1GEOL 1010-002Introduction toPhysical GeologyJoseph R. SmythOffice Benson 340BOffice Hours 2-3PM Mon/WedGEOL 1010-002•Web Site: http://ruby.colorado.edu/~smyth/ G1010syl.html•Text:–Understanding Earth Fourth Edition (Press, Siever, Grotzinger, Jordan) 2003 GEOL 1010-003•Test policy:•Four hour-exams (last one optional)–Final Exam (comprehensive)–I will take the best four out of five scores.Physical Geology•Study of the Earth–How it Formed–How it evolved–How it works–How to preserve and utilize its resourcesPhysical Geology•Field Science–Descriptive of the Earth–Observations and Hypotheses are based in Field•Laboratory–Analysis of samples–Experiments to explore and test hypothesesEarth Processes•External Heat Engine –Thermonuclear Fusion in Sun–Drives most surface processes (atmosphere and ocean circulation, weathering, and sedimentation)•Internal Heat Engine–Radioactive decay of U, Th, and K–Drives internal processes (volcanoes, earthquakes, plate movement, magnetic field)2Course Outline•Introduction•Plate Tectonics•Minerals•Rocks•Igneous Rocks•Volcanism•Weathering & Erosion•Sedimentary Rocks•Metamorphic Rocks•Geologic Time•Folds & Faults•Mass Wasting•Hydrology•Streams & Rivers•Wind & Deserts•Glaciers•Landscape EvolutionCourse Outline•Oceans & Coasts•Earthquakes•Earth’s Interior•Plate Tectonics•Continental Crust•Energy and Mineral Resources•Earth Systems and Human ImpactsScientific Method•Observation (fact)– This is a repeatable measurement or experiment•Hypothesis– One or more possible explanations to link observations •Testing– Further experiment or observation to test hypothesis– Non-testable hypotheses also rejected•Theory– A grand or unifying hypothesis that has survived tests– Relativity, Evolution, Plate tectonicsScientific Method:1. Observation•Observation (fact)–Measurement in Laboratory–Observation in field–Must be repeatable by independent investigator–Example•The coastlines of Africa and South America are remarkably parallelScientific Method:2. Hypothesis•Hypothesis–One or more possible explanations to link observations –Hypotheses must be testable–Hypotheses generally make predictions that will allow them to be tested.•Example–The continents of Africa and South America were once joined and have since split and moved apart.Scientific Method:3. Testing•Testing–Further experiment or observation to test hypothesis–Non-testable hypotheses also rejected•Example:–If Africa and South America were once joined there should be similar rock types in adjoining regions.3Scientific Method:4. Theory•A Theory is a unifying hypothesis that has survived all the tests.–Theories are never proven, only disproved–A theory is not someone’s opinion.–There are no competing theories•Example–Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of plate motion driven by convection.The Earth’s surface is composed of about 12 large plates that move as rigid blocksThe Earth’s surface is composed of about 12 large plates that move as rigid blocksFormation of the Planet•‘Big Bang’ produces elements H and He•Precursor large star formed heavier elements by thermonuclear fusion.•Precursor star exploded (supernova).•Solar system coalesced from remnants.•Nebular ring condensed from gas•Planets accreted from ring.•Sun started up.Earth Formation•Earth accreted (grew from smaller planetesimals). •Earth melted and differentiated (iron metal core separated)•Earth was impacted by a Mars-sized object.–Fragments of this collision formed Moon–Tilted the Earth rotation axis 22º.The Earth differentiated into rocky mantle and metal core4The Earth was hit by a body the size of MarsThe Earth’s surface is composed of about 12 large plates that move as rigid
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