1 Geology 100A: Introductory Geology with Field Emphasis, Fall 2009 Department of Geology, Washington and Lee University Professor: Steve Kuehn Office: Science Addition A115 Office Hours: Mon & Wed C 10:10-11:05, Wed E 12:20-1:15, and by appointment; Although I prefer that you come see me during office hours, feel free to stop by whenever my door is open. E-mail & Phone: [email protected] 458-8271 Course Web Site: http://home.wlu.edu/~kuehns/Geo100/ and materials on Sakai https://sakai.wlu.edu/portal/ (WLU login required) Required Text: How does earth Work? by Smith & Pun (you might also want the Roadside Geology of VA) Additional materials on course website and/or Sakai Field/lab supplies Bring these every time: Field notebook (provided), 1:100,000 Buena Vista topographic map (provided), hand lens (provided), lead pencils and erasers (not pen!), highlighter, lightweight hiking boots or good walking shoes (no sandals!), rain coat, 3-ring binder. A camera is recommended. Course description/objectives: This course covers major concepts of physical geology while providing experience with how science works. You will develop an appreciation for how we know what we know about the Earth. You will learn about plate tectonic theory; the vastness of Earth history; and about the building up and wearing down of mountain ranges. You will learn about the properties and formation of rocks and minerals; the action of water and other geologic processes; water as a resource; and reducing the risks from natural hazards. A major part of this course will take place in the field where you will make observations, collect data, and then critically analyze this information to unravel the geologic history of our area. My hope is that you will have fun while we are out exploring. Participation and Preparation: I expect you to be inquisitive, interested, and creative in the field and classroom. The result will be a great class! However, we will only succeed if every person participates. This requires you to be prepared for every class period. Complete the readings in advance and be prepared to apply and discuss them. Keep in mind that Remember that college-level science courses are a lot of work. A good rule-of-thumb is to plan on spending at least 2 hours outside of class on reading, assignments, study, etc. for every 1 hour of time in class/lab. Note that you are responsible for all the material presented in the assigned readings, even if it wasn’t discussed in detail in class. Field Trips: We will be leaving campus and going into the field during lab time almost every week in this class (and sometimes during lecture time). We will not return early from the lab trips, and we have no provision for making up missed trips. These trips sometimes include hiking on uneven trails (greater than a mile at times), scrambling over rocks, wading in streams, and working in the rain. If you feel you will not be able to physically participate in these trips, then you should talk to me immediately and see if we can develop alternatives, or consider enrolling in Geology 101 instead. Field Safety: • Many of our stops will be at road cuts, so we will have to be cautious about cars. Stay out of the road! Always look for vehicles before approaching the road. Do not back out into the road while you are looking at the outcrop. Help keep each other safe. • Be careful with the rock hammers as they can produce flying rock chips. Wear safety glasses, use only the blunt end, watch out for others around you, and stand away from others who are using a hammer. • Be aware of the people around you when you are using a rock hammer. • Rocks may be slippery when wet, so be careful when climbing over loose rocks. • Don’t stand too close to steep cliffs or ledges. • Watch for rock fall near the edge of cliffs and at road cuts. If you see rocks or soil falling toward someone, warn them loudly! Don’t hammer on any outcrop that may be unstable above you. • Make sure a slope is stable before climbing it. Avoid climbing up a slope where others will be below you because you might knock rocks or soil loose. • Be aware that rattlesnakes and copperheads do exist in this area. They like to sun themselves on rocks. • Always check yourself for ticks after you are in the field, particularly on your legs. Lyme disease should not be taken lightly. Long pants are safer than shorts in tick country. • Watch out for Poison Ivy. Remember "leaves of three, let it be."• Be aware of yellow jackets, they often nest in the ground. • If you have any special medical condition relevant to being in the field, such as allergies to bees, let me know. • Use common sense at all times! Fieldwork and Assignments: Many field exercises will result in a written assignment or project that will be turned in and often graded. To get the most out of the field experience, you will be expected to take detailed, neat, legible notes that include sketches when needed. I will also supply questions that we are attempting to answer, or tasks that we are to complete, for each field exercise. These will help you in taking notes. Keep your maps, handouts, and exercises in a 3-ring binder. Sometimes your notes and binder will be turned in to me, sometimes not, but some of the field questions will definitely appear on the exams. Good field notes should include: (1) Date, (2) Location, including the place name and coordinates (also mark the locations on your map), (3) General purpose of the stop, (4) Notes and sketches – be sure to include the major ideas and observations, (5) Trip summary – include the overall themes and concepts, (6) Any additional notes or comments – e.g. things to change or do better next time. Self-instruction labs: You will complete mostly on your own time several labs covering minerals, rocks, and maps. These will help prepare you for the field. Answers will be provided for some of the questions so you can get immediate feedback on how you are doing. Work conscientiously through these before checking the answers. All materials will be available in the geology lab (A022). Schedule: I will try to cover material via lecture, discussion, and in-class assignments before we deal with it in lab. This will usually, but not always, be the case. Because of uncertainties in the weather, the schedule may have to be adjusted at times. I will keep the schedule updated online and also post assignments there so