Station A: Virtual Field Trip
At each station examine the color photographs of outcrops and answer the
questions. Recall what you have learned about the origin of the three rock types
and refer to the principles of relative dating described above. You may work with
your peers. Remember that each of you must understand the geologic
interpretation before you move on to the next question. The lab stations have
color photographs that may be easier to interpret.
Use the table provided to record your answers the following question for each
photograph:
1. What is the main type of rock is being shown:
a. Sedimentary
b. Igneous extrusive
c. Igneous intrusive
d. Metamorphic
2. How was this landscape formed?
3. How many layers are present
4. What is the geologic history of the rocks and sediments shown here?
5. Rock types present (ex. Quartz, sandstone, granite, shale…)
Example
A Black Tusk, Garibaldi Park BC
A
B Giant’s Causeway, Ireland
2
C Gravel Pit
D Limestone Quarry
3
E Guilin Twin Peak
F Banff, Rocky Mountains
4
G Grand Canyon
Notice the two series of sedimentary rocks: the Grand Canyon Series occurs in the lower right of
the photograph and is dipping towards the right. The Paleozoic series is flat-lying and lies above the
Grand Canyon series
H Cardinal Mountains
5
H Mountain Beltway, Difficult Run Mtn
I Tepui Table Top Mountains, Venezuela
6
J Hoodoos, Alberta
K Petite Saleve, Geneva
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Station B: Key of Standard Lithological Symbols
Geologic maps and illustration use standard symbols to represent specific rock
types. Understanding these lithology or rock symbols is essential to interpreting
geologic maps and graphics.
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Lithology Lab Worksheet
Copy the symbols from the guide onto your lab worksheet.
Rock type
Symbol
Rock type
Sedimentary rock
Limestone
Metamorphic
rock
Erosional
contact
Igneous rock
Fault
Sandstone
Alluvium
Conglomerate
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Symbol
Station C: Relative Dating Comic Strip
In the following diagrams, number the formation of the units or features in their
correct chronological order. Write a comic strip that describes the formation of
the different layers.
Example Cartoon A
“E was lying on the river side, quiet peacefully when a landslide came along and
completely covered him. At first he really didn’t like G, but then a river flooded,
bring along L who was really loud and annoying, so G really didn’t seem that bad
after all. For hundreds of years the three of them lay there wondering if they
would ever be dug up when a huge earthquake caused liquefaction and all the
animals nearby died. As they decayed, the layers of their bones formed layer C…”
Be sure to use the letter of the oldest unit on the bottom of the list and letter of
the youngest unit on the top and fill in the rest appropriately.
You can write the cartoon strip as a story (text only), or you may use the
comic strip outline (with text and pictures) provided at the station.
Example
E was lying on the river
side, quiet peacefully
when a landslide came
along and completely
covered him.
At first he really didn’t
like G, but then a river
flooded, bring along L
who was really loud and
annoying, so G really
didn’t seem that bad
after all.
For hundreds of years
the three of them lay
there wondering if they
would ever be dug up
when a huge earthquake
caused liquefaction and
all the animals nearby
died.
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As they decayed, the
layers of their bones
formed layer C
12
Cartoon B.
Cartoon C.
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Cartoon D.
____
Hints: N refers to the time the house was built. Fault T cuts Formation A.
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Station D: Reconstruction of Geologic History
Looking at the structures and rock relationships in the following diagrams,
reconstruct a plausible geologic history or sequence of events.
Describe the geologic events that must have occurred in the correct chronological
order to create the picture in the diagram. Use a list format.
Geologic History Diagram A
Sequence of events for diagram A:
(List oldest event first.)
1) Metamorphism of rock Formation A
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Geologic History Diagram B
Sequence of events for diagram B: (List oldest event first.)
1) Deposition of rock Formation A
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Geology 2/Labs/Time/Lab #8 time.doc/LTS 10/06/06
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