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Caltech
Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences
Home  /  People  /  John P. Grotzinger

John P. Grotzinger

Harold Brown Professor of Geology
B.S., Hobart College, 1979; M.S., University of Montana, 1981; Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985. Visiting Associate Professor, Caltech, 1996; Moore Distinguished Scholar, 2004; Fletcher Jones Professor, 2005-21; Brown Professor, 2021-; Division Chair, 2014-24; Jenkins Leadership Chair, 2016-24.
Research Summary
Sedimentology; stratigraphy; geobiology; ancient surface processes on Earth and Mars. Field-based investigations of depositional systems are the starting point for analysis of past processes, interactions between life and environment, and tectonic and climatic regimes.

Research Options

Geobiology;  Geology; 

Research Areas

Sedimentology;  Stratigraphy; 

Profile

For more information about my research, please see my personal website.

Publications

Please see John Grotzinger's publications page:

https://grotzinger.caltech.edu/publications



Ge 112. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 12 units (3-5-4); third term, 2023-24. Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab. Systematic analysis of transport and deposition in sedimentary environments and the resulting composition, texture, and structure of both clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks. The nature and genesis of sequence architecture of sedimentary basins and cyclic aspects of sedimentary accumulation will be introduced. Covers the formal and practical principles of definition of stratigraphic units, correlation, and the construction of a geologic timescale. Field trip and laboratory exercises. Given in alternate years; offered 2023-24.
Instructor: Grotzinger
Ge 121 abc. Advanced Field Geology. 12 units (0-9-3); first, second, third terms, 2023-24. Prerequisites: Ge 120 or equivalent, or instructor's permission. For Ge 121a (Lamb): Ge 125 or instructor approval. Field mapping and supporting laboratory studies in topical problems related to the geology of the southwestern United States. Course provides a breadth of experience in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks or geomorphology. Multiple terms of 121 may be taken more than once for credit if taught by different instructors.
Instructors: Lamb (a), Grotzinger (b), Stock (c)
Ge 112. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 12 units (3-5-4); third term, 2022-23. Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab. Systematic analysis of transport and deposition in sedimentary environments and the resulting composition, texture, and structure of both clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks. The nature and genesis of sequence architecture of sedimentary basins and cyclic aspects of sedimentary accumulation will be introduced. Covers the formal and practical principles of definition of stratigraphic units, correlation, and the construction of a geologic timescale. Field trip and laboratory exercises. Given in alternate years; not offered 2022-23.
Instructor: Grotzinger
Ge 112. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 12 units (3-5-4); third term, 2021-22. Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab. Systematic analysis of transport and deposition in sedimentary environments and the resulting composition, texture, and structure of both clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks. The nature and genesis of sequence architecture of sedimentary basins and cyclic aspects of sedimentary accumulation will be introduced. Covers the formal and practical principles of definition of stratigraphic units, correlation, and the construction of a geologic timescale. Field trip and laboratory exercises. Given in alternate years; offered 2021-2022.
Instructor: Grotzinger
Ge 121 abc. Advanced Field Geology. 12 units (0-9-3); first, second, third terms, 2021-22. Prerequisites: Ge 120 or equivalent, or instructor's permission. Field mapping and supporting laboratory studies in topical problems related to the geology of the southwestern United States. Course provides a breadth of experience in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks or geomorphology. Multiple terms of 121 may be taken more than once for credit if taught by different instructors.
Instructors: Lamb (a), Stock (b), Grotzinger (c)
Ge 112. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 12 units (3-5-4); third term, 2020-21. Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab. Systematic analysis of transport and deposition in sedimentary environments and the resulting composition, texture, and structure of both clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks. The nature and genesis of sequence architecture of sedimentary basins and cyclic aspects of sedimentary accumulation will be introduced. Covers the formal and practical principles of definition of stratigraphic units, correlation, and the construction of a geologic timescale. Field trip and laboratory exercises. Given in alternate years; not offered 2020-21.
Instructor: Grotzinger
Ge 112. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 12 units (3-5-4); third term, 2019-20. Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab. Systematic analysis of transport and deposition in sedimentary environments and the resulting composition, texture, and structure of both clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks. The nature and genesis of sequence architecture of sedimentary basins and cyclic aspects of sedimentary accumulation will be introduced. Covers the formal and practical principles of definition of stratigraphic units, correlation, and the construction of a geologic timescale. Field trip and laboratory exercises. Given in alternate years; offered 2019-20.
Instructor: Grotzinger