GE 158  Principles of Geological Science

GE 158/L Principles of Geological Science

TEXT: The Earth: Physical Geology: Exploring the Earth, 2002, 4th Edition, by James S. Monroe and Reed Wicander,
            Brooks and Cole,

Description of the Course

This course is designed to provide a college-level introduction to physical geology.  The presentation of the various elements of the course is designed for both geology majors and for non-majors with no previous college science experience.  Every citizen of the Earth should know something about our planet; it's the only planet we have.  This is especially true in the light of the environmental damage being caused by humans and the natural disasters to which humans are subjected from time to time.

The Theory of Plate Tectonics is the unifying theme in geology.  An outline of plate tectonic theory will be presented at the beginning of the course, and as subsequent subjects are presented it will be shown how they are tied into the plate tectonic framework.

Topics presented will include volcanism and igneous rocks, weathering and erosion, sediments and sedimentary rocks, metamorphism and metamorphic rocks, geologic time, the structure of the Earth, the sea floor, plate tectonic theory in some detail, tectonics and mountain building, mass wasting, the hydrologic cycle, groundwater, glaciers, and eolian and shoreline processes.

Specific Competencies

As an introductory level course, the primary goal of the course is to familiarize students with geological processes and concepts.  Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to apply basic geological principles and concepts.  The student should also be able to explain the major physical features and phenomena of the Earth in terms of the Theory of Plate Tectonics, and understand and be able to discuss the various lines of evidence for that theory.

 OUTLINE OF TOPICS

Week    I.  Introduction

   A. Development of Geology
   B. Basic Geologic Principles
   C. Introduction to Plate Tectonics
   D. The Rock Cycle

   Text: Chapter 1

Week  II.  Minerals

   A. Review of Elementary Chemistry
   B. Definition of Minerals
   C. Physical Properties of Minerals
   D. Mineral Groups
   E. The Silicate Structure
   F. Important Rock-forming Minerals

   Text: Chapter 2

Week  III.  Volcanism & Igneous Rocks

   A.  Magma and Lava
   B.  Volcanic Eruptions and Kinds of Volcanoes
   C.  Plate Tectonics and Volcanism
   D.  Texture and Composition of Igneous Rocks
   E.  Bowen's Reaction Series
   F.  Classification and Naming of Igneous Rocks
   G.  Igneous Bodies

   Text: Chapters 4 & 3
 
 

LECTURE EXAM #1:  Chapters 1 - 4

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Week IV .  Weathering and Soil

   A. Mechanical and Chemical Weathering
   B. Rates of Weathering
   C. Soil and the Soil Profile

   Text: Chapter 5

Week    V.  Sediments and Sedimentary Rock

   A. Properties of Sediments
   B. Diagenesis
   C. Classification of Sedimentary Rocks
   D. Facies and Environmental Analysis
   E. Sedimentary Structures

   Text: Chapter 6

Week VI Metamorphic Rocks

   A. Metamorphism and its Agents
   B. Classification of Metamorphic Rocks
   C. Types of Metamorphism and their Relationship to Plate Tectonics

   Text: Chapter 7
 

Week  VII.  Geologic Time

   A. Basic Principles of Geology and of Relative Dating
   B. Relative Dating and Correlation
   C. Absolute Dating Methods
   D. The Geologic Time Scale

   Text: Chapter 8
 
 

LECTURE EXAM #2:  Chapters 5 - 8

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Week VIII.  Earthquakes

   A. Definitions and Seismology
   B. Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
   C. Seismic Waves
   D. Earthquake Location, Intensity, and Magnitude
   E. Interior of the Earth and Seismicity
   F.  Destructive Effects
   F. Prediction and Control

   Text: Chapters 16 & 17

Week IX. Plate Tectonics

   A. History of Continental Drift
   B. Evidence for Continental Drift
   C. Paleomagnetism and Polar Wandering
   D. Sea-Floor Spreading and Magnetic Reversals
   E. Plate Boundaries
   F. Hot Spots
   G. Plate Movement and the Driving Force

   Text: Chapter 18

Week   XI.  Structural Geology I: Crustal Deformation

   A. Kinds of Deformation
   B. Strike and Dip
   C. Folds, Faults, and Joints

   Text: Chapter 15
 
 

LECTURE EXAM #3:  Chapters 15, 16, & 18

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Week  XII.  Running Water

   A. The Hydrologic Cycle
   B. Streams and Erosion
   C. Drainage Basins and Patterns
   D.  Stream Profile

   Text: Chapter 10

    Groundwater

   A. Definitions and Terms
   B. Groundwater Movement and Wells
   C. Use and Abuse of Groundwater Resources
   D. Caverns and Karsts

   Text: Chapter 11

Week XIII. Shorelines

   A. Waves and Currents
   B. Shoreline Landforms
   C. Deposition and Erosion
   D. Kinds of Coastlines
   E. Tides

   Text: Chapter 14
 
 

LECTURE EXAM #4:  Chapters 10, 11, 15, 20

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Week XIV.   Global Climatic Changes

   A. Cause & Effect (Milankovitch, Plate Tectonics, & Pleistocene Glaciation)
   B. Sea Level Rise & Fall

   Handouts

   Engineering Geology, Energy & Mineral Resources

   A. Dams, Tunnels & Bridges
   B.   Hydroelectric
   C. Fossil Fuels
   D. Alternate Energy Sources
   E. Mineral Resources: Metallic & Non-Metallic

   Handouts
 
 

FINAL EXAM: Cumulative

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GRADING SYSTEM
Lecture Final Grade                      Weight Percent

l.  Four (4) Period Test ..............................................    45
2. Final Test (Comprehensive) ..................................    25
3. Quizzes and Assignments.....................................    10
4. Analytical Writing Assignments............................    20
                                                                          Total   100
Grade Determination:

90 and above ....................    A
80 to 89 ............................    B
70 to 79 ............................    C
60 to 69 ............................    D
Below 60 ...........................    F

Some adjustments to this schedule may be necessary.  However,  in no case will a student who has failed to demonstrate that she or he has learned 40% of the material be given a passing grade.

The short quizzes will be administered at the beginning of the class period, based on the reading assignment given the previous class meeting or at the end of the class period and will be based on the class discussion.  Please read the assign pages in your textbook.  As students, your primary goal is to learn.  Ask questions on those topics that are not clear to you.  I will be available on the times and days listed as my office hours.  Please come and see me if you need help or have any questions regarding the course work or your grades.

Any student failing to take any announced test on time, for any reason, will be given another test when he/she comes back to class.  This test will then consist of all essay questions.

Absences and Tardiness Policy: Please read the attach University Official Policy regarding absences and tardiness

 ANALYTICAL WRITING REQUIREMENT & GUIDELINES

 1. Topic: Geology related (one or two reports) that will be assigned by the instructor.  A summary of the reading assignment will be followed by "your opinion" type discussion.   All reports should be typed (use of the computer is highly encouraged).

 2. Minimum Requirement:

• one double spaced typewritten page for the summary of each article (not less than 200 words).
• two double-spaced typewritten pages for your discussion section for each article
• font size should not be more than 12 for the body of the report and not more 14 for headings.
• margins should not be more than one (1) inch on all sides
• it is suggested that headings and subheadings be part of your report whenever ropriate.
• References: if you used references, list them separately on another page.  World Wide Web information should be reference by the exact and complete web address.

 4.  Plagiarism will not be tolerated.  Quotes (the less the better) should be enclosed by quotation marks, and the source referenced.