Geological Sciences

Ellensburg
Lind 108B

(509) 963-2702
Fax: (509) 963-2821
http://www.cwu.edu/~geology
See Web site for how these programs could be used for educational and career purposes.

Faculty and Staff
Chair
Lisa L. Ely

Professors
Lisa L. Ely, geomorphology, paleohdrology, and quaternary geology
Jeffrey Lee, active and regional tectonics, structural geology
M. Meghan Miller, crustal deformation, GPS geodesy, active tectonics, and remote sensing
Charles M. Rubin, paleoseismology, earthquake hazards, and active tectonics

Associate Professors
Wendy A. Bohrson, volcanology, isotope geochemistry, igneous petrology
Carey Gazis, environmental geochemistry, stable isotope geochemistry, and hydrogeology
Timothy I. Melbourne, seismology, continental dynamics

Assistant Professors
Paul W.O. Hoskin, mineralogy and petrology
Timothy I. Melbourne, seismology, continental dynamics
Beth Pratt-Sitaula, earth science education and geomorphology

Faculty Research Associates
Frank Ramos, geochemistry

Adjunct Lecturers
Marie Ferland, marine stratigraphy, quaternary geology and climate change, sedimentology
Alexander Glass, paleontology, public science literacy
Nick Zentner, scientific instructional technician supervisor

Emeritus Professors
Robert D. Bentley, structural geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, regional geology of the Pacific Northwest
James Hinthorne, mineralogy, geochemistry, spatial information systems

Staff
Vicki Potts, secretary

Department Information

Geosciences encompass the scientific study of the origin and evolution of the Earth. Energy, mineral and water resources, geologic hazards, pollution of natural waters and earthquake prediction are just a few of the pressing societal concerns that are addressed by geoscientists. The geological sciences program has two major parts: (1) solid-earth geosciences, such as rocks, minerals, deformation and tectonic evolution of the Earth’s crust; and (2) Earth processes over the last 10,000 years, such as active faulting, environmental geochemistry, hydrogeology and water resources, geologic hazards, seismology, surface processes and volcanology. Field, laboratory and computer skills are essential to the study of the geological sciences. Research in the geosciences is active and varied, with faculty and students interacting closely. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered in geology, and a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental geological sciences. A Bachelor of Arts in Earth sciences is also offered, and is intended for future secondary school teachers. Minors in geology and Earth sciences are also available to supplement careers in other fields.

Students who declare a major in geology must register with the department and work out a specific program of studies with the chairperson or an assigned advisor. Course programs can be tailored to the student’s needs and interests with the aid of an academic advisor. Other course require-ments may be modified in cases where past performance indicates superior ability. Students must be evaluated for math placement upon declaration of the major with the goal of establishing proficiency at the MATH 154 level early in the major program.