| MEA 100 | Earth System Science: Exploring the Connections | 4(3-2-0) S |
| Preq: Competence in high school algebra and chemistry | ||
| An introduction to the processes of and linkages among major components of planet Earth. Geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere as dynamic and interdependent systems. Influence of human activity on earth systems. Optional weekend field trip. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 101 | Geology I: Physical | 3(3-0-0) F,S,Sum |
| Coreq: Recommended that MEA 110 be taken concurrently | ||
| Systematic consideration of processes operating on and below the earth's surface and the resulting features of landscape, earth structures, and earth materials. Occurrences and utilization of the earth's physical resources. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 110 | Geology I Laboratory | 1(0-3-0) F,S,Sum |
| Coreq: MEA 101 | ||
| Scientific methodology applied to the study of common rock-forming minerals, common rocks, topographic maps, geologic structures and geological maps. Field trips. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 120 | The Dinosaurian World | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Evolution and ecology of dinosaurs related to broader features of Earth history, including plate tectonics, paleoclimatology, mass extinction and the long-term effects of natural selection. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 121 | The Dinosaurian World Lab | 1(0-3-0) F |
| Coreq: MEA 120 | ||
| Companion to lecture course on "The Dinosaurian World." Adaptive significance of osteological characteristics, ecological correlates of body weight and physical environmental variables, and concepts relating to natural selection, fitness, biodiversity and changes in the planetary environment on various time scales. Discussion, specimen demonstrations and problem solving. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 130 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3(3-0-0) F,S |
| Preq: For Non-Majors | ||
| Explores the structure, physical causes, and climatology of weather systems including the jet streams, mid-latitude cyclones, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. Clouds and precipitation, air pollution, climate modification, optical effects (rainbows, halos) and weather instruments. Weather systems and forecasting techniques are illustrated through daily weather map discussions. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 135 | Introduction to Weather and Climate Laboratory | 1(0-2-0) F,S |
| Coreq: MEA 130 | ||
| Experiments include effects of air pressure change on temperature and density (gas law); measurement of atmospheric moisture; formation of clouds and hail; effects of variable solar heating. Graphical display and interpretation of data; weather instruments and observations; weather map analysis; forecasting principles. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 140 | Natural Hazards and Global Change | 3(3-0-0) |
| The science of natural hazards and global change: the impact on human civilization of events in the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, red tides, and floods), and the impact of humans on the global environment (e.g., global warming). | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 150 | Environmental Issues in Water Resources | 4(3-3-0) F |
| The science of current environmental concerns, particularly those related to water resources. Major topics include weather and climate, natural resource cycles, resource depletion and contamination, societal impacts. Scientific aspects of environmental issues. Required field trips. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 200 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) F,S |
| Preq: High school physics, chemistry, algebra, trigonometry and biology | ||
| The ocean as a part of our environment including interactions between atmosphere and ocean, ocean circulation, physical and chemical properties of sea water, marine geology and marine biology. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 202 | Geology II: Historical | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 101 | ||
| Coreq: Recommended that MEA 211 be taken concurrently | ||
| The second semester of the basic introductory sequence in geology. Utilization of the principles of geology to reconstruct and understand the earth's history. Geologic events that cause modification of the earth's crust, emphasizing North America. History of life and the environmental significance of changes in animal and plant life through geologic time. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 210 | Oceanography Lab | 1(0-3-0) F,S |
| Coreq: MEA 200 | ||
| Complements the lecture course in Oceanography. Numerous demonstrations and resource materials visualize basic oceanographic concepts such as geological processes operating in the marine realm, the chemical properties of seawater, oceanic circulation, tides and waves, as well as processes affecting the biology of the oceans. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 211 | Geology II Laboratory | 1(0-2-0) |
| Coreq: MEA 202 | ||
| Reconstruction and interpretation of events in the history of the earth. Interpretation of sedimentary rocks, construction and interpretation of geological maps, identification of fossil organisms and utilization of fossils in the reconstruction of earth history. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 213 | Fundamentals of Meteorology | 2(1-2-0) F |
| Coreq: MA 141 | ||
| Introduction to the discipline of and opportunities in meteorology, atmospheric vertical structure, motion, and pressure systems, jet streams; global circulation; air masses and fronts; mid-latitude cyclone structure and evolution. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 214 | Fundamentals of Meteorology II | 2(1-2-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 213 | ||
| Introduction to moisture variables, adiabatic processes, thermodynamic diagrams, stability, clouds and precipitation, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, air pollution, global climate change, ozone hole. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA (ZO) 220 | Marine Biology | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 200 or BIO 181 | ||
| Introduction to marine plants and animals, their adaptations to life in the sea and ecological interactions in selected marine environments (e.g. coral reefs, deep sea, salt marshes). Interactions of man with the sea: food from the seas, biology of diving. Optional trip. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 250 | Introduction to Coastal Environments | 3(3-0-0) |
| Preq: MEA 200/210 or MEA 101/110 | ||
| A global survey of coastal habitats, the processes that shape these dynamic environments, and the physicochemical controls that regulate their indigenous biological communities. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 251 | Introduction to Coastal Environments Laboratory | 1(0-2-0) |
| Coreq: MEA 250 | ||
| Complements the lecture course Introduction to Coastal Environments (MEA 250). Experiments involving the physical, chemical and biological processes that shape a variety of coastal environments. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 268 | Marine Paleontology | 4(3-2-0) F |
| Preq: BIO 181, MEA 102 | ||
| Evolution of marine life traced through geologic time, accenting the functional significance of adaptations and the history of marine escosystems. Required field trips. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 300 | Environmental Geology | 4(3-3-0) |
| Preq: MEA 101 or MEA 150 or MEA 140 or SSC 200 | ||
| Geologic aspects of the environment. Effects of humans upon or interactions with geologic processes. Geologic considerations in land use planning, waste disposal, water resources, and natural resources. A field and lab oriented course with combined lecture/laboratory. Inquiry-based learning approach to study the basic processes of environmental geology and develop research skills. Required field trips. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 311 | The Global Atmosphere | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: PY 205 or 211 & MA 141 | ||
| Coreq: MEA 213 & 313 | ||
| Physical basis for weather and climate. Regional and global climate change; earth-sun relationships; solar energy incident to and modified by the atmosphere; terrestrial radiation; transports of heat and water vapor; surface and global energy balance; general circulation of the atmosphere; climate classification. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 312 | Atmospheric Thermodynamics | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: PY 208; MEA 311 | ||
