Faculty Profile
Jorden Hayes
Associate Professor of Geosciences (2016)
Contact Information
Kaufman Hall
717-254-8303
Bio
Dr. Hayes is a geophysicist and critical zone scientist interested in the transformation of rock at depth into a habitable substrate for life at the surface. She works in the field and lab combining indirect geophysical measurements that image the subsurface with direct measurements of samples from outcrops and boreholes. Jorden is enthusiastic about mentoring students in science and research. Her current projects include the Bedrock Critical Zone Network, GNOMES (Geophysics of the Near-surface: an Outdoor Motivational Experience for Students), and multiple local projects including the Mt. Tabor Cemetery and the Fort Halifax Rediscovery Project.
Education
- B.S., Olivet Nazarene University, 2007
- Ph.D., University of Wyoming, 2016
2026-2027 Academic Year
Fall 2026
GEOS 221 Oceanography
An interdisciplinary introduction to the marine environment, including the chemistry of seawater, the physics of currents, water masses and waves, the geology of ocean basins, marine sediments and coastal features, and the biology of marine ecosystems. Topics include the theory of plate tectonics as an explanation for ocean basins, mid-ocean ridges, trenches, and island arcs. The interaction of man as exploiter and polluter in the marine environment is also considered.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: One introductory lab science or permission of instructor. Offered every other year.
Spring 2027
GEOS 335 Physics of the Earth
How and why do earthquakes happen? Why does Earth have a magnetic field – and why does it reverse? How do we image structures deep within the planet, from magma reservoirs to subducting slabs and mantle plumes? Some answers to these questions can be found in the diverse field of geophysics. This course aims to teach fundamental physics underpinning the behavior of planet Earth. Topics include plate tectonic motion, seismology, gravity, magnetism, heat flow, and isostasy. This course emphasizes quantitative reasoning and computational approaches to geophysics, including analysis and visualization of geophysical data. A required laboratory component provides hands-on experience working with real datasets and interpreting geophysical observations. This course culminates in a semester-project applying geophysics to investigate a plate boundary. Prerequisite: 151.