GEOL 32 - Physical Geology with Lab

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

4.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 102.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/204.00 Total hours/4.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course introduces students to the internal and external processes that are at work changing the earth today. Within the context of modern plate tectonics theory, students will explore the origins of rocks and minerals and dynamic earth processes such as volcanism, seismicity and mountain building that are driven by the release of Earth's internal heat. It also examines how wind, running water, and glaciers move in response to gravity and energy from the sun and the sculpting of Earth's surface by erosion. These concepts as well as the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps will be reinforced with an integrated laboratory program. (C-ID GEOL 101).

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Explain and practically apply the principles of the scientific method as it relates to understanding Earth processes.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of plate tectonics and explain how it relates to geologic processes and features including igneous activity, seismicity, mountain building and seafloor features.
3. Explain the rock cycle and identify and describe the basic properties of rocks and minerals.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the Earth through the identification and interpretation of common minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of how geological environments are formed, changed, weathered and eroded through time.
6. Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret topographic and geologic maps in order to answer questions pertaining to geologic processes.
7. Determine the ages of rocks and geologic structures using both relative and absolute geologic dating techniques.
8. Demonstrate an ability to communicate complex course concepts effectively both in writing and through the use of labeled diagrams.
9. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to evaluate geologic problems.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lab

1. Class Activities
2. Discussion
3. Field Trips
4. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
5. Instructor Demonstrations
6. Laboratory Experiments
7. Multimedia Presentations

1. Exams/Tests
2. Quizzes
3. Projects
4. Class participation
5. Written Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Read Chapter 2 of your text (Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology) on plate tectonics and complete the corresponding homework assignment provided on Blackboard. Be prepared for an in class discussion on the following: a. Evidence for plate tectonics theory including contributions from Alfred Wegener and Harry Hess. b. Continental and oceanic crust and the lithosphere. c. The 3 main types of plate margins and physical features/geologic phenomena associated with these margins.
2. Read about a current event in geology such as a recent earthquake, volcanic eruption, new fossil discovery, etc., published either in the news or a geologic journal and verbally present your findings to the class.

Writing Assignments

1. Write a short 3-5-page essay describing the tectonic origin of a mountain range of your choice. Be sure to describe the timeline for events both before and after the orogenic event, and cite at least 2 sources from peer-reviewed journals (for example, journals available on the Geological Society of America website).
2. Write a short 2-page essay on a significant historical earthquake of your choice. Describe the location, time, approximate magnitude and damage caused by the earthquake. Also include information regarding the tectonic setting responsible for the earthquake. Properly cite all sources.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Take 15 photographs of local geologic features and write a 3-5 sentence informative, geologically correct explanation for each photo. You must use your own photos (no photos from the internet or other students) and your project should be presented on a poster board. Grading will be based on the accuracy of your descriptions and the clarity of your photos.
2. Collect 3 rock samples from the field: one igneous rock, one sedimentary and one metamorphic rock. Use the “Rock Project” forms provided in the lab manual to list the minerals present in each sample and describe the texture or features used to justify the rock names. Make sure you look at a freshly broken surface rather than a weathered surface when identifying your sample.

Tarbuck, E., & Lutgens, F. (2020). Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology. Prentice Hall, 13th. 0131566849.

Mattison, G.D., & Ferguson, C.B. (2017). Physical Geology Laboratory Manual. Butte College.

Earth Science (Masters Required)