GY140 - Physical Geology

 

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

 

This course is an introduction to the essential aspects of geology. We will start by examining minerals and the rocks they form along with a discussion of important processes in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic petrology. The local column field trip will show you many of these rocks in place, since Colorado Springs contains rocks from a 2-billion year time span with examples from all geological periods except one. This trip will also include references to the 5 (out of 7) life zones in North America visible from Colorado Springs and begin to point out connections (e.g. soils, climate, etc.) Because of significant portion of your grade will depend on your ability to observe and recognize these rocks, it is essential that you take good field notes and then re-write and re-organize them each evening (preferably in small groups in case you missed something).

 

Then we turn to surficial processes (geomorphology) such as groundwater, streams and flooding, glaciers (and climate change), deserts (and soil desertification), etc. Many of these processes are crucial to understanding the environmental changes occurring today. We will use topographic maps to learn how to recognize these processes. Then we turn to processes in the interior of the earth, which fold and fault rocks (structural geology), create mountains and explain the patterns of rocks we see at the surface. Two of the major projects in this class are mapping exercises in which you will demonstrate your ability to recognize rocks in the field and interpret the structural movements, which brought them into their current position. The final lectures will touch on evolution (and the fossil record), the geological history of the earth, and the theories of Plate Tectonics and the Gaia Paradigm that tie these ideas together.

 

The class has only one short exam - a laboratory test of your ability to recognize minerals, rocks, fossils and features on maps. In lieu of a final exam, you are to do a final project/paper. This could be a library research paper on some aspect of geology (approved by me), which you would like to learn more about (e.g. volcanoes, earthquakes, your home town geology, flooding in Bangladesh, environmental issues ...). It could also be a field research project (limited availability) usually with a partner (e.g. analysis of stream-flow and pollution, coal-mine subsidence, flood history, formation of caves, ...).

 

BOTH TYPES OF PROJECTS NEED TO BE STARTED IN THE FIRST WEEK!

Therefore, to receive full credit for the project, you must meet the following deadlines:

 

1) Project title, bibliography and field equipment (plan for procedure) - Due Monday, April 29, 9 AM. The project should be orally approved by me during the first week, then fleshed out by you over the first weekend for final approval. Order interlibrary loans immediately.   Use the Georef computer search program in the library.

 

2) Outline (1-3 pages) of key points showing your general organization and ideas (or a detailed set of procedures and plan for data analysis for field project) - Due Wed., May 8, 9AM. All reference materials should be on-hand.

 

3) Final Paper is due in my office by noon, Wed., May 15. You may schedule appointments to discuss your projects at other times (during afternoon labs or field trips is usually best).

 

 

 

Course Equipment

 

·      Skinner, Dynamic Earth: The text is a well-illustrated reference to complement lectures       and principles discussed on field trips.

 

·      Hamblin, Howard, Exercises in Physical Geology: The lab manual is your source for       basic mineral and rock identification plus the map exercises.

 

·      Field Notebook - essential for a field-oriented class

 

·      10x handles - essential for seeing small minerals

 

·      Acid bottle - essential for identifying carbonate rocks

 

·      Hammer - optional (you may check out a few from the department)

 

·      Field Trips - We can order sack lunches for people on board, others need to bring       lunch; water bottles (filled!), sunscreen, chapstick, hats, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy shoes, rain gear are standard field items; colored pencils, protractors and a clip-          board will make mapping easier.

 

Grading

 

           Your presence in class is essential; there are no books for the field trips, nor can they be “made-up.” You also need to be willing to ask questions in the field, for the same reasons. So attendance is required; if serious illness prevents you from being in class (field trip) be sure to let me know so you do not cause the rest of the class to be delayed (e.g. on a field trip). We will leave promptly on field trips, so do not oversleep, etc.!

 

           Labs -  (group work, graded as 4, 4+, 4-

                      used for borderline grades)

 

           Class Participation                                                  10%

 

           Loveland Mapping Project                                        10%

 

           Final Mapping Project                                             30%

 

           Lab Exam                                                              20%

 

           Final Project                                                          30%

                                                                                     100%