Earth Science

ES 518. SPACE SCIENCE 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PS 214 and PS 215, or ES 110 and ES 111.) Studies include observational evidence for the heliocentric model of the solar system; the solar system with concentration upon the moon and lunar exploration; techniques for studying and physical characteristics of remote stellar bodies; and current concepts regarding the nature and dynamacy of the universe as a system.

ES 539.  SOIL SCIENCE AND LABORATORY 4 HRS.  (Prerequisite, ES 110/111, CH 123, GB 100 or GB 140.)  Lectures, laboratory, and field trips covering soil classification, determination of soil physical and chemical properties such as particle size analysis, bulk density, cation exchange capacity, nutrient analysis, and soil conservation.

ES 545. GEOMORPHOLOGY 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, ES 110 and ES 111.) The processes that have shaped Earth's surface are studied with the aid of topographic maps and aerial photographs. The influence that rock type and geologic structure has in producing land forms is stressed.

ES 546. FIELD GEOMORPHOLOGY 2-5 HRS. (Prerequisite, ES 110 and ES 111.) Study of landforms and landscape development in the field. Techniques for description, surveying, mapping, and interpretation of landforms in a natural setting. Practical application of geomorphology to terrain analysis.

ES 551. COMPUTER MAPPING SYSTEMS 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, ES 351.) Theory and use of computer systems for capture, storage, analysis, and plotting of spatial information. Vector and raster geographic information systems, digitizing data, and spatial analysis. Practical applications of computer mapping systems. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week, plus field trips.

ES 555. SMALL-FORMAT AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, ES 351.)Techniques of small-format aerial photography. Acquisition of airphotos with conventional cameras as well as compact digital cameras. Low-altitude, large-scale photography from airplanes, kites and balloons. Handling, scanning, processing, interpretation, enhancement, and display of analog and digital aerial images. Practical field and laboratory exercises. Course is designed for students in the geospatial analysis program.

ES 567 . TOPICS IN EARTH SCIENCE ( *) 1-4 HRS. (Prerequisites, ES 110 and ES 111.) The student may concentrate in an area of the earth sciences for which no regular course is available if there are adequate texts, library holdings, and laboratory resources. Examples of the possible areas of study are: vertebrate paleontology, invertebrate paleontology, crystallography, structural geology, economic geology, ground water geology, environmental geology, optical mineralogy, and geophysics. *The blank will be filled with an appropriate short description on the student's transcript to indicate the subject area studied.

ES 703. SEMINAR IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisites, ES 110 and ES 111, or ES 254, or GE 254.)  The seminar is designed to provide an opportunity for in-depth examination of selected topics of physical geography. It is a geographical analysis of the spatial characteristics of one or more factors that constitute the physical environment. The seminar specifically treats such subjects as climate, soils, landforms, and biogeography.

ES 730. GEOLOGIC TOPICS OF THE GREAT PLAINS 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, ES 110, ES 111, and GO 325.) The unique combination of natural forces both present and prehistoric have made the Great Plains region unlike any other on the North American continent. The extreme diversity of weather elements, the remote location relative to geologic orogenic upheavals, and the long inundation of prehistoric shallow seas sets this part of the continent apart from the rest. Various aspects of the physical distinctiveness of the Great Plains will be examined in this course.

ES 739. RESEARCH PROBLEM IN EARTH SCIENCE 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Junior, senior, or graduate students wishing to work on research problems of special interest in the field of earth science.

ES 747. FIELD STUDIES IN EARTH SCIENCE 1-6 HRS. Designed for teachers K-12, who do not have a strong background in earth science. One credit hour for each week of field/laboratory work. An experience oriented field course for Kansas teachers. The course is designed to help each individual explore his or her geological environment in a field setting. Permission of instructor required to enroll.

ES 767. TOPICS IN EARTH SCIENCE ( *) 1-4 HRS. (Prerequisites, permission of instructor.) The student may concentrate in an area of the earth sciences for which no regular course is available if there are adequate texts, library holdings, and laboratory resources. *The blank will be filled in with an appropriate short description on the student's transcript to indicate the subject area studied. Permission of instructor required to enroll.

ES 769. WORKSHOP IN EARTH SCIENCE 2-6 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Curriculum development in the field of earth science for elementary, junior high, and high school teachers. Lectures, laboratory, and field experience in geology, astronomy, meteorology, and related topics.

ES 771. REMOTE SENSING 4 HRS. (Prerequisite, ES 351.) Remote sensing of the Earth's surface utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum. Techniques of photography, multispectral scanning, and microwave imagery from airplane, satellite, and manned-spacecraft platforms. Image interpretations, practical applications in earth science, and use of remotely sensed data in geographic information systems. Two hours lecture and four hours lab per week plus field trips.

ES 775. ADVANCED IMAGE PROCESSING 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, ES 771 or consent of instructor.) Advanced techniques of image processing and analysis for remotely sensed digital data. Topics include enhancement, spectral analysis, classification, and change detection. Interdisciplinary applications in Earth resources and environmental conditions; practical exercises based on satellite datasets and other forms of remotely sensed data. Course is designed for advanced students in the geospatial analysis program.

ES 875. THESIS M.S. 1-5 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Required for the 30-hour degree, Master of Science in Physical Sciences, with an emphasis in earth science. Research in an approved area of earth science and the preparation of a thesis.

Last Updated October 19, 2007