Earth Sciences
2125 Herzberg Building
Telephone: 613-520-5633
Fax: 613-520-5613
earthsci.carleton.ca/ocgc
Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre
Director of the Centre: R.T. Patterson
Associate Director of the Centre: R.W. Arnott
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 Earth Sciences. The Centre houses modern instrumental facilities, and research activity includes most areas of the Earth Sciences. The campuses are fifteen minutes apart by complimentary inter-university transport and within a short distance of most federal facilities.
The size of the Centre’s research faculty 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. Graduate students are enrolled in the university where their faculty supervisor holds an appointment. 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 Earth Sciences, 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 and Environmental Studies at Carleton University; (GEOGUO) for the Department of Geography at the University of Ottawa.
- F.P. Agterberg, Geomathematics, evaluation of non-renewable 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-Adjunct)
- J. Ayer, Archean greenstone belt evolution, economic geology, geochemistry
- A. Bannari, Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GEOGUO)
- 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)
- C.R. Burn, Permafrost and ground ice, Yukon and Western Arctic (GEOGCU)
- S.D. Carr, Cordilleran and Grenville tectonics, U-Pb geochronology (CU)
- I.D. Clark, Hydrogeology, environmental isotope geochemistry (UO)
- M. Colpron, Structural geology, tectonics (CU-Adjunct)
- B.L. Cousens, Igneous petrology, isotope geochemistry (CU)
- S.L. Cumbaa, Vertebrate paleontology and paleoecology (CU-Adjunct)
- B. Daneshfar, Applications of geographic information systems (GIS), statistical and geostatistical spatial data analysis, mineral potential mapping, applied geochemistry (exploration, environmental)
- Eric de Kemp, 3-D integration and visualization of structural field data: tools for regional subsurface mapping (UO-Adjunct)
- André Desrochers, Carbonate sedimentology and diagenesis, Canadian Arctic (UO)
- G.R. Dix, Sedimentology and stratigraphy, emphasis on modern and ancient carbonate settings (CU)
- J.A. Donaldson, Precambrian stratigraphy and sedimentology (CU-Adjunct)
- R.M. Easton, Grenville and Proterozoic geology, physical volcanology, geochemistry (CU-Adjunct)
- R. Ernst, Large igneous provinces (LIPS), on Earth and other planets, and links with Ni-Cu-PGE ore deposits and mantle plumes
- D. Fisher, Glaciology, ice cores, past climate change, Martian glaciology and planetary ices (UO-Adjunct)
- D. Fortin, Geomicrobiology, environmental geochemistry (OU)
- A.D. Fowler, Geochemistry, Archean metavolcanic belts, non-linear dynamics (UO)
- Jim Franklin, Base metal sulphide deposits (OU-Adjunct)
- W. K. Fyson, Structural analyses in metamorphic terrains (OU-Adjunct)
- K. Gajewski, Climatology and climatic changes: Quaternary paleoecology (GEOGUO)
- P. Gammon, Marine and terrestrial biogeochemistry, sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleoclimatology, petroleum geology, exploration geochemistry
- M.-A. 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)
- M.D. Hannington, Economic geology, mineral deposits (UO)
- K.H. Hattori, Isotope geochemistry, mineral deposits, Archean geology (UO)
- J. Hedenquist, Economic geology (UO-Adjunct)
- R. Herd, Mineralogy and textures of metamorphic rocks and meteorites (CU-Adjunct)
- D. 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)
- T. Kotzer, Environmental isotope geochemistry, hydrogeology, radioisotopes (OU- Adjunct)
- I. Kjarsgaard, Mineralogy and mineral dhemistry of igneous and metamorphic rocks including base and precious metal ores (CU-Adjunct)
- J. Kukalova-Peck, Paleontology, fossil insects (CU-Adjunct)
- A.E. Lalonde, Petrology and mineralogy of plutonic rocks (UO)
- M. Lamontagne, Intraplate seismicity (CU-Adjunct)
- B. Lauriol, Geomorphology (GEOGUO)
- M.C. Lesher, Economic geology, igneous geochemistry, volcanology (UO-Adjunct)
- A.G. Lewkowicz, Permafrost geomorphology, hydrogeology, effect of global change on Arctic terrain (GEOGUO)
- Y. L’Heureux, Non-linear dynamics, crystal growth modeling (PHY)
