GEOGRAPHY (GEO)

Course Descriptions

GEO/ESC 422/522  Cr.3

Meteorology and Weather Forecasting

Various principles and laws which govern the behavior of the atmosphere are investigated. Laws of gases and radiation, energy exchange between the earth and the atmosphere, laws of motion, various forces governing atmospheric motion, atmospheric moisture and psychrometry, condensation, preciptable water and precipitation, atmospheric stability/instability, thermodynamic characteristics of the atmosphere, vorticity, and synoptic meteorology are discussed. Surface and upper-air charts, synoptic patterns, thermodynamic charts, radar and satellite images, and weather patterns are analyzed for weather forecasting. Prerequisite: ESC 101 or equivalent. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Slash course GEO/ESC 422/522.   Offered Spring.

GEO/ESC 425/525  Cr.3

Biogeography

A systematic analysis of the geographic distribution of organisms from historical, ecological and regional perspectives. Emphasis is placed on the principles and the methods of biogeography. Special reference is made to biogeographic regions, the distribution of organisms in space and time, and ecological biogeography. Prerequisite: ESC 221 and junior standing. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Slash course GEO/ESC 425/525.   Offered Alternate Years.

GEO/ESC 426/526  Cr.4

Soil Morphology and Genesis

A comprehensive study of soils around the world and the factors and processes that drive their formation and dynamic evolution. Emphasis is placed on soil morphology, pedogenesis, and biogeochemical influences within the soil environment. A one-credit lab section is devoted to the hands-on exploration and study of soils through laboratory and field exercises. Prerequisite: ESC 221 or 222. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Slash course GEO/ESC 426/526.   Offered Occasionally.

GEO/ESC 430/530  Cr.3

Fluvial Geomorphology

A systematic study of the interactions between flowing water and surface landforms.  Emphasis is placed on watershed and stream development, sediment transport and storage, flow frequency analysis, and applications of fluvial principles to river management and stream restoration. Class activities will include field exercises in the La Crosse region, mathematical analysis of hydrologic variables, and spatial analysis with Geographic Information Systems. Prerequisite: ESC 221 or 222. (Cross-listed with ESC, may only earn credit in GEO or ESC.) Slash course GEO/ESC 430/530.   Offered Spring - Odd Numbered Years.

GEO/ESC 440/540  Cr.3

Geographic Interpretation of Aerial Photographs

Systematic applications of aerial photographs in the interpretation and analysis of geographic problems. Emphasis is placed on digital photograph interpretation within a geographic information system. Topics include urban and rural land use, natural resource and environmental assessment. Lect.2, Lab 2. (Cross-listed with ESC/GEO; may only earn credit in one department). Slash course GEO/ESC 440/540.   Offered Occasionally.

GEO/ESC 445/545  Cr.3

Advanced Remote Sensing

Advanced techniques of digital satellite and airborne image analysis and processing, emphasizing theory and applications in natural resource, land use and environmental assessment. Includes practical approaches to integrating imagery with geographic information systems area for spatial analyses and decision making. Data acquisition, integrity, manipulation, formatting, storage and retrieval are also examined. Prerequisite: GEO/ESC 345. (Cross-listed with ESC: may only earn credit in GEO or ESC.) Slash course GEO/ESC 445/545.   Offered Spring.

GEO/ESC 455/555  Cr.3

Applied Map Design and Production in Cartography and GIS

This course explores both manual and digital methods in cartographic design and production, map design theory, perceptual aspects of map symbols, methods of production for small format and large format maps, cost efficiency factors, design environments in GIS packages, production of both monochromatic and color maps, map publishing. Prerequisite: GEO 250. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Slash course GEO/ESC 455/555.   Offered Spring.

GEO/ESC 460/560  Cr.3

Environmental Hazards and Land Use Planning

Environmental processes are investigated in light of the hazards they might pose for development and how they may be avoided or mitigated by proper land use planning. Prerequisite: ESC 221 or 222. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Slash course GEO/ESC 460/560.   Offered Occasionally.

GEO/ESC 470/570  Cr.1 - 3

Special Topics in Geography/Earth Science

Specifically selected topics or skills which may be designed for the interest of special groups will be offered with formalized instruction and methodology appropriate to geography and/or earth science. May be counted as an elective in the geography major or earth science minor at the discretion of the geography/earth science department. Prerequisite may be required at the discretion of the department. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Slash course GEO/ESC 470/570.   Offered Occasionally.

GEO/ESC 476/576  Cr.1 - 3

Geography/Earth Science Topics for Teachers

Selected topics in geography and/or earth science pertinent to applications in the teachers' classrooms. Courses are designed to meet the needs of teachers so that they may implement the course material into their classroom teaching. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Slash course GEO/ESC 476/576.   Offered Occasionally.

GEO 485/585  Cr.3

Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Advanced theories in GIS database structures, advanced applications, database transfers, database management, use of census data, spatial analysis, and decision-making. Emphasis on ARCGIS and its applications. Integration of GIS with Remote Sensing and GPS. Prerequisite: GEO/ESC 385. Slash course GEO 485/585.   Offered Spring.

GEO/ESC 490/590  Cr.2 - 3

Independent Study

Individual readings and investigation of selected problems in geography. Open to senior majors and minors with a "B" (3.00) average in geography. Registration with consent of regular adviser, instructor, department chairperson, and the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. Maximum credit applicable to major — 3; maximum credit from any instructor — 3. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Slash course GEO/ESC 490/590.   Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

GEO/ESC 495/595  Cr.1 - 3

Seminar in Geography/Earth Science

Investigation into various topics in geography or the earth sciences. Varying topics will be offered at intervals with a specific title assigned to each. Prerequisite: two semesters of geography and/or earth science. Additional prerequisites may be required by the instructor. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. Variable topics — check semester timetables. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Slash course GEO/ESC 495/595.   Offered Occasionally.

GEO  734  Cr.1 - 3

Field Studies of World Regions

Geographic study of a selected region of the world with emphasis on guided field study and individual research problems. Library and field-work and geographic techniques of research leading to a better understanding of problems concerning another region of the world. Repeatable for credit - maximum 3.   Offered Occasionally.

GEO/ESC  790  Cr.1 - 3

Directed Study

Individual readings and investigations of selected topics in geography and earth science. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and the department chair. Repeatable for credit – maximum 3. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC).   Offered Fall, Spring.