ES302 Quantitative Methods in Earth Science


Class Syllabus (Adobe Acrobat Format)

ES302 Spring 2010 Class Syllabus

2009-2010 Finals Schedule

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ES302 final grades are in. Good teamwork and follow-through...Have a good summer!

Click here for final grades



Class Notes

The class notes are organized according to their order of occurrence throughout the term. They are available in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) Format. Acrobat Reader is invoked as a plug-in within the web browser environment. It is available on most machines at WOU. Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free by returning to Taylor's Home Page

Exam study guides will be included as the term progresses. Please check future postings as exam time approaches

Introductory Math and Algebra Review

  • Reference List of Standard Algebraic, Geometric and Trigonometric Formulas

  • Units of Angular Measurement


  • Introduction to MS Excel (from Dr. Fay-Wolfe, University of Rhode Island)

    Introduction to the Brunton Compass and Compass Surveys
  • National Geophysical Data Center - Magnetic Declination Calculator

    Review of Maps / Topographic Maps

    Overview of Analog Map Measurements Using an Engineer's Scale

    Application of Trigonometric Analysis to Geologic Problems
  • Text Chapter 5 - Trigonometric Problems

    Overview of Map Digitizing Software and Image Processing (Tutorial)

    Overview of Graphing Techniques and Regression

    Overview of Grapher Software Package
  • Introductory Grapher Tutorial


  • Introduction to Contouring and Digital Elevation Models

    Overview of Surfer Mapping Software Package
  • Introductory Surfer Tutorial Part 1

  • Introductory Surfer Tutorial Part 2


  • Reading: Introduction to Geostatistics and Data Analysis



    Lab Exercises

    Conversion Tables
  • Units of Angular Measurement


  • Link to Online Custom / Printable Graph Paper
  • 10 x 10 (10 lines/inch) Graph Paper

    Unit Algebra Exercise

    Intro to Map Scales

    Intro to Topgraphic Maps

    Map Scale Problem (part 2)

    Large-Scale Format Photo Exercise (Vintage WOU Campus Photo)

    Map Measurement and Location Exercise Using Engineer's Scale and Protractor

    Planix 7 Planimeter Instructions - Map Area Measurement with Planimeter
  • Quick Guide - Map Area Measurement with Planimeter

    Student Worksheet for Determining Pace and Ocular Height

    Classroom Mapping Exercise

    Watershed Delineation and Drainage Area Measurement
  • Planix 7 Planimeter Instructions

    Introduction to Triangulation Exercise
  • Base Map for Triangulation Problem

    Intro Problem Set: Solving Geologic Problems

    Exercise: Applying Algebra to Practical Hydrology Problems

    Intro to Spreadsheets, MS Excel, and Geologic Data Analysis

    Application of Excel to a Climate Problem

    Application of Excel to an Alluvial Fan Problem

    Relationships Between Geologic Variables

    Tape and Compass Exercise - Surveying Campus Locations
  • National Geophysical Data Center - Magnetic Declination Calculator
  • WOU Campus Base Map - UTM (meters)

    Brunton Navigator / GPS User Guide

    In-Class Trig Map / Strike-Dip Exercise
    Three Point Problem (Pittsburgh Coal)

    Application of Ternary Diagrams to Geologic Problems

    Using Surfer to Build Digital Elevation Models
  • Oregon 7.5-min DEM's Link (Surfer Exercise)
  • Monmouth 7.5-minute Quadrangle, 10-m Digital Elevation Model (*.zip)
  • Marys Peak 7.5-minute Quadrangle, 10-m Digital Elevation Model (*.zip)

  • Marys Peak 7.5-minute Quadrangle, 10-m Digital Elevation Model (*.zip)

    Using Surfer to Build Lidar-Based Digital Elevation Models
  • WOU Campus 1-m Lidar-Based DEM First Returns (surfer *.grd format)
  • WOU Campus 1-m Lidar-Based DEM Bare Earth (surfer *.grd format)
  • Instructions for Converting ESRI ASCII Grid Format to Surfer Grid Format (Header Edits)


    Intro to Geostatistics and Data Analysis

    Introduction to Data Analysis via Hillslope Morphometry

    Introduction to Rockworks Tutorial

    Final Integrated Lab Project

    Lab Data

    Link to Online Custom / Printable Graph Paper
  • 10 x 10 (10 lines/inch) Graph Paper

    Intro to Excel Data Set (Excel Spreadsheet)

    Oregon Weather Station Locations (Excel Spreadsheet)
    Oregon Climate Zone 1 (Coastal) Precipitation Data (Excel Spreadsheet)
    Oregon Climate Zone 2 (Willamette Valley) Precipitation Data (Excel Spreadsheet)
    Oregon Climate Zone 4 (High Cascades) Precipitation Data (Excel Spreadsheet)
    Oregon Climate Zone 7 (High Lava Plains) Precipitation Data (Excel Spreadsheet)

    Alluvial Fan Exercise Data (Excel Spreadsheet)

    Ternary Diagram Exercise - Swauk Sandstone Pointcount Data (Excel Spreadsheet)

    Data Analysis Tutorial (MS Excel Spreadsheet)

    Locations of US Cities (MS Excel *.xls)

  • EXCEL Function to Convert from Decimal Degrees to Deg-Min-Sec (Copy and paste into Excel)

  • =IF(A1<0,"-"&TEXT(ABS(A1)/24,"[hh]\şmm\'ss\"""),TEXT(A1/24,"[hh]\şmm\'ss\"""))

    Appalachian Slope Data (MS Excel Spreadsheet)

    Final Project Data

    Download Mt. Bachelor USGS 10-m Digital Elevation Model (DEM - *.zip compressed file)
    Download Mt. Bachelor USGS Digital Raster Graphic (DRG - *.zip compressed file)
    Appalachian Morphometry Data (Excel Workbook)
    Fracture Orientation Data (Excel Workbook)
    Mt. Bachelor X-Y-Z Elevation Data (Text File)
    Newberry Cinder Cone Data (Excel Workbook)

    Lab Answer Keys

    Homework 1 Answer Key - Waltham Ch. 1 Intro to Geologic Problems
    Homework 2 Answer Key - Waltham Ch. 2 Geological Variables
    Homework 3 Answer Key - Waltham Ch. 3 Equation Manipulation
    Homework 4 Answer Key - Waltham Ch. 5 Trigonometric Applications
    Answer Key: Tape and Compass Exercise / Surveying Campus Locations
    Three-Point Problem (Pittsburgh Coal) Answer Key
    Final Project Answer Key


    Lab Portfolio and Final Project Instructions

    Click Here for Midterm Porfolio Checklist - Spring 2010

    Final Integrated Lab Project Instructions - Spring 2010
    Click Here for Final Porfolio Checklist - Spring 2010