Marine Geology & Geophysics University of Alabama

• Dennis L. Harry (Ph.D., University of Texas at Dallas, 1989), Assistant Professor: Geophysics, Geodynamics, Tectonophysics
• W. Berry Lyons (Ph.D., Connecticut, 1979), Loper Professor of Environmental Geology Aqueous Geochemistry, Global Climate Change

The University of Alabama program in Marine Geology and Geophysics is directed toward improving our understanding of the sedimentation processes, stratigraphic and structural architecture, and tectonic evolution of passive continental margins and shelves. Current research focuses on the stratigraphy and sedimentology of Cenozoic coastal/shelf and glacial marine sequences and the association between magmatism, extension, and sediment deposition on Mesozoic and Cenozoic rifted continental margins. Faculty and students maintain close ties with the International Ocean Drilling Program, the Office of Naval Research, and the National Science Foundation. Ongoing research projects include:

• Investigations into relationships between climatic change, Antarctic ice volume, eustatic sea level variations, and sequence stratigraphy of Neogene glacial-marine deposits on the Antarctic continental margin

• Detailed facies modeling of depositional systems along the Gulf of Mexico shelf and coast

• Investigations into sedimentological and stratigraphic processes in a high energy, high sediment input shallow marine environment in the East China Sea.

• Numerical modeling of rifting, magma production, and subsidence history of the Grand Banks/Iberia conjugate margin pair.

• Investigations into the trace metal concentration in and fluxes to the coastal zone.

• Utilization of sediment cores to evaluate anthropogenic activities in the coastal zone.

Numerous geophysical and geological datasets are available for research in these areas, including multichannel reflection seismic data, deep borehole and shallow core data, multibeam sonar data, and gravity and magnetic data. Research is facilitated by a state of the art computing facility supporting seismic data processing and interpretation, GIS software, basin modeling, and structural imaging software. Also available are a variety of geodynamic modeling and visualization software tools, a high-resolution marine seismic reflection system, and access to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab research vessel and the geological and geophysical computing resources in the Southeast Region Petroleum Technology Transfer Center, which is housed in the department. Graduate students regularly participate in marine cruises to collect new seismic and core data in the Ross Sea, East China Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Excellent analytical and rock and sample preparation laboratories are available within the department. See our Research Facilities and Resources page for further information.

Relevant Courses

GEO 513 - Sedimentary Petrology - Clastic. 3 hrs.

GEO 525 - Seismic Exploration. 3 hrs, Harry The intent of the course is to familiarize students with the application of seismic exploration techniques to solve geologic problems. Students should complete the course with a basic understanding of seismic wave propagation and how seismic methods are used to determine subsurface structure and stratigraphy. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of seismic exploration, including both the seismic reflection and seismic refraction methods. Students will learn the arts of seismic data processing and interpretation through the use of hands-on interpretation and data processing projects that utilize commercial seismic datasets or, if they choose, datasets that are part of their own research.

GEO 541 - Applied Geophysics. 3 hrs, Harry. An introduction to geophysical methods and their application to the exploration of the Earth. Geophysical methods covered in detail include gravity and magnetic methods, seismic reflection and refraction methods, and electromagnetic methods.

GEO 542 - Tectonophysics. 3 hrs, Harry. An introduction to the structure of the Earth's interior and the Theory of Plate Tectonics. Topics include plate motions, isostasy, paleomagnetism, heat flow, and seismicity. The course examines the paleogeographic evolution of the continents and ocean basins, the origin and evolution of the Earth's major tectonic features, and changes in tectonic and magmatic styles on the Earth since the Archean. Emphasis is placed on understanding the processes which govern the evolution of cratons, orogenic belts, volcanic arcs, ocean islands, rifts, and sedimentary basins.

GEO 561 - Sequence and Seismic Stratigraphy. 3 hrs..

GEO 567 - Clastic Depositional Systems - Processes and Products. 3 hrs.

GEO 626 - Trace Metal Geochemistry. 3 hrs.