossil Fuels
    Petroleum, natural gas, coal and unconventional fossil fuels; their origin, occurrence, and evaluation in the light of current geological thought.

  • 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.
    Prerequisites: Geology 67.231, 67.232, 67.321, and 67.385, or permission of the Department.

  • Geology 67.539 (GEO5139)
    Glacial Sedimentology
    Systematic study of various glacial sedimentary environments and processes, with emphasis on the influence of geological substrate and regional drainage gradient on glacial erosion sediment characteristics and sediment distribution; significance of genesis of glacial sediments for stratigraphic correlations, mineral exploration, interpretation of environmental geochemistry, aggregate evaluation, and hydrogeology. Weekly two-hour lectures supported by slides and extensive video records of glaciers and glacial processes. Local field trips and one weekend field excursion to Quebec to observe interrelationships of sedimentary facies.

  • 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 (180, 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 67.545 (GEO5145)
    Contaminant Hydrogeology
    A theoretical and applied course examining sources of groundwater contamination and mechanisms of transport. Inorganic, radioactive, and organic, biological contaminant behaviour will be discussed as well as regulations, monitoring methodologies, aquifer restoration and fundamental questions of high-level radioactive-waste disposal and municipal landfills.
    Prerequisite: Fourth-year geochemistry or tje equivalent, or permission of instructor.

  • 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 67.552 (GEO5152)
    Geology of Arctic Canada
    Origins and development of the principal geological regions of the Canadian Arctic. Emphasis on the Phanerozoic record but other topics or problems may be included.

  • Geology 67.553 (GEO5153)
    Applications of Spatial Information Systems to Geology
    This is a practical course in the application of PC-based geographic information systems to the analysis of regional geoscientific data. Spatial data capture, spatial data structures, spatial data analysis and modelling will be reviewed with reference to applications in mineral exploration, environmental and other problems. Students will undertake assignments and projects involving the use of a PC-based system.

  • Geology 67.557 (GEO5157)
    Tectonic Processes Emphasizing Metamorphism and Geochronology
    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; comparison of modern, Phanerozoic and Precambrian tectonic processes.

  • 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 67.566 (GEO5166)
    Exploration Geochemistry
    Selected topics in applied geochemistry including: biogeochemical exploration; element mobilities in the surface environment; recent developments in data interpretation; quality control of geochemical data. Special attention to the use of geochemical methods for gold exploration and possible applications of stable and radiogenic isotopes to mineral exploration.

  • Geology 67.567 (GEO5167)
    Hydrothermal Fluids
    Liquids, vapours, supercritical fluids as the agents of rock-water interaction and mass transfer in the crust. Phase relations in systems such as NaCl-H2O-CO2 and thermodynamic constraints on geological fluids. Applications to mineral equilibria and the microscopic study of fluid inclusions.

  • Geology 67.568 (GEO5168)
    Mineralized Hydrothermal Systems
    Geology of active geothermal systems, generation of hydrothermal fluids, geochemistry of hydrothermal fluids, stability and solubility of minerals in base-metal and precious-metal mineralization, interpretation of fluid inclusion data.

  • 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.
    Before 1997-98, 67.569/GEO5169 was listed as Geology 67.565/GEO5165.

  • 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 67.575 (GEO5175)
    Neotectonics
    An investigation of present day geological processes in a variety of plate boundary and intraplate settings. Topics will include analysis of island arcs, currently active mountain ranges in convergent plate boundary settings, and rift systems in both continental and oceanic settings. Consideration will be given to depositional basins, structure, magmatism, metamorphism and mineralization in these various settings.

  • Geology 67.576 (GEO5176)
    Rock Microfabric Analysis
    An overview of rock fabric studies. Specific topics will include shape and lattice-preferred orientations of minerals, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility fabrics, mode of development and evolution of fabrics with progressive deformation, fabric asymmetries, and textural and petrofabric criteria for determination of deformational mechanisms. The course will include a review of measurement techniques (U-stage, X-ray, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility, image analysis), and of methods of statistical analysis (vector averaging, pole and inverse pole diagrams, orientation distribution function). Tectonic implications of fabric type distributions and fabric development will be stressed. The relationship between petrofabrics and seismic anisotropy will be discussed. The course may include one or more of the following; student seminars, reports based on bibliographic research or personal research, work on fabric of selected samples.

  • Geology 67.576 (GEO5776)
    L’Analyse des Microfabriques
    Un regard sur l’étude de la fabrique des roches à l’échelle microscopique. Les sujets abordés comprendront: les orientations préférentielles de résaux et de forme des minéraux, les fabriques d’anisotropie de susceptibilité magnétique, les modes de développement et d’évolution des fabriques lors de la déformation progressive, les asymmétries entre fabriques et sous-fabriques, et les critères pétrographiques pour détermination des mechanismes de déformation. Les techniques de mesure des fabriques (platine universelle, anisotropie de susceptibilité magnétique, rayons-X, analyse d’image) et les méthodes d’analyse statistique des données directionnelles (moyennes vectorielles, projections de pôles, diagrammes de densité, fonction de la distribution des orientations) seront discutées. La signification tectonique du développement et de la distribution spatiale des différents types de fabriques sera mise en évidence. Les relations entre pétrofabrique et anisotropie sismique seront aussi abordées. Ce cours comprendra un ou plus des travaux dirigés suivants: séminaires, rapports écrits basés sur une recherche bibliographique ou basés sur un travail personnel, mesures et analyses des fabriques des échantillons sélectionnés.

  • Geology 67.577F1 or W1
    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 67.581 (GEO5181)
    Pattern Formation and Analysis
    The course examines the quantitative measure of texture, and current ideas of pattern formation in the earth sciences. Spatial series, patterns, textures and other distributions are investigated. Pattern formation, self-organization, and rhythmic processes are studied.

  • Geology 67.590 (GEO5190)
    Directed Studies
    Directed reading and/or laboratory studies for full-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 half-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 67.594 (GEO5294)
    Problems in Historical Geology and Geological Time
    Controversial ideas concerning the Earth and time; historical development of thought on the physical and biological evolution of the Earth. Understanding the stratigraphic column in regard to duration, age and correlation, including evidence from paleontology and sedimentology, particularly gaps in the succession and rhythmic or episodic events. Origin and nature of life; relationship between crustal events and evolution, including extinctions. Concepts and models in geology; responsibility of the geologist to humanity. Half course given during fall and winter terms.

  • 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, Carleton University

  • Geography 45.530W1
    Soil Thermal and Hydrologic Regimes
    Characteristics of soil regimes, particularly in freezing soils, role of soil properties; analytical 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 5503 Méthodes de Recherche sur le Terrain et au Laboratoire B. 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 GEG 7503. 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.