GEOLOGY 101 - Fall 2014
An Introduction to Physical Geology
Instructor: Steve May
Lectures: MTWF 9:30 - 10:20, Room 222
Lab:
Th 9:30 - 11:20, Room 225
Office Phone: 527-4278
Office: Room 41
Hours: 10:30 - 11:20 MTWF;
Class Website: wwcc.edu click CANVAS
email: steve.may@wwcc.edu
Description: Study of the materials and processes of the earth. Topics include rocks and minerals, geologic time, volcanic activity,
plate tectonic theory, earthquakes, earth's interior, and the surface processes controlled by wind, water movement, and gravity.
Laboratory exercises involve identification of common rocks and minerals, use of topographic and geologic maps, and knowledge
gained through the study of earthquakes.
Intended Learning Outcomes
 Learn ways in which scientific knowledge is obtained. (Scientific method).
 Conceptual understanding, including terminology, of large-scale composition and behavior of the earth, as viewed
scientifically.
 Learn many small scale processes operating on and within the earth.
 Learn to identify approximately 50 common rocks and minerals.
 Learn basic map reading and interpretation skills.
 Gain an appreciation of the impact of geologic events on human populations.
 Gain an appreciation of human populations on the effect of geologic events.
 Learn geologic events that have shaped, and continue to alter, southeastern Washington, and the entire Pacific
Northwest.
Text:
Required – GEOL 2, Wicander/Monroe, 2013
Tests:
3 lecture tests will be given which consist of a variety of question types including: T/F, Multiple Choice, Matching, and
Short answer. Questions will be largely selected from the Chapter Review questions available on CANVAS.
A lab practical exam dealing exclusively with lab exercises will be given near the end of the quarter.
A comprehensive final exam (all short answer/essay questions) will be given during finals.
Make-Up Tests will only be given when I have been notified in advance concerning the reason for absence during the
test. And the reason will have to be very good in order to be excused from the exam.
Labs: After each lab session there will be a worksheet, or lab write-up to be handed in. This will be due on the Monday following
the lab. Late labs will be accepted, with a substantial grade reduction, no later than one week after the lab session (i.e. the
following Thurday.)
Homework: On most days of the quarter there will be a short quiz on the reading that you MUST complete using CANVAS before
coming to class each day. Check CANVAS often to keep up with this relatively easy way to stay up with the class and accrue
points.
Daily Reports: At the end of each class you will be given the opportunity to make comments or ask questions regarding the materials
presented that day, or anything else within the bounds of the class. You will be given 2 points for this report each day. I find this a
productive way of checking attendance. Don’t be late to class: If you come to class after I have begun the day’s lecture I will only
give you 1 point for your Daily Report.
Excessive Absenteeism: If you miss more than 6 classes during the quarter your grade will be lowered by one full grade!
Tests (including Lab Exam) – 50%
Lab Exercises – 20%
Daily Quizzes – 20%
Daily Reports – 10%
(all the above percentages are approximate)
Letter grades will be assigned using a “modified” 90% – 80% – 70% etc. method.
Grading:
Disability Identification and Accommodations: If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation,
you are encouraged to contact Claudia Angus, Coordinator of Disability Support Services at 527-4262, as early as possible in
the quarter.
Week
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Date
Sept. 22
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Oct. 1
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Nov. 3
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24 – 28***
Dec. 1
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Topic
Introductory Comments
The Science of Geology
Origin of Earth, Its Structure and Dynamics
LAB DAY: Geologic Time Scale
The Rock Cycle
Continental Drift Evidence
Plate Tectonics Evidence
Plate Boundaries and Motion
LAB DAY: Mineral Identification
Mineral Groups and Common Minerals
Review Day
**********TEST 1: Ch. 1 – 3******
Igneous Rocks – Composition and Origin
LAB DAY: Igneous Rock Identification
Volcanic Activity & Types of Volcanoes
Volcanic Activity and Plate Tectonics
Weathering & Soils
Formation & Types of Sedimentary Rocks
LAB DAY: Sedimentary Rock ID
Sedimentation and Sed. Structures
Agents and Types of Metamorphism
Classification of Metamorphic Rocks
Review Day
LAB DAY: Metamorphic Rock ID
**********TEST 2: Ch. 4 – 7******
Earthquakes and Seismic Waves
Earthquakes: Destructive Agents & Prediction
Earth’s Interior
LAB DAY: Earthquakes/Earth's Interior
Rock Deformation: Faults and Folds
Mountain Building: Scenarios
Mass Wasting
Review Day
LAB DAY: Field Trip – ALL
AFTERNOON 3: Ch. 8 - 10******
********TEST
Streams: Erosion, Transport, and Deposition
***VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAY***
Streams: Drainage Systems and Valleys
LAB DAY: Topographic Maps
Glaciers and Alpine Landforms
Continental Glaciers and Ice Ages
Winds Erosion, Transport, and Deposition
***Advising Day – No Class***
LAB DAY: Geologic Structures
Global Wind Patterns and Deserts
****THANKSGIVING VACATION***
Oceans, Seafloor Sediments, and Tides
Waves, Shoreline Erosion and Depostion
Review for Lab Exam
********LAB DAY EXAM ********
Final Review
Final Review
**COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM**
Reading: Ch.
Pages
1: 3 – 10
1: 10 – 16
1: 18 – 21
1: 16 – 18
2: 23 – 28
2: 29 – 38
2: 38 – 51
3: 64 – 67
3: 57 – 64; 67 – 69
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4: 70 – 78
4: 78 – 87
5: 89 – 100
5: 100 – 106
6: 109 – 120
6: 121 – 127
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7: 139 – 144
7: 144 – 152
8: 155 – 163
8: 167 – 174
8: 174 – 179
8: 163 – 167
9: 181 – 191
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10: 203 – 222
11: 225 – 235
11: 236 - 245
12: 269 – 279
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14: 307 – 313
14: 313 – 329