GEOL 470 - Snow Science

The study of accumulation, redistribution, and metamorphism of snow. Topics include avalanche dynamics, snow metamorphism and mechanical properties, measurement of snow distribution, spatial variability and stratigraphy, snow hydrology, avalanche terrain, runoff, and the alpine environment.

Credits: 4

Clock Hours - (Lect-Lab): (3-3)

Prerequisites: AE 243 AND (MATH 113 (minimum grade of D-) OR MATH 132 (minimum grade of D-) OR higher calculus sequence math course (minimum grade of D-) OR Computed CALC Placement Score 121 OR Computed CALC Placement Score 221) [Details: Higher calculus sequence math course list: MATH 121, MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 223]

Minimum Class Standing: Junior

Notes:
This is a snow science course, not a skiing course. Students will need their own field equipment, beacon shovel and probe as well as a means of travel in the backcountry. Students may travel on snowshoes or skis to access study sites. These may be obtained from Outdoor Pursuits or Adventure Education.