| Coreq: MA 241, MEA 214 & 314 | ||
| Atmospheric thermodynamics: equation of state for mixture of gases; first and second laws of thermodynamics; diabatic and adiabatic processes for dry and moist air; measurement and phase changes of water vapor. Atmospheric statics: static stabilityof moist air; vertical acceleration. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 313 | Weather Measurements and Analysis I | 1(0-3-0) F |
| Coreq: MEA 213 & 311 | ||
| A laboratory course supplementing material in MEA 311. Solar and terrestrial radiation; atmospheric attenuation; surface energy balance; general circulation and transport of heat and water vapor; climate classification. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 314 | Weather Measurements and Analysis II | 1(0-3-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 311 | ||
| Coreq: MEA 214 & 312 | ||
| A laboratory course supplementing material in MEA 312. Meteorological data fields and their mathematical expression; objective analysis; measurement and calculation of moisture variables: moist and dry adiabatic processes; static stability; effects of radiation and vertical motion; vertical cross sections. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA (ET) 320 | Fundamentals of Air Pollution | 4(3-3-0) S |
| Preq: MA 121 or MA 131 or MA 141, CH 201, PY 131 or PY 201 or PY 205 or PY 211 | ||
| Air pollution sources, and the influence of natural and anthropoganic processes on the atmosphere. Roles of local, state and federal governments in air pollution control and importance of the Clean Air Act and it amendments. Techniques for measurement of atmosphere pollutant concentrations and determination of local and regional air quality. Required field trips may extend beyond class time. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA (CH) 323 | Earth System Chemistry | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: CH 201 | ||
| Coreq: BIO 181 or any MEA course | ||
| Chemistry of the earth with an emphasis on the interactions of the biosphere, geosphere and atmosphere. The origin and chemical evolution of the solar system, chemical cycles in the environment, and the impact of man on biogeochemical processes. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 369 | Terrestrial Paleontology | 4(3-2-0) S, Alt yrs(odd) |
| Preq: BIO 181, MEA 102 | ||
| Evolution of terrestrial life traced through geologic time, accenting the functional significance of adaptations and the history of terrestrial ecosystems. Required field trips. | ||
| MEA 384 | Paleoecology | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs(odd) |
| Preq: MEA 268 and MEA 369 | ||
| Methodologies in paleoecology. Effects of preservational bias, interpretations of the dynamics of ancient communities, and comparisons with living communities. Required field trips. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 400 | Earth Systems Simulation Modeling | 4(3-3-0) S |
| Preq: Senior standing ES,NR,MEA Majors | ||
| Conceptual ecosystems modeling, dynamics, parameterization, boundary conditions, data integration, validation, interactions between sub-systems, and anthropogenic-coupling. Construction of simulation models using programmable blocks for quantitative simulations. Develop modeling skills and illustrate simulations of science and management questions through focus on a watershed-river-coastal system (Neuse River-Pamlico Sound) | ||
| MEA 405 | Climatological Data Analysis | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 311 and ST 380 | ||
| Probability and statistics applied to climatology and meteorology. Discrete and continuous probability distributions of meteorological variables examined. Regression analysis applied to weather forecasting. Forecast verification. Smoothing and filtering processes. Introduction to time series analysis. Elementary decision theory. | ||
| MEA 410 | Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology | 4(3-3-0) F |
| Preq: MEA 101, CH 101/102 | ||
| Introduction to the fundamentals of mineralogy, optical mineralogy, and igneous and metamorphic petrology. Description and identification of minerals, using physical properties and geological associations. Optical properties of non-opaque rock-forming minerals, emphasizing petrographic thin sections. Introduction to igneous and metamorphic environments and rocks. Description and classification of common crystalline rocks. Required overnight field trips; additional expenses required. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 411 | Marine Sediment Transport | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: MEA 101 or MEA 200, MA 241, PY 201 or PY 205 | ||
| Quantitative study of sediment transport in the marine environment including an introduction to fluid mechanics and sediment transport theory. Discussion of the processes and products of sediment transport in specific marine environments from estuaries to the deep sea and interpretation of sediment transport processes from sedimentary structures. Credit not allowed for both MEA 411 and MEA 562 | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 412 | Atmospheric Physics | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MA 242, PY 208 | ||
| Physical and analytical descriptions of atmospheric aerosols, clouds/fogs, and precipitation processes; size distribution and sources of atmospheric aerosols; impact of aerosols on visibility and climate; microstructure of warm and cold clouds and their interaction with solar and terrestrial radiation; collision-coalescence and ice phase mechanisms of precipitation formation; atmospheric electricity; planned and inadvertent weather modification; weather radar; atmospheric optics. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 415 | Geology of Economic Mineral Deposits | 3(2-3-0) S,Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 410, MEA 440 and 450 recommended | ||
| The nature, geologic setting and geographic distribution of economic mineral deposits. Topics include both metallic and industrial minerals and the various geologic processes that work to produce them. Laboratory work with economic mineral suites from famous mining districts of the world. Two to three weekend field trips required. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 417 | Geology of Fossil Fuel Deposits | 3(3-0-0) |
| Preq: MEA 410 or MEA 450, MEA 451, PY 211 or PY 205 | ||
| Introduction to applications of geological and geophysical principles in the exploration, evaluation and exploitation of the earth's fossil energy resources. | ||
| MEA 421 | Atmospheric Dynamics I | 3(3-1-0) F |
| Preq: MA 242, PY 208, MEA 312, MEA 314 | ||
| Meteorological applications of fluid kinematics: divergence, vorticity, deformation, advection, mass continuity and vertical motion. Atmospheric dynamics: the equation of motion on a rotating earth; component equations in Cartesian, polar-sphericaland pressure coordinates. Scale analysis and simplifications. Cases of horizontal flow: geostrophic and gradient wind, ageostrophy and acceleration; thermal wind and vorticity. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 422 | Atmospheric Dynamics II | 3(3-1-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 421 | ||
| Vorticity and potential vorticity equations; dynamics of synoptic-scale motions; quasi-geostrophic theory; atmospheric waves including shallow water, internal gravity, inertia-gravity, and Rossby waves; finite difference methods; numerical weather prediction; atmospheric instabilities including static, Kelvin-Helmholtz, inertial, symmetric, barotropic, and baroclinic instabilities. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 430 | Scientific Concepts and Global Problems | 3(3-0-0) F,S |
| Preq: Sophomore standing | ||
| Major problems facing human population caused by conflict between its growth, its consumption and the earth's finite environment. Focus on scientific concepts and dynamics governing these problems, their interrelationships, their causes, and their consequences. Participatory learning through group discussions and student-initiated research. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 433 | Forensic Geology | 4(3-2-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 101 | ||
