Geology
Why Study Geology at W&L?
Students in our program are exposed to the breadth of core geoscience fields as well as a wide variety of specialty and interdisciplinary science courses. Our curriculum ensures that students develop analytical thinking, reasoning, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a thoughtful, creative and inquisitive intellect. Much of our coursework is hands-on and completed in the field, laboratory or computer classrooms.
About the Department
Lexington is surrounded by some of the most interesting and classical geology in the entire Appalachian Mountain system — and our programs take advantage of this location. The campus lies in the middle of the Great Valley of Virginia, within easy reach of the Blue Ridge Province and the Allegheny Mountains. During the fall and winter terms, many of our courses include field trips for hands-on study of this superb geology. During Spring Term, we offer more intensive field experiences. Some of these spring courses emphasize the geology of the local area and provide familiarity with modern methods of field mapping, while others offer extended field trips to study the geology of a specific region and/or the environment.
The B.S. degree in geology prepares students for graduate school and a career as a professional geological scientist. The B.A. degree prepares students who simply have an interest in the origin and evolution of Earth, as well as those who wish to study earth sciences for a career in any number of fields in addition to geology and the environment, including business, law or secondary school teaching. Many of our B.A. students also go on to graduate school in geoscience fields. Several geology faculty are core or affiliate members of the Environmental Studies Program.
Opportunities for Students
Collaborative research: Students commonly gain research experience working with faculty for credit during the academic year or in the summer with paid stipends. This has resulted in many student co-authored presentations and scientific publications over the years.
Conference travel and presentation: We offer generous financial support for students to attend national and international meetings, where many students present their own research.
Spring Term travel courses: We provide numerous opportunities for students to learn geology in exciting locations at both the introductory and advanced level. In the past few years, geology students have traveled to New Zealand, Iceland, Belize, Greece, the American Southwest, the Grand Canyon and Hawaii for class.
Field work: Geology students spend much of their time learning about geology in the field. We are ideally situated in a geologically rich area of Virginia, with quick access to a wide variety of geology.
Analytical and computing capability: We have state-of-the-art analytical and laboratory equipment, including a scanning electron microscope, stable isotope mass spectrometer with gas bench, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, ion chromatograph, X-ray diffractometer, seismic acquisition unit, magnetometers, gravimeter, resistivity unit, unmanned aerial devices, differential GPS, many cutting-edge software programs including ArcGIS and MatLab, and some of the highest quality computing capabilities on campus.
After W&L
Geology alumni work in a variety of jobs, including environmental consulting, oil and gas, geophysics, alternative energies, geotechnical engineering, geochemistry, investment and commerce, entrepreneurship, environmental law, academia, secondary education, and as geoscientists in government agencies. Sample employers of W&L geology graduates include:
- Consulting and engineering: Booz Allen Hamilton, Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, ARCADIS Geraghty and Miller
- Oil and gas corporations: Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Hess, Chesapeake, Advanced Resources Inc.
- Investments and finance: Wells Fargo, DuPont, Hayek Kallen Investment Management
- Conservation and education: Sierra Club, Outward Bound, Brown University, University of North Carolina, Western Albermarle High School Environmental Studies Academy
- Federal and state agencies: EPA, USGS, NOAA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Park Service, North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program
"Research opportunities in geology are plentiful and diverse. If you choose, you can participate in multiple projects with different advisors over the course of your four years, or you can work with one advisor and become deeply involved in a particular topic. W&L geology taught me how to ask the right questions and where to look for the answers, whether it be in the library, online, on a hillslope or at the bottom of a river!"
Sample Courses
General Geology
The study of our physical environment and the processes shaping it. The materials and structure of the Earth's crust, the origin of the landforms, the concept of geologic time, and the nature of the Earth's interior are considered, with special emphasis on field study in the region near Lexington.
Global Climate Change
A study of Earth's complex climate system and the impact of human activities on future climates. Through readings, discussions, data analyses and modeling exercises, the past and future changes in temperature, ocean circulation, rainfall, storminess, biogeochemistry, glacial ice extent and sea level are explored.
History & Evolution of Earth
An introductory examination of the origin and physical evolution of the Earth as inferred from the rock record. Areas of particular emphasis include the origin of the solar system and differentiation of the planets; the evolution of the terrestrial atmosphere and hydrosphere; explanations for the development of life; organic evolution and interpretations of "mass extinctions;" the changing configuration of continental blocks and ocean basins by continental drift, seafloor spreading and plate tectonics; and the growth of continental blocks and their mountain systems.
Environmental Field Methods
An introduction to the study of standard methods, equipment and tools used in environmental field investigations. Special attention is given to methods used by geologists to measure, record and report field observations associated with groundwater, surface water, soil and air. Focus is given to the validity of data obtained using various investigative strategies as well as data handling and presentation. The course has an intensive field component using the local watershed as a model environmental system.
Petroleum Geology & Geophysics
A survey of the theory and practice of petroleum geology and geophysics. Topics covered include the nature and origin of petroleum, a study of where oil and gas accumulate from the perspective of basin analysis, and the basic principles of reflection seismology and petrophysics. The key petroleum system elements of source, charge, seal, reservoir and trap are studied within the context of how a geologist or geophysicist goes about exploring for and developing petroleum accumulations. Emphasis is placed on the use of industry software and data to analyze geologic features, deposits and basins that are relevant to petroleum exploration and production.
Tectonics & Thermochronology
An introduction to mountain belts and thermochronologic techniques used to quantify tectonic processes. Topics include orogenic wedges, metamorphic core complexes, rifting, strike-slip systems, orogenic plateaus, the relationship between tectonics and climate, and the use of bedrock and detrital thermochronology to measure rates of faulting, erosion and exhumation. Concepts are discussed in the context of natural examples, including the Appalachians, the European Alps, the Himalaya, the Andes and the Basin and Range Province of the Southwestern United States.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.