- J. Lundberg, Karst, Quaternary studies, geochronology (GEOGCU)
- S. McKinnon, Rock mechanics, Mining engineering (CU-Adjunct)
- Larry Meinert, Terroir for wine production and skarn deposits, mineral deposits in carbonate rocks (UO-Adjunct)
- F.A. Michel, Isotope geochemistry, groundwater and permafrost studies (CU)
- D. Motazedian, Engineering seismology (CU)
- D. Murphy, Structural geology and tectonics, geology of the Canadian Cordillera (CU-Adjunct)
- T. Murty, Climate and ocean-atmosphere interaction; natural hazards risk assessment and natural marine hazards, physical oceanography (OU-Adjunct)
- Dogan Paktunc, Applied mineralogist; mineralogical characterization of metals in ore deposits and mine wastes (OU-Adjunct)
- R.T. Patterson, Micropaleontology specializing in foraminifera (CU)
- J.A. Percival, Igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry, structural geology, geochronology (UO-Adjunct)
- L. Poissant, Atmospheric toxic processes, mercury, pesticides, air-surface gas exchanges, geochemistry
- A. Prokoph, Mathematical geology, quantitative stratigraphy, paleoclimatology (CU-Adjunct)
- R.H. Rainbird, Precambrian sedimentology and stratigraphy (CU-Adjunct)
- G. Ranalli, Rheology of the Earth, geodynamics, plate tectonics (CU)
- D.G. Rancourt, Mössbauer spectrometry, mineralogy, geobarometry, geothermometry, micas (PHY)
- P. Rasmussen, Environmental biochemistry (UO-Adjunct)
- M.R. Robin, Contaminant hydrogeology, geostatistics, geomathematics (UO)
- H. Roe, Quaternary geology (CU-Adjunct)
- N. Rybcznski, Evolution of Mesozoic and Cenozoic terrestrial communities in the Canadian Arctic (CU-Adjunct)
- C. Samson, Applied geophysics (CU)
- C.J. Schröder-Adams, Micropaleontology, biostratigraphy, paleoecology, foraminifera, sequence stratigraphy (CU)
- David Sharpe, Glacial sediments (OU-Adjunct)
- M.W. Smith, Permafrost, microclimate, soil freezing (GEOGCU)
- R. Smith, Applied geophysics, airborne electromagnetic and magnetic methods (CU-Adjunct)
- R.P. Taylor, Mineral deposits, resource studies (CU)
- J.K. Torrance, Soil chemistry, clays, oxide minerals and geotechnical problems (GEOGCU)
- L. Trichtchenko, Investigations of space weather events from their origin on the Sun to their effects on the ground
- J. Veizer, Sedimentary geochemistry, carbonates, diagenesis, ores, Precambrian sedimentology (UO)
- D. White, Crustal geophysics, crustal seismology (CU-Adjunct)
Master of Science
Admission Requirements
The 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
- 1.5 credit of course work, 0.5 credit of which may be at the senior undergraduate level
- A research thesis (3.5 credits) defended at an oral examination
- A public lecture, preceding the oral examination, which is based on the thesis research
- Participation in the OCGC Seminar Series (0.0 credit). Participation comprises one lecture (open to all members of the OCGC) describing an aspect of the candidate’s research study and must be completed within 12 months of their registration in the M.Sc. program.
Academic Standing
A grade of B- or higher is required for each course counted towards the Master’s degree.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission Requirements
The requirement for admission to the Ph.D. Program is an M.Sc. degree in Earth Sciences or a related discipline.
Program Requirements
- A research thesis (9.0 credits), defended at an oral examination before an examination board that includes an external examiner
- A public lecture, preceding the oral examination, which is based on the thesis research
- A minimum of 1.0 credit of course work at the graduate level. Additional courses may be prescribed by the thesis advisory committee
- A comprehensive examination conducted by the thesis advisory committee. The comprehensive examination includes the presentation of a thesis proposal and involves three areas of geoscience specialization chosen by the student’s advisory committee and approved by the Director of the Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre
- Participation in the OCGC Seminar Series (0.0 credit). Participation comprises one lecture (open to all Members of the OCGC) describing an aspect of the candidate’s research study and must be completed within 12 months of their registration in the Ph.D. program.