| Application of geology to crime investigation, ranging from violent crime to fraud and liability in property management. Role of a geologist as expert witness. Application of analytical techniques, e.g., petrographic microscopy, trace-element analysis, remote sensing, digital mapping, and image analysis. Tour of the SBI lab and a certified gemology lab. Identification of art fraud by pigment analysis and a corresponding tour of the NC Museum of Art. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA (CE) 435 | Engineering Geology | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 101 and Junior standing in Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Engineering, Natural Resources, Physical and Mathematical Sciences or Textiles | ||
| Application of both geology and geotechnical engineering to engineering projects. Illustrations of relevant materials properties and techniques utilized in describing subsurface conditions. | ||
| MEA 440 | Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology | 4(3-3-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 410 | ||
| The study of rocks formed by the crystallization of magmas (igneous) and by the recrystallization of existing rocks (metamorphic), with emphasis on whole-rock and mineral compositions, classification, petrography, hand-sample and thin-section identification, and the rock origins in terms of magma genesis and emplacement and tectonics. Field trips are required. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 443 | Weather Analysis and Forecasting I | 4(1-3-2) F |
| Preq: MEA 421 | ||
| Analysis and forecasting of mid-latitude weather systems with emphasis on simplified models and methods. Barotropic model, Rossby waves; baroclinic structure, upper-level wave evolution, forecasting; surface cyclone evolution, Sutcliffe-Petterssen model. Numerical computation methods; numerical weather prediction and operational models, subjective and objective analysis of meteorological fields. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 444 | Weather Analysis and Forecasting II | 4(3-3-1) S |
| Preq: MEA 443 | ||
| Analysis and forecasting of mid-latitude weather systems with emphasis on simplified models and methods. Barotropic model, Rossby waves, baroclinic structure, upper-level wave evolution, forecasting; surface cyclone evolution, Sutcliffe-Petterssen model. Numerical computation methods, numerical weather prediction and operational models, subjective and objective analysis of meteorological fields. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA (ZO) 449 | Principles of Biological Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: BIO 181 | ||
| Biological productivity and trophic relationships in plankton, nekton and benthos; community ecology of selected habitats (estuaries, intertidal zones, coral reefs, deep sea); and adaptation of organisms to the marine environment. Credit is not allowed for both MEA(ZO)449 and MEA(ZO)549 | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | ||
| MEA 450 | Introductory Sedimentary Petrology/Stratigraphy | 4(3-3-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 410 | ||
| Properties, classification, geologic occurrences, and origin of minerals and rocks formed by physical, chemical, and biologic processes at and near the earth's surface. Principles of division of stratified terrains into natural units, correlation of strata, interpretation of depositional environments and facies. Required field trips. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 451 | Structural Geology | 4(3-3-0) F |
| Preq: MEA 410 | ||
| Basic principles of geometric, kinematic and dynamic analysis as applied to fractures, shear zones, folds, and fabrics of deformed rock bodies. Considers both brittle and ductile realms of the crust from microscale to regional tectonics. Required overnight field trips. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 454 | Marine Physical-Biological Interactions | 3(3-0-0) S(Alt. yrs, even) |
| Preq: MEA 460 and MEA/ZO 449 | ||
| Space-time relationships between physics and biology; influence of Reynolds Number on aquatic life style; aspects of physical and biological mathematical modeling; influence of biology on physical phenomena; influence of static physical/chemical properties on biology; influence of dynamic physical phenomena (turbulence, waves and advection) on biology within the water column and its boundaries. Credit is not allowed for both MEA454 and 554 | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | ||
| MEA 455 | Micrometeorology | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: MEA 422 or MAE 308 | ||
| Energy budget near the earth's surface; soil temperatures and heat transfer; air temperature, humidity, and wind distribution in the planetary boundary layer; fundamentals of viscous flows and turbulence; semiempirical theories of turbulence; exchanges of momentum, heat and moisture in the atmospheric surface layer; air modification due to changes in surface properties; agricultural and forest micrometeorology. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 459 | Field Investigation of Coastal Processes | 5(3-5-0) |
| Preq: MEA 250 and MEA 251 | ||
| Coastal zone processes and dynamics with emphasis on the forcing factors that regulate changing coastal landforms, the ecology and physicochemical character of coastal ocean water-masses, seabed morphologies, landscape academes, etc. Field observations and field techniques will be emphasized in tidal-freshwater coastal wetlands, estuaries, barrier island, tidal inlets, continental shelves and shelf-margin habitats. Additional feeds required. | ||
| MEA 460 | Principles of Physical Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: MA 242 | ||
| Coreq: PY 203 or PY 208 | ||
| Introduction to principles and practices of physical oceanography. Equation of state of seawater; energy transfer to the ocean by thermal, radiative and mechanical processes; the heat budget; oceanic density distribution; oceanic boundary conditions; conservations equation; air-sea interaction; global fluxes and general description of major ocean currents. Credit is not allowed for both MEA 460 and MEA 540 | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 461 | Undergraduate Cruise Experience | 1(1-0-0) F,S |
| Coreq: MEA 200 or MEA 220 | ||
| Broad exposure to planning and execution of oceanographic research operations, including demonstration of techniques and equipment regularly used aboard ships and familiarization with acquisition and processing of oceanographic data via preparation for and participation in a demonstration cruise under the guidance of NCSU oceanography faculty members. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 462 | Observational Methods and Data Analysis in Marine Physics | 3(2-2-0) |
| Preq: MEA 460 | ||
| Practical experience in the observational techniques used by physical oceanographers. Basic instrumentation described, emphasizing principles rather than detailed descriptions. Both direct and indirect techniques used to define the three-dimensionalcirculation of the ocean as a function of time. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA (PY) 463 | Fluid Physics | 3(3-1-0) |
| Preq: MA 341 and PY 208 | ||
| Derivation of the basic equations governing fluid motion in a rotating coordinate system. Equations include conservation of mass or the continuity equation, the momentum equations, the thermodynamic energy equation, and the vorticity equation. Application to simplified oceanic flows which include surface gravity waves, inertial motion, geostrophic motion, Ekman dynamics, and vorticity dynamics. Credit is not allowed for both MEA 463 and MEA 700 | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 464 | Ocean Circulation Systems | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: PY(MEA) 463 | ||
| Dynamical processes governing ocean circulation. Driving of ocean currents by the atmosphere, currents on a rotating spherical earth. Mid-ocean gyre, western boundary currents, equatorial current systems, and polar circulation. Currents in coastal regions and shallow-water processes. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 465 | Geologic Field Camp I | Sum |
| Preq: MEA 440, MEA 450, MEA 451 | ||
| Coreq: MEA 465 and MEA 466 | ||
| Geological field instruments and techniques. Geological field mapping of various geologic structures and terrains within areas of little deformed sedimentary strata. Additional fees required. First part of six weeks out-of-state summer field camp. | ||
| MEA 467 | Marine Meteorology | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 422 or MEA 460 | ||
