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Provides the student with the theoretical, descriptive, and methodo-
logical experiences required to successfully understand general
geology and its related concepts. Students participating in this
course will have the opportunity to analyze the natural processes that
govern and shape the earth and be able to answer questions specifical-
ly related to the major geologic concepts. Students completing this
course should be able to comprehend and demonstrate some knowledge-
ability of geology through lecture discussions, reading assignments,
written assignments, and examination.
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Course content will include but not be limited to the following areas
stated on the course outline.
An introduction to Mineralogy including crystallography, physical and
chemical properties, mineral classification and hand specimen identi-
fication of 30 selected minerals.
Use of the rock cycle to define the basic rock types and processes
with the emphasis on the interrelationship between various rock types.
Igneous rocks and origin of magmas, intrusive processes and subsequent
crystallization into plutonic, hypabyssal or volcanic rocks. Classi-
fication of plutonic bodies and volcanic landforms.
Igneous rock classification and identification: Mineralogical
classification of igneous roks. Emphasis on identification of
feldspars, quarts and accessory minerals for handspecimen identifica-
tion.
Sedimentary rocks: Classification of sediments of sedimentary rock
as products of physical and chemical weathering. Clastic vs. chemical
precipitates; classification and identification with an eye towards
environments of deposition. Use of sedimentary structures as
deformation tools.
Metamorphic rocks: Use of P-T phase diagram as a classification
tool delineating contact, dynamic and regional metamorphism. Identi-
fication of metamorphic rocks based on texture and mineralogy.
Aerial photographs and topographic maps: use of photographs to help
visualize topographic maps. Exercises including contour lines, ele-
vation determinations, construction of contour maps and topographic
profile.
Geologic structures: Faults, folds, and sedimentary facies as depicted
in geologic block diagrams and on geologic maps. Stressing the
importance of relative time for interpretation.
Topographic and geologic map studies on:
a. stream erosion
b. arid regions
c. continental and alpine glaciation
d. ground water
e. volcanic land forms
f. shorelines
Geologic Interpretation: Identification of rock types, generation of
topographic map, superposition of rock types on topo map, construc-
tion of cross section with historical interpretation.
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Evaluation of student performance will be determined through
examination (written and/or objective) and through at least one of
the following written assignments: Comprehensive research paper,
analytic essay, report and book reviews, extra credit reports, or
field assessment. Students will be required to master textbook and
research material independently outside of class.
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Hamblin: EXERCISES IN PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
Zumgerge: LABORATORY MANUAL FOR PHYSICAL GEOLOGY