The Centennial Record of the University of California
A Centennial Publication of the University of California; UC 1868 to 1968

History of the Department of Geology and Geophysics

Joseph Le Conte’s initial title was professor of geology, natural history, and botany, and he gave the first courses both in geology and in the life sciences. Indeed, for several years almost every student on the Berkeley campus attended his lectures in physical geology.

The department was originally housed in South Hall, described at the time as “an enduring structure of brick and stone,” and it remained there for 38 years. And, at first, South Hall also provided space for the museums of geology, mineralogy, economic botany, and ethnology.

As early as 1872, Eugene W. Hilgard, professor of agriculture, had taught mineralogy; in 1879, in response to the growing demand for mining engineers and geologists, the Department of Geology added courses in ore deposits and petrography, given by A. Wendell Jackson.

The appointment of Andrew C. Lawson in 1890 was particularly important. While LeConte continued to teach the popular, introductory course in physical geology until 1898, Lawson taught mineralogy, crystallography, petrography, and economic geology; and he initiated the fundamental course in field geology, the first of its kind in the west and probably in America. In his second year, he started the first graduate courses; in his third year he was mainly responsible for the establishment of the distinguished scientific publication series of the University Press. His paper, “Geology of Carmelo Bay,” appeared in May, 1893 as Vol. 1, No. 1 of the Bulletin of the Department of Geology.

John C. Merriam, later to become president of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, was appointed honorary fellow in paleontology, and gave the first course in that subject on the campus in 1894. Within three years, the number of paleontology courses grew to eight. By the turn of the century, the number of graduate courses in geology and paleontology had risen to four; the teaching staff until then usually consisted of three regular members and as many temporary assistants.

Between 1909 and 1921, Merriam headed a separate Department of Paleontology; when he left for Washington, it was reunited with the Department of Geology, to be separated once more in 1927.
Already in 1887, the University had established the first Seismographic Stations in the Americas, one at Berkeley and the other at Lick Observatory. It now operates 18 stations. But the first course in seismology was not offered until 1912—by Elmer F. Davis. In the next year, Davis gave two courses, and in 1922-23, Father Macelwane gave four, two of them at the graduate level. In the same year, John P. Buwalda started instruction in physiography and established the valuable summer field course in geology, later to be carried on successfully for 33 years by Nicholas L. Taliaferro. This development was largely an outgrowth of the need for more geologists by the petroleum industry.

From 1906 to 1944, George D. Louderback was a leader in the affairs of the department and of the campus as a whole; for 11 years he was chairman, and for an equal span he was dean of the College of Letters and Science. By 1925, the department was offering 7 lower division, 27 upper division, and 16 graduate courses.

In 1946, a separate geophysics major was set up; in 1957, a special course was begun for engineers; and in 1963, the name of the department became what it is today. Principal emphasis had been on the field, structural, sedimentary, stratigraphic, and historical aspects of geology until about twenty years ago; increasing emphasis has since been placed on igneous and metamorphic petrology, the deformation of rocks and minerals at high pressures, paleomagnetism, mineral equilibria at high pressures and temperatures, and mineralogical studies by such means as the electron probe and x-ray fluorescence. These more quantitative studies have necessitated more elaborate equipment and more technical assistance.
The Berkeley General Catalogue, 1964-65 lists five lower division, 17 upper division, and 19 graduate courses in geology and mineralogy, along with five upper division and six graduate courses in geophysics. To meet this continued expansion, the academic staff has grown to ten in geology and to four in geophysics.

Student enrollments used to reflect changing needs of the petroleum and mining industries more than they do today; now there is additional need for students trained in engineering and groundwater geology, and in various kinds of geochemistry and geophysics. Graduate training has become virtually indispensable for employment in all fields. In the fall of 1962, graduate enrollment was 50 (including 11 in geophysics); in the spring of 1965, it rose to 68 (including 16 in geophysics).