| Basic equation and concepts. Review of ocean and atmospheric circulations. Ocean mixed layer, air-sea interaction and coastal ocean and meteorological processes, marine boundary layer and cloud processes. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 468 | Invertebrate Paleontology and Biostratigraphy | 4(3-3-0) F |
| Preq: MEA 102 and MEA 111, or ZO 402 | ||
| Study of fossil invertebrates and their applications to problems and concepts of paleoecology, correlation of strata, evolution and broader concepts of earth history. Required field trips. | ||
| MEA 469 | Ecology of coastal Resources | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 250, MEA 220 | ||
| Anthropogenic impacts on estuarine and coastal marine ecosystems. Survey of basic biological, physical, chemical and geological mechanisms underlying habitat-specific functioning, followed by discussion, in-class presentation, and critique of real and hypothetical case studies involving anthropogenic impacts. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 470 | Introduction to Geophysics | 3(3-0-0) S,(ALT) |
| Preq: PY 208 or 212 | ||
| Structure of the earth, a dynamic and evolving entity, as inferred from seismology, gravity, magnetism and heat flow. Geodynamic processes responsible for continental drift; plate tectonic theory; regional geophysics of selected areas. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 471 | Exploration and Engineering Geophysics | 3(3-0-0) S,(ALT) |
| Preq: PY 208 | ||
| Geophysical methods applied to exploring the earth's shallow sub-surface. Principles of gravity, magnetic, electrical, and seismic exploration surveys. Planning, conducting, and interpreting geophysical surveys. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | ||
| MEA (CH) 473 | Principles of Chemical Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: CH 201 | ||
| Chemical processes controlling the composition of oceans, including discussions of chemical equilibria, biological cycling of nutrients and use of chemical tracers in marine environment; consideration of origin and chemical history of oceans. Creditis not allowed for both MEA 473 and MEA 573 | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA (CE) 479 | Air Quality | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: CE 373,CE 382; or CHE 311(CHE Majors); or MEA 421 (MEA Majors) | ||
| Coreq: ST 370 ; ST 380 (MEA Majors) | ||
| Introduction to: risk assessment, health effects, and regulation of air pollutants; air pollution statistics; estimation of emissions; air quality meteorology; dispersion modeling for non-reactive pollutants; chemistry and models for tropospheric ozone formation; aqueous-phase chemistry, including the "acid rain: problem; integrated assessment of air quality problems; and the fundamentals and practical aspects of commonly used air quality models. Credit is allowed only for one of CE/MEA 479 or CE/MEA 579 | ||
| MEA 481 | Principles of Geomorphology | 3(2-2-0) |
| Preq: MEA 101 and MEA 110 | ||
| Landforms and the processes responsible for their origin. Emphasis on the geologic principles involved in interpreting the origin and evolution of various landforms, and discussion of North American geomorphic process. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 485 | Introduction to Hydrogeology | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt.Yr.(Even) |
| Preq: MEA 101, MA 242, CH 201, and PY 201, PY 205, or PY 211 | ||
| Basic science of groundwater flow in geological media. Saturated and unsaturated flow, Darcy's equation, heterogeneity and anisotrophy, flownets, storage properties of geological materials, effective stress, equations for steady and unsteady flow, recharge, groundwater exchange with surface water, groundwater flow to pumping wells, estimation of hydraulic properties of aquifers, contaminant plumes and chemical transport in groundwater. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | ||
| MEA 491 | Seminar on Selected Geologic Topics | 2(2-0-0) F |
| Preq: Senior standing in GYS, GYA, or GPY | ||
| Study and discussion of selected topics from the geological literature. Preparation of a major library research paper. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 493 | Special Topics in MEAS | 1-6 F,S |
| Preq: Departmental approval required | ||
| Directed individual study or experimental course offering. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 495 | Senior Seminar in the Marine Sciences | 1(1-0-0) F |
| Discussions of selected topics from the marine literature. Marine scientists from the public and private sectors introduce students to career options. Strategies for finding jobs and graduate programs are presented. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 498 | Internship in MEAS | 1-6 F,S,Sum |
| Awards academic credit for learning that occurs during internships. Requires daily journal and written summary report. Successful completion of the course based on review of summary report by an MEAS faculty, who shall be identified by the studentprior to the internship. Transportation expenses may be incurred. MEAS majors only. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 510 | Air Pollution Meteorology | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MAE 308 or MEA 455 or MEA 700 | ||
| Wind structure in atmospheric surface layer and planetary boundary layer; temperature structure and stability; mixed layer and inversions; turbulence intensity and scale; meteorological factors affecting dispersion of pollutants; diffusion theories and models; diffusion and transport experiments; plume rise, fumigation and trapping; removal processes; effects of buildings and hills; effects of local winds. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | ||
| MEA 512 | Satellite Meteorology | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MA 241 | ||
| Coreq: MEA 443 | ||
| Basic background in satellite orbits, coordinate systems and image navigation; description of sensors and techniques for quantitative measurement of atmospheric variables. Applications of satellite data in analysis of weather systems; evolution of convective systems, tropical disturbances and mid-latitude cyclones as revealed by visible and infrared imagery; current research in satellite applications. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 513 | Radar Meteorology | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 412, MEA 422, CSC 112, ST 380 | ||
| Principles of radar operations and analysis. Application of radar to observing stormy and clear weather. Conventional weather radar; Doppler, polarimetric and wind profiling radars. Precipitation estimation, hydrometeor identification, air motion analysis using radar. Practical radar imagery interpretation using computer-based learning and case studies. Radar observations and analyses of thunderstorms, mesocylones, tornadoes, fronts, hurricanes, boundary layer phenomena. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 514 | Advanced Physical Meteorology | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: MEA 412, MEA 421 | ||
| Fundamental laws and concepts of thermodynamics and electromagnetic radiative transfer considered in an atmospheric context. Application of these principles to a number of meteorological problems, including radiative climate models, the global energy balance, atmospheric aerosols, lidar/radar backscatter and remotely sensed temperature fields. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 540 | Principles of Physical Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MA 231 and PY 212 | ||
| Introduction to principles and practice of physical oceanography. The equation of state of seawater; energy transfer to the ocean by thermal, radiative and mechanical processes; the heat budget; oceanic boundary conditions; geographical distributionof oceanic properties; observational methods; conservation equations; simple waves and tides; physical oceanography of North Carolina coastal zone. Application of Fourier analysis techniques to interpretation of low-frequency motions in ocean and atmosphere. Review of Fourier method. Filtering of tidal signals. Spectral estimates and calculation of current ellipses. Identification of coherent motions and their empirical orthogonal modes. Data from field experiments used in lectures and homeworkassignments. Credit is not allowed for both MEA 460 and MEA 540 | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA (ZO) 549 | Principles of Biological Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: BIO 181 | ||
