Describes how microcomputer spreadsheets are easily adapted for use in groundwater modeling. Presents spreadsheet set-ups and the results of five groundwater models. Suggests that this approach can provide a basis for demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and student projects. (ML)

Describes a computer program which represents the first merger of an expert system and imaging technology into a tool to assist in learning mineral identification. Presents a discussion of the system's development, evaluation of effectiveness, and future modifications. (RT)

Described is a mineral identification program which uses a shell system for creating expert systems of a classification nature. Discusses identification of minerals in hand specimens, thin sections, and polished sections of rocks. (Author/CW)

Discusses the need to take into account the effects of arrested fractional crystallization in the petrographic classification of volcanic rocks containing plagioclase phenocrysts. Describes the development and use of a computer program to accomplish this task graphically. (TW)

Provides directions for interfacing the Lehman seismograph through an analog/digital converter. Discusses potential modifications and applications of this approach. (ML)

Advocates a computer-controlled x-ray diffractometer as an inexpensive analytical tool that is easy to use and applicable to a wide range of geological problems. Both qualitative and quantitative experiments are possible. Exercises can easily be customized to local geology. Ideal for small departments with limited resources for providing hands-on…

Described is a set of FORTRAN programs, suitable for teaching and research purposes, that simulate contact and regional metamorphism. Equations, examples, program uses, and availability are discussed. (CW)

Discusses the use of interactive computer-assisted lab exercises that combine text, graphics, and simple animation. Students use these self-paced applications to test their level of comprehension, identify their misconceptions, and seek explanatory information. Benefits include consistency in teaching and evaluation, and the ability to link with…

Described is a software package, "Trapeze," within which a routine called LinDis can be used. Discussed are teaching methods, the linear discriminant model and equations, the LinDis worksheet, and an example. The set up for this routine is included. (CW)

Presented is a description of a BASIC program to be used on an IBM microcomputer for calculating and plotting synthetic seismic-reflection traces for multilayered earth models. Discusses finding raypaths for given source-receiver offsets using the "shooting method" and calculating the corresponding travel times. (Author/CW)

Presented are the background theory, program procedures, output display, and applications for this program which is designed to calculate the slip vector and the stress to normal stress ratio on an arbitrarily oriented fault plane. Program availability is discussed. Twelve references are listed. (CW)

Describes how interactive programs for scientific modeling may be created by using spreadsheet software such as LOTUS 1-2-3. Lists the advantages of using this method. Discusses fractional distillation, batch partial melting, and combination models as examples. (CW)

Describes how the limitations of the built-in graphics capabilities of spreadsheet software can be overcome by making full use of the flexibility of the grahics options. Uses triangular plots with labeled field boundaries produced using Lotus 1-2-3 to demonstrate these techniques and their use in teaching geology. (CW)

Describes a deterministic computer model that incorporates: (1) initial framework composition; (2) abrasion factors for quartz, feldspar, and rock fragments; and (3) a fragmentation ratio for rock fragments to simulate the recycling of coastal sands by rivers and beaches. (TW)

Discussed are field analyses of data involving paleocurrent directions using a goniometer and special programs for a pocket computer. States that on-site evaluation can provide immediate realization and verification of anomalous results. Includes computer programs and directions for building a goniometer. (CW)