GG5500:
Numerical Methods in Geosciences

Figure 1. The peaks function in Matlab and the first derivative in x and y computed numerically using finite differences.

• Prerequisites: MATH 2250, and one computer programming course.
• Course Description: Application of common numerical methods to problems in geology, geochemistry, and hydrology. Topics include interpolation, systems of linear and nonlinear equations, finite difference and finite element methods, and numerical integration. One 75 minute lecture and one 75 minute computer laboratory per week. Meets with GEO 6500, 7500.

Paul Jewell
462 INSCC
581-6636
pwjewell@mines.utah.edu
Office Hours:

Derrick Hasterok
709 WBB
581-3588
dhasterok@mines.utah.edu
Office Hours: W 2:00-3:00 PM

Problem Sets:

• Grading Policy
• Problem Set 1 Due: 20 Jan
• Problem Set 2 Due: 27 Jan
• Problem Set 3 Due: 03 Feb
• Problem Set 4 Due: 16 Feb Data files: populat.dat dmap.dat slvalley.dat
• Problem Set 5 Due: 17 Feb Support files: simp1.m simp2.m Fausett_Gauss_p394.
• Problem Set 6 Due: 27 Feb Change the total CO2 to 0.003, same as Ca+.
• Problem Set 7 Due: 03 Mar
• Problem Set 8 Due: 24 Mar
• Problem Set 9 Due: 12 Apr
• Problem Set 10 Due: 21 Apr
• Problem Set 11 Due: 26 Apr

  Example midterm

Handouts:

• Syllabus: Course syllabus.
• computelog.m: An example program to illustrate several methods to computing the log(1+x). Example of how programs should be structured, formatted and commented.
• Matlab Commands: A list of useful Matlab commands.
• Coding Tutorial: An introduction to programming.
• Boolean Logic: An introduction to boolean logic in Matlab.

Useful Links:

• Matlab Tutorial: A quick start guide to matlab
• Introduction to Programming: Tips and tricks for beginning programmers; oriented to the philosophy of choosing and building algorithms rather than the syntax of any particular language.
• Matlab's Online Documentation: Includes a tutorial, programming tips, and help with graphics.
• Mathworld from Wolfram Research: Probably the most useful math website you will ever find.