| Environmental dependencies, biological productivity, and trophic relationships in plankton, nekton and benthos; Sampling methods and experimental design; Human impacts on marine systems. Credit is not allowed for moth MEA 449 and MEA(ZO)549. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | ||
| MEA 554 | Marine Physical-Biological Interactions | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt. yrs. (even) |
| Preq: MEA 460/560 and MEA 449 or MEA(ZO) 549 | ||
| Space-time relationships between physics and biology; influence of Reynolds Number on aquatic life style; aspects of physical and biological mathematical modeling; influence of biology on physical phenomena; influence of static physical/chemical properties on biology; influence of dynamic physical phenomena (turbulence, waves and advection) on biology within the water column and its boundary. Credit is not allowed for both MEA 454 and 554 | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | ||
| MEA 560 | Chemical Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: CH 201 | ||
| Chemical processes controlling the composition of oceans, including discussions of chemical equilibria, biological cycling of nutrients and use of chemical tracers in marine environment; consideration of origin and chemical history of oceans. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 562 | Marine Sediment Transport | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: MEA 101 or MEA 200, MA 241, PY 201 or PY 205 | ||
| Quantitative study of sediment transportation in the marine environment including introduction to fluid mechanics and sediment transportation theory. Processes and products of sediment transportation in specific marine environments from estuaries todeep sea and the interpretation of sediment transport processes from sedimentary structures. Credit not allowed for both MEA 411 and MEA 562 | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 570 | Geological Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) F |
| A comprehensive overview of the geological aspects of oceanography. Topics include: a) marine geophysics and the evolution of ocean basins, b) sedimentological processes and the formation of marine deposits, c) marine geochemistry and authigenic sedimentation, d) paleoceanography and the interpretation of marine stratigraphy. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 572 | Paleontological Methods | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 120, MEA 202, MEA 384 is recommended. | ||
| Multiple cross disciplinary methods used to interpret the fossil record; factors confounding interpretation, such as a diagenetic alteration and bias in the fossil record; requires the development of critical reading skills pertaining to pertinent published literature. Individual research projects are required of graduate students taking this class. Students must provide own transportation for field trips. Non-MEA Graduate students by permission of the instructors. Credit will not be allowed for MEA 472 and MEA 572. | ||
| MEA 573 | Principles of Chemical Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: CH 201 | ||
| Chemical processes controlling the composition of oceans, including discussions of chemical equilibria, biological cycling of nutrients and use of chemical tracers in marine environment; consideration of origin and chemical history of oceans. Creditis not allowed for both MEA 473 and MEA 573 | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 574 | Advanced Igneous Petrology | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 440 | ||
| Physicochemical principles related to igneous petrogenesis. General principles and specific problems including origin, differentiation and emplacement of magmas and the possible relationships of igneous processes to global tectonics. | ||
| MEA 575 | Advanced Metamorphic Petrology | 3(2-2-0) Alt Spring |
| Preq: MEA 440 | ||
| Petrogenesis of metamorphic rocks including conditions of metamorphism, metamorphic facies and facies series, the petrogenetic grid, contact and regional metamorphism, metamorphism and plate tectonics. Heterogeneous chemical equilibrium and application of Gibbs Phase Rule to metamorphic rocks. Thermodynamically valid algebraic and graphical analysis of equilibrium mineral assemblages. Chemical zoning. Petrographic studies of selected metamorphic suites. | ||
| MEA 576 | Applied Sedimentary Analysis | 3(3-1-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 450, ST 361 | ||
| Extension of MEA 450, with emphasis on coarser grained clastic sedimentary rocks. Sampling of sedimentary population, critical study of assumptions underlying standard measurement techniques; treatment, testing and evaluation of sedimentary data; application to problems in sedimentology. | ||
| MEA 577 | Electron Microprobe Analysis of Geologic Material | 2(2-1-0) F, Alt Yrs (Even) |
| Preq: MEA 410 | ||
| Theory of quantitative analysis of geologic material by electron beam application; laboratory operation of electron microprobe to acquire chemical composition and x-ray images of geologic material. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | ||
| MEA 578 | Depositional Environments and Lithostratigraphy | 3(2-3-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 450 or Graduate standing | ||
| Fabric of large sedimentary basins in terms of spatial distribution of component major rock facies; current litho-genetic models based upon comparison with recent equivalents; field trips. | ||
| MEA 579 | Principles of Air Quality Engineering | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: CE 373,CE 382; or CHE 311(CHE Majors); or MEA 421(MEA Majors) | ||
| Coreq: ST 370; ST 380(MEA Majors) | ||
| Introduction to: risk assessment, health effects, and regulation of air pollutants; air pollution statistics; estimation of emissions; air quality meteorology; dispersion modeling for non-reactive pollutants; chemistry and models for tropospheric ozone formation; aqueous-phase chemistry, including the "acid rain" problem; integrated assessment of air quality problems; and the fundamentals and practical aspects of commonly used air quality models. Credit is allowed only for one of CE/MEA 479 or CE/MEA 579 | ||
| MEA 585 | Physical Hydrogeology | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 101, MEA 110, MA 241, and PY 201 or PY 205 | ||
| Physical aspects of groundwater flow in geological media. Saturated and unsaturated flow, Darcy's equation, heterogeneity and anisotropy, storage properties of geological materials, effective stress, governing equations for steady and unsteady flow, recharge, groundwater exchange with surface water, groundwater flow to well,s estimation of hydraulic properties of aquifers. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 591 | Special Topics in Marine Science | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Opportunity for advanced undergraduate and graduate students to study timely special problem areas in Marine Science and Engineering | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 592 | Special Topics in Earth Sciences | 1-6 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Special topics in earth sciences, provided to groups or to individuals. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 593 | Special Topics in Atmospheric Science | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Special topics in atmospheric science, provided to groups or to individuals. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 599 | Regional Geology of North America | 1-6 F, S |
| Preq: MEA 101 or MEA 120, Senior standing | ||
| Field study of classic geologic localities and geomorphic processes not indigenous to North Carolina. Typical areas: New England and adjacent Canada, northern Mexico and southwestern United States and Pacific Northwest. Representative subjects include Canadian Shield, Precambrian mineral deposits, San Andreas fault, desert geomorphology, Grand Canyon stratigraphy, modern and ancient reefs and glaciated volcanoes. Mineral, rock and fossil collecting. Required student reports. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | ||
| MEA 601 | Seminar | 1(1-0-0) F, S |
| Preq: Graduate standing | ||
| Presentation by each student of one seminar on his/her current research. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 611 | Special Topics in Marine Sciences | 1-6 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Special topics in earth sciences, provided to groups or to individuals. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 612 | Special Topics in Earth Sciences | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Special topics in atmospheric science, provided to groups or to individuals. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 613 | Special Topics Atmospheric Sciences | 1-6 F,S |