Residence Requirement
The residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree is at least four terms of full-time study.
Graduate Courses
The following course are offered by Carleton University. For information on all courses offered by the Centre, please see the section for the Centre in this Calendar. Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca.
University of Ottawa course numbers appear in parentheses after the Carleton course number and credit information.
- ERTH 5001 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5301)
- 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 take a module for credit that is offered by their supervisor, but may do so with the permission of the OCGC Director. Choice of modules must be approved by the OCGC Director. Course complements ERTH 5002.
- ERTH 5002 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5302)
- 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 take a module for credit that is offered by their supervisor, but may do so with the permission of the OCGC Director. Choice of modules must be approved by the OCGC Director. Course complements ERTH 5001.
- ERTH 5202 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5122)
- Advanced Igneous Petrology
- Integrates physical and chemical processes with the dynamics of magmatic systems to understand igneous processes.
- ERTH 5204 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5123)
- Geology and Geochemistry of Ore Deposits
- Advanced aspects of geology, geochemistry, genesis, and exploration of ore deposits. Laboratory and field examination of different ore deposit types and their host rocks.
- ERTH 5305 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5135)
- Carbonate Sedimentology
- 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).
- ERTH 5306 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5136)
- Paleobiology
- Extinctions, micro- and macro-evolutionary processes, long-term trends and cycles in the Phanerozoic; functional morphology; application of invertebrates to biostratigraphy, paleoceanography and paleolimnology..
- ERTH 5403 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5143)
- 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.
- ERTH 5406 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5146)
- Techniques of Groundwater Resources Evaluation
- Governing groundwater flow equations, initial and boundary conditions; simple numerical solutions (spreadsheets); complex numerical solutions (commercial software); and analytical solutions. Applications: aquifer response test analysis, capture zone analysis, groundwater flow modeling, water budgeting, and aquifer vulnerability assessment.
- ERTH 5501 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5151)
- Precambrian Geology
- Geology and tectonic history of the Canadian Shield, emphasizing modern four-dimensional interpretations (2D mapping, depth, time); comparison and correlation with other Precambrian shields; global Precambrian tectonic evolution through review of continental reconstructions; Precambrian mineral deposits; field trips and research projects.
- ERTH 5507 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5157)
- 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.
- ERTH 5600 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5160)
- Chemistry of the Earth
- An examination of the composition of the mantle and crust in selected tectonic settings, such as subduction zones and hot spots. Topics may include how geochemical data constrain geodynamic settings of study areas.
- ERTH 5603 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5163)
- 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.
- ERTH 5609 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5169)
- Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry
- Nucleosynthesis; chemical differentiation of the Earth. Evolution of large-scale isotopic 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 Geology 67.565 (GEO 5165) (taken before 1997-98).
- ERTH 5701 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5171)
- 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.
- ERTH 5703 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5173)
- Structural Geology
- Deformation processes and the analysis of geological structures at all scales.
- ERTH 5704 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5174)
- Tectonics
- Dynamic and geological aspects of plate tectonics throughout Earth history.
- ERTH 5707 [0.5 credit] (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.
- ERTH 5708 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5178)
- Earthquake Signal Processing
- Theoretical and practical aspects of earthquake signal processing, seismic instrumentation, instrument response and application of spectral analysis and response spectra.
- ERTH 5900 [1.0 credit] (GEO 5190)
- 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.
- ERTH 5901 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5191)
- 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.
- ERTH 5903 [0.5 credit] (GEO 5193)
- 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.
- ERTH 5906 [0.0 credit]
- M.Sc. Geoscience Seminar
- Participation in the Geoscience Seminar Series.
- ERTH 5907 [0.0 credit]
- Ph.D. Geoscience Seminar
- Participation in the Geoscience Seminar Series.
- ERTH 5909 (GEO 7999)
- M.Sc. Thesis
- A thesis proposal must be approved by the research advisory committee by the end of the first year of registration.
- ERTH 6909 (GEO 9999)
- Ph.D. Thesis
- A thesis proposal must be approved by the research advisory committee by the end of the first year of registration.
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