Physical Geology 1403 South Plains College Instructors Aaron Greene Rebecca Maul E mail agreene southplainscollege edu rmaul southplainscollege edu Office S116 Phone 894 9611 Ext 2970 2322 Required Course Materials Lecture EARTH Portrait of a Planet Third Edition Stephen Marshak a packet of notes for the course is available at the bookstore Purpose Statement This course is an introduction to the planet earth Physical Geology focuses on the systems and processes within the interior and at the surface of the planet We will explore the interior of the earth giving an explanation of the technology and theories that interpret these Each theory will be supported with evidence and students will gain a more complete understanding of how plate tectonics and other geological processes work and how they affect all life on earth Students will gain an appreciation of the dynamic planet on which they depend Prerequisites No previous college level courses are required Course Description Introductory course in geologic principles the composition and structure of the earth its landforms and the agencies active in their production are presented This course is intended for all students interested in the study of the earth Global examples of all theories and processes will be presented for interpretation and understanding 1 The major areas which will be covered in lecture are o o o o o o o o o o o o o What is Geology A Comparison Contrast of Planets A Journey to the Center of the Earth The Delicate Composition of the Crust Continental Oceanic The Composition of the Entire Planet Continental Drift Theory Seafloor Spreading Paleomagnetism and Polar Wandering Plate Tectonics Minerals Rocks Igneous Rock Formation Metamorphic Rock Formation o o o Sedimentary Rock Formation Vulcanism Earthquakes The major areas that will be covered in lab are o Safety o Creating Models of Earth Processes Continental Drift Seafloor Spreading Paleomagnetism Polar Wandering Composition of the Planet o Identifying Minerals Defining Characteristics Mohs Scale of Hardness 2 Classes meet twice a week for 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of lab 3 GEOL 1403 earns 4 credit hours 4 Students will develop proficiency in the appropriate Intellectual Competencies as follows o Reading The ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials books documents and articles above the 12th grade level o Writing The ability to produce clear correct and coherent prose adapted to purpose occasion and audience above the 12th grade level o Listening The ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication possess sufficient literacy skills of writing reading above 12th grade level o Presenting The ability to verbally communicate certain scientific theories in detail o Critical Thinking The ability to INDIVIDUALLY think and analyze at a critical level o Computer Literacy The ability to understand our technological society use computer based technology in communications solving problems acquiring information Course Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the course the student will show competence in the course objectives listed below o o o o o o o What is Geology A Comparison Contrast of Planets A Journey to the Center of the Earth The Delicate Composition of the Crust Continental Oceanic The Composition of the Entire Planet Continental Drift Theory Seafloor Spreading o o o o o o o o o Paleomagnetism and Polar Wandering Plate Tectonics Minerals Rocks Igneous Rock Formation Metamorphic Rock Formation Sedimentary Rock Formation Vulcanism Earthquakes From Lecture 1 Define Geology o Determine how to differentiate sciences o Recognize geological processes o Use the metric system to measure and calculate measurements o Distinguish between physical and chemical processes 2 Recognize the Earth s Characteristics o Compare and contrast planets characteristics o Separate planets into Terrestrial and Jovian o Distinguish life supporting components of a planet 3 Classify layers of the earth o Determine the composition of earth layers o Explain the causes of different layers of the earth o Evaluate technology used to determine the composition of the earth o Critically evaluate depictions of the interior of the earth in a Hollywood film 4 Examine Wegener s Continental Drift Theory o Compile Supporting Evidence o Outline the acceptance of the Scientific Community over time o Compare interpretations during Wegener s time with today 5 Examine Seafloor Spreading Evidence o Compare data gathered from the Mid Atlantic Ridge o Determine whether Seafloor Spreading and Continental Drift theories contradict or support one another 6 Compare Manipulative Models with the Earth s Magnetic Fields o Compare crystal formation and orientation to the positive pole of the planet o Interpret polar reversals over time o Apply this information to our understanding of the Geologic Timescale 7 Examine Plate tectonics o Determine whether Plate Tectonics supports or contradicts theories of Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading o Present explanations of forces that cause Plate Tectonics o Distinguish and explain differences in age of continental and oceanic crust 8 Identify Minerals o Distinguish and Identify different minerals according to characteristics o Draw and identify crystalline structures o Interpret the use and misuse of minerals by humans 9 Identify Rocks o Distinguish and Identify different minerals according to characteristics o Draw and explain the rock cycle 10 Describe Igneous Formations o Explain different ways igneous rocks form o Differentiate igneous rocks by the way they were formed 11 Describe Metamorphic Formations o Explain and differentiate types of metamorphism o Identify types of metamorphism 12 Describe Sedimentary Formations o Explain sedimentary rock formation o Identify sedimentary deposits o Discriminate clastic sizes 13 Determine the Architecture of Vulcanic Formations o Differentiate between types of volcanoes o Compare and contrast positive and negative effects of volcanoes over geologic time 14 Outline Seismic Activity o Determine causes of earthquakes and tsunamis o Evaluate effects on humanity o Describe how humans monitor seismic activity Course Requirements 1 The student should do each of the following o Read the assigned chapters in the textbook o Attend all lectures and laboratory classes o Take notes in class o Review notes daily o Participate in class discussions o Complete assigned outside