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 615 | Graduate At-Sea Laboratory | 1(1-1-0) F |
| Coreq: 500 level Oceanography Course | ||
| Specialized experience in planning and execution of oceanographic research operations, including practice with techniques and equipment regularly used aboard ships and familiarization with acquistition and processing of oceanographic data via preparations for and participation in a research cruise under the guidance of NCSU faculty members. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 685 | Master's Supervised Teaching | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Master's student | ||
| Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment. | ||
| MEA 688 | Non-Thesis Masters Continuous Registration - Half Time Registration | 1(1-0-0) F,S,Sum |
| Preq: Master's student | ||
| For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain half-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master's exam, etc. | ||
| MEA 689 | Non-Thesis Master Continuous Registration - Full Time Registration | 3(3-0-0) F,S,Sum |
| Preq: Master's student | ||
| For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain full-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master's exam, etc. Students may register for this course a maximum of one semester. | ||
| MEA 690 | Master's Examination | 1-6 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Master's student | ||
| For students in non thesis master's programs who have completed all other requirements of the degree except preparing for and taking the final master's exam. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg | ||
| MEA 693 | Master's Supervised Research | 1-9 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Master's student | ||
| Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg | ||
| MEA 695 | Master's Thesis Research | 1-9 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Master's Student | ||
| Thesis Research | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg | ||
| MEA 696 | Summer Thesis Research | 1(1-0-0) Sum |
| Preq: Master's student | ||
| For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research. | ||
| Course Offerings: sum1 | ||
| MEA 699 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Master's student | ||
| For students who have completed all credit hour requirements and full-time enrollment for the master's degree and are writing and defending their thesis. Credits Arranged | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg | ||
| MEA 700 | Environmental Fluid Mechanics | 3(3-1-0) F |
| Preq: MA 241, PY 208 | ||
| Basic concepts and laws governing motion of atmosphere and oceans developed from first principles, including approximations valid for environmental flows, kinematics, dynamics and thermodynamics of fluid flows as well as introduction to environmental turbulence. Credit is not allowed for both MEA 463 and MEA 700 | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | ||
| MEA 702 | Advanced Cloud and Precipitation Physics | 3(3-0-0) F Alt Yrs |
| Preq: MEA 421 or MEA 412 | ||
| Analysis of microstructure of warm and cold clouds and precipitation, cloud microphysics-dynamics interactions, formation of cloud droplets, growth of cloud droplets by condensation, initiation of rain in nonfreezing clouds, formation and growth of ice crystals, precipitation theories, planned and inadvertent weather modification, and the problem of acid rain. | ||
| MEA 703 | Atmospheric Aerosols | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: CH 201 and PY 205 or 211 | ||
| Coreq: MEA 412 | ||
| An understanding of aerosols as primary air pollutants, indoor versus outdoor pollution, transformation processes, prediction of atmospheric concentrations, scavenging of aerosols, transport of air pollutants on a regional scale, discussion of national experiments to characterize and study impact of urban-industrial pollution, tropospheric aerosol and weather, stratospheric aerosol, effect of aerosols on atmospheric warming and cooling and air-quality models. | ||
| MEA 705 | Dynamic Meteorology | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: MEA 422 | ||
| Brief review of classical and physical hydrodynamics; scale analysis of dynamic equations; atmospheric instabilities; dynamics of tropical convections; perturbation theory and approximations for atmospheric wave motions. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 706 | Meterology of the Biosphere | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: PY 205 or 211; CH 201; MA 101 or 111 | ||
| For graduate students in the life sciences, presenting physical principles governing the states and processes of atmosphere in contact with earth's surface of land, water and life. Exchanges of heat, mass and momentum analyzed for various conditionsof atmosphere and surface and as function of season, time and geographic location. | ||
| MEA 707 | Planetary Boundary Layer | 3(3-0-0) F, S Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 455 or MEA 721 | ||
| Review of basic equations and concepts of planetary boundary layers. The closure problem and semi-empirical theories of turbulence, buoyancy effects on mean flow and turbulence, instrumentation and observational platforms for PBL experiments, observed characteristics of atmospheric boundary layers, numerical and physical modeling of PBL and its parameterization in large-scale atmospheric circulation models. | ||
| MEA 708 | Atmospheric Turbulence | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MAE 550 or MEA 700 or MEA 707 | ||
| Statistical description of turbulence, including probability, correlation and spectrum functions. Statistical theory of homogeneous turbulence, spectral dynamics and Kolmogorov's local similarity hypotheses. Effects of shear, thermal stratification and earth's rotation. Observed structure and scales of turbulence in PBL and free atmosphere. Higher-order closure models and large eddy simulations of atmospheric turbulence. | ||
| MEA 710 | Atmospheric Dispersion | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MAE 550 or MEA 700 or MEA 510 | ||
| Lagrangian vs. Eulerian descriptions of turbulence and diffusion. Statistical theories of absolute and relative diffusion from continuous and instantaneous releases. Effects of shear, thermal stratification and earth's rotation on atmospheric dispersion. Lagrangian similarity theories of diffusion in the surface layer and mixed layer. Random walk, Monte Carlo and large eddy simulations of atmospheric dispersion. Urban and regional dispersion models. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 712 | Mesoscale Modeling | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 705 | ||
| Modeling mesoscale weather phenomena including midlatitude cyclones, mesoscale convective complexes and squall lines. Application of finite difference, spectral and implicit methods and coordinate transforms to these problems. Utilization of explicit representations of moist processes. Development of parameterizations of convective clouds, planetary boundary layer and moist processes. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 713 | Mesoscale Dynamics | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 700 and MEA 705 | ||
| Inertia-gravity waves. Mechanical and thermally forced waves. Generation, circulation and maintenance of mesoscale convective storms and systems. Symmetric instability. Wave-CISK, quasi-geostrophic and semi-geostrophic fronts and fronto-genesis. Meso-B/Y frontogenesis. Lee and coastal cyclogenesis. | ||
| MEA 714 | Atmospheric Convection | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs(Odd) |
| Preq: MEA 412, MEA 700, MEA 705 | ||
| Structure, physics and dynamics of convective clouds and cloud systems; fundamental equations for modeling convection; microphysical parameterization schemes; influence of instabilities on convective cloud systems; severe thunderstorms dynamics; tornadogenesis theories; mesoscale convective systems; upscale feedback effects of convection; cumulus parameterization schemes. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 715 | Dynamics of Mesoscale Precipitation System | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs(even) |
| Preq: MEA 444 | ||
| Frontogenesis theory; inertial and conditional symmetric instability; mesoscale gravity waves and wave-CISK; conveyor belts; seeder-feeder processes and precipitation generating cells; classification and dynamics of precipitation band types. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 716 | Numerical Weather Prediction | 3(3-0-0) F, S Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 705, CSC (MA) 427 and some FORTRAN programming experience | ||
| Physical and mathematical basis of numerical weather prediction with computer experiments to demonstrate principles and techniques. Derivation of sets of prediction equations consistent with scale analysis and dynamical constraints; atmospheric waves and filtered equations; numerical methods and computational instabilities; filtered and primitive equation models; NWS operational models. | ||
| MEA 717 | Advanced Weather Analysis | 3(2-2-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 444, MEA 705 | ||
| Evolution of physical and dynamic structure of synoptic and sesoscale storm systems occurring in middle and high latitudes. Recent advances in understanding these storm systems through intensive field experiments and computer modeling. Introduction to contemporary analysis techniques through laboratory exercises shedding light on storm structure, dynamics and scale interaction. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 719 | Climate Modeling | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 705 | ||
| Climate system. Fundamental equations and time scales. Atmosphere, ocean, biosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere subsystems. Computational numerical methods. Physical processes; atmosphere-ocean coupling, role of radiation, clouds and land surface processes. Climate anomalies due to changes in atmospheric composition, boundary conditions and extra-terrestrial forcing. Model validation, climate change detection, past climates and future climate scenarios. | ||
| MEA 720 | Coastal Meteorology | 3(3-0-0) Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 455 | ||
| Importance and complexity of coastal meteorological processes; modification induced by surface inhomogeneities; development of internal boundary layers; thermally induced internal boundary layers; coastal fumigation processes; structure and development of sea and land breezes; analytical and numerical modeling of sea breezes; coastal fronts; storm surges; prediction models for storm surges; cold air outbreaks; baroclinic boundary layer processes near coastal areas. | ||
| MEA 721 | Air-Sea Interaction | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 422 or MEA 560 | ||
| Review of basic equations and concepts of turbulent transfer in geophysical flows, air-sea interaction processes and their importance to man's activities, theory and observation of wind-generated ocean surface waves, turbulent transfers in planetaryboundary layer of marine atmosphere, oceanic mixed layer, development of thermocline and inversion. | ||
| MEA (MAE) 725 | Geophysical Fluid Mechanics | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MAE 701 | ||
| The principles of fluid mechanics applied to geophysical systems. Special emphasis placed on those features of these systems, such as almost rigid rotation and stable stratification, which produce unique and important effects. The effects of almost rigid rotations on homogeneous and stratified flows examined in detail. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | ||
| MEA (MAE) 726 | Advanced Geophysical Fluid Mechanics | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MAE 725 | ||
| Principles of fluid mechanics applied to geophysical systems. Special emphasis on role of stable stratification on the flows in these systems. Detailed study of generation, interaction, propagation and dissipation of internal gravity waves. Studyof other geophysically important flows. | ||
| MEA 735 | Fourier Analysis of Geophysical Data | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MA 341 and ST 511 | ||
| Application of Fourier analysis to interpretation of low-frequency motions in ocean and atmosphere. Review of Fourier method. Filtering of tidal signals. Spectral estimates and calculation of current ellipses. Identification of coherent motions and their empirical orthogonal modes. Data from field experiments used in lectures and homework assignments. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 741 | Synpotic Physical Oceanography | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 560 | ||
| Basic discussion of the techniques and terminology of synoptic physical oceanography; focus on water characteristics and their relationship to currents in the individual oceans; a systematic quantitative description of the character of ocean waters and their movements. | ||
| MEA 742 | Gravity Wave Theory I | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MAE 308, PY 411 or MEA 700 | ||
| Classical gravity wave theory with emphasis on basic mechanics of wave motions, mass transport induced by waves and various conservation laws with their applications in wave study. | ||
| MEA 743 | Ocean Circulation | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: MEA 700 or PY 411 | ||
| Basic study of mechanics of ocean circulation with emphasis on various simple models of circulation systems. | ||
| MEA 744 | Dynamics of Shelf Circulation | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 700 | ||
| Description and models of dynamic processes on the shelf, including seiches and tides in gulfs, propagation of tides and storm surges, wind-induced coastal upwelling, continental shelf waves and coastally trapped waves. Steady circulation driven by winds, river plumes and density forcing, formation of shelf-break fronts; and influence from deep-ocean currents. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | ||
| MEA 745 | The Physical Dynamics Of Estuaries | 3(3-0-0) S Alt Yrs |
| Preq: MA 121 or 212; PY 208 | ||
| Physical/dynamical description of estuaries and estuarine processes occurring as a function of tides, atmospheric forcing, river runoff and topography. Classification schemes; development of salt, heat energy and momentum balances; a discussion of biological modeling and sediment transport processes as a function of physical dynamics; conservative and non-conservative pollution dispersion prediction; and theoretical, mathematical modeling of estuaries, including those in North Carolina. | ||
| MEA (ZO) 750 | Marine Benthic Ecology | 3(3-0-0) F, S |
| Preq: ZO 402, ZO 509 or ZO 760 or MEA(ZO) 550 | ||
| Marine benthic systems in deep sea and in shallow waters, focusing upon abiotic and biotic processes regulating density, diversity and taxonomic and functional composition. Discussions of benthic-pelagic coupling, predation, interspecific competition, biogeography, sampling problems, evolutionary trends, trophic structure and community organization. | ||
| MEA 752 | Marine Plankton Ecology | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: BCH 451 and MA 121 and ZO 419 | ||
| Examination of worldwide relationships between physical-chemical environment and planktonic organisms. Organism descriptions; effects of light, temperature, salinity, density, water motion and chemical constituents on organisms; interactions among different organisms emphasizing competition and predation; community structure, distribution and succession; and mathematics models of distribution, production and interaction. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA (ZO) 754 | Advances in Marine Community Ecology | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: ZO 402 or ZO 760 or MEA(ZO) 750 | ||
| Current research and biological and physical processes structuring shallow and deep water benthic communities. Recent research on competition, predation, disturbance, succession, animal-sediment-flow interactions, life history tactics and experimental design in marine benthic biology. Student discussion of current issues and critique of recent papers. | ||
| MEA (ZO) 756 | Ecology of Fishes | 3(3-0-0) F |
| Preq: BO 360 or ZO 260 or 760 | ||
| Physiological ecology of fishes emphasizing energetics, production and adaptations to aquatic mediums. Ecological classification of fishes and theory of resource partitioning in freshwater, estuarine and marine realms. | ||
| MEA 758 | Laboratory and Field Methods for Investigation Of the Seabed | 3(2-3-0) S, Alt yrs |
| An initial lecture and laboratory phase acquaints the student with the use of advanced techniques and instrumentation for chemical and geological oceanographic investigations. A field project in the coastal waters of North Carolina and then allows application of these tools to a specific marine problem. | ||
| MEA 759 | Organic Geochemistry | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Sources and fates of organic material in the geochemical environment. Microbial transformations of organic compounds. The use of biomarkers to study depositional environments. Petroleum, natural gas and coal formation. Extraterrestrial organic geochemistry. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 760 | Biogeochemistry | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Processes involved in the biogeochemical cycling of C, N, S and related biogenic elements. Stable isotopic and other geochemical signatures of biological processes. Introduction to modeling chemical distributions in sediments. The impact of biogeochemical processes on atmospheric chemistry. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | WolfWare Info | |
| MEA 762 | Marine Geochemistry | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: CH 331, MEA 560 | ||
| Detailed examination of chemical processes occurring in marine environment. Chemical evolution of the oceans, continental and submarine weathering, particle scavenging of reactive elements from water, column, formation of biogenic and metaliiferousdeposits, sediment diagenesis and marine geochronology. | ||
| MEA 763 | Geochemistry | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: CH 331 or 431 | ||
| Quantitative distribution of elements in earth's crust, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Application of laws of chemical equilibrium and resultant chemical reactions to natural earth systems. Geochemical application of Eh-pH diagrams. Geochemical cycles.Isotope geochemistry. | ||
| MEA 764 | Sedimentary Geochemistry | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: CH 331 or CH 431 or MEA 763 | ||
| Application of thermodynamic data to the calculation of reactions in natural waters at or near the earth's surface. Weathering to form clay minerals, precipitation of economic minerals and carbonate sedimentology. | ||
| MEA 767 | Continental Margin Sedimentation | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 510 | ||
| Detailed examination of processes and sedimentation active along continental margins. Examination of specific environments of continental shelf, slope and rise. | ||
| MEA 779 | Advanced Air Quality | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: CH 201 and MEA(CE) 479 | ||
| Local, regional and global scale chemical interactions, transport and behavior of trace gases (sulfur carbon, nitrogen, hydrocarbon, and photo-chemical oxidants) in the atmosphere. covers three primary elements of air quality: anthropogenic and natural emissions of trace gases; interactions of the pollutants in the atmosphere; and monitoring and sampling of gaseous and particulate pollutants. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 785 | Chemical Hydrogeology | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: CH 201, and MEA 585 or CE 584 | ||
| Quantitative analysis of hydrological, geological, and geochemical factors controlling the transport and fate of organic and inorganic chemicals in groundwater. Acid-base, precipitation-dissolution, weathering, redox, complexation, sorption, and gas exchange reactions. Advection, diffusion, and dispersion in porous media, analytical solutions to the advection-dispersion equation. Non-aqueous-phase (organic) liquids. | ||
| MEA 788 | Advanced Structural Geology | 3(2-3-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 451 | ||
| Principles of rock mechanics and their application in solving geologic problems; finite strain analysis of deformed rocks; advanced techniques of structural analysis; petrofabrics; development of various geologic structures. Emphasis upon application of principles and techniques in the field. | ||
| WolfWare Info | ||
| MEA 789 | Topics In Appalachian Geology | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 440, 450 and 451 | ||
| Examination of geology of areas within Appalachian orogenic belt. Lectures, discussions, reading and review of current literature and consideration of ideas concerning geological evolution of region. Required field trips. | ||
| MEA 790 | Geotectonics | 3(3-0-0) F, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 440, 450, 451 | ||
| In-depth examination of current ideas in plate tectonic theory. Plate tectonic controls on orogeny, orogenic belts, magmatism and metallogeny. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | ||
| MEA 791 | Advanced Special Topics in Marine Science | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Opportunity for advanced undergraduate and graduate students to study timely special problem areas in Marine Science and Engineering | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 792 | Advanced Special Topics in Earth Sciences | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Special topics in earth sciences, provided to groups or to individuals. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 793 | Advanced Special Topics in Atmospheric Science | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Special topics in atmospheric science, provided to groups or to individuals. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 794 | Regional Tectonics | 3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs |
| Preq: MEA 440, 450, 451 | ||
| Methods of study of tectonic history of major geologic regions in North America and other areas of world through the application of stratigraphy, petrology and structural geology. Synthesizing regional tectonic patterns and events. | ||
| MEA 795 | Photogeology and Remote Sensing | 3(2-3-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 101 or 120, MEA 481 | ||
| Study and interpretation of aerial photographs and other remotely sensed data for geological information relating to mineral resource exploration and evaluation and geological controls on environmental problems. | ||
| MEA 796 | Exploration And Engineering Geophysics | 3(3-0-0) S |
| Preq: MEA 470 or PY 208 | ||
| Geophysical methods as applies to exploring the earth's mineral and energy resources and to investigating subsurface geological structure and physical properties. Principles, measurements, analyses, and interpretations of gravity, magnetic, electric, electromagnetic, seismic methods. Required research paper. | ||
| Course Offerings: sprg | ||
| MEA 801 | Seminar | 1(1-0-0) F, S |
| Preq: Graduate standing | ||
| Presentation by each student of one seminar on his/her current research. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 810 | Special Topics | 1-3 F,S,Sum |
| MEA 811 | Special Topics in Marine Sciences | 1-6 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Special topics in earth sciences, provided to groups or to individuals. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 812 | Special Topics in Earth Sciences | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Special topics in atmospheric science, provided to groups or to individuals. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 813 | Special Topics in Atmospheric Sciences | 1-6 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Consent of Instructor | ||
| Special topics in earth sciences, provided to groups or to individuals. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 885 | Doctoral Supervised Teaching | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Doctoral student | ||
| Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planing for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sprg | ||
| MEA 893 | Doctoral Supervised Research | 1-9 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Doctoral student | ||
| Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall | ||
| MEA 895 | Doctoral Dissertation Research | 1-9 F, S, Sum |
| Dissertation Research | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg | ||
| MEA 896 | Summer Dissertation Research | 1(1-0-0) Sum |
| Preq: Doctoral student | ||
| For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research. | ||
| Course Offerings: sum1 | ||
| MEA 899 | Doctoral Dissertation Preparation | 1-3 F, S, Sum |
| Preq: Doctoral student | ||
| For students who have completed all credit hour requirements, full-time enrollment, preliminary examination, and residency requirements for the doctoral degree, and are writing and defending their dissertations. | ||
| Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg | ||