ASSIGNMENT #1 – EARTH ORIGINS, PLATE TECTONICS, MINERALS, ROCKS,
VOLCANISM, AND GEOLOGIC TIME
DUE DATE: SUNDAY JULY 7TH, 2013 @ 11:59 PM
A. Introduction:
This writing assignment involves the research, analysis, and writing on geologic topics covered in
the first half of this course. Note that your textbook is your primary source of information. The
topics include the Basic Scientific Background of Geology and Origin Theories of the Earth
(Chapters 1 and 24), Plate Tectonics Theory (Chapters 2), Minerals and mineral Resources
(Chapter 3 and 23), Igneous rocks (Chapter 4), Volcanism and Plutonism (Chapter 5), Weathering
and Erosion (Chapter 6), Sedimentary Rocks (Chapter 7), Metamorphism (Chapter 8), and
Geologic Time (Chapter 9). The following parts of this document includes information on what
topics to address, where to go for research information, how to assemble your research paper, and
where and how to submit it.
B. Research Topics:
This assignment has six written components (geology topics) that you must research and write
responses to:
Topic #1 - Origin of Earth; Earth’s General Composition and Structure
Topic #2 – The Plate Tectonic Theory
Topic #3 - Minerals and Mineral-forming Processes
Topic #4 - Magmas, Igneous Rocks and Volcanoes
Topic #5 – Weathering, Erosion, and Sedimentary Rocks
Topic #6 – Metamorphism and Geologic Time
C. Assignment Resources:
First off, the course textbook is your primary source of information for completing this
assignment, and for the other assignments that follow. Secondly, you have access to the
professor’s lecture outlines and PowerPoint presentations on his personal website. Thirdly, there
is a very educational online Geology video series, entitled “Earth Revealed”, which includes 26
half-hour streaming videos of all the geology topics that you will study in this course. Lastly,
additional Internet links are listed below that could be helpful. Together, these learning resources
will provide you with more than enough information to successfully complete this assignment.
Finally, if for some reason you cannot find the information that you need, you can always contact
me, and I will point you in the right direction.
Chapter 1 is a broad overview of the science of geology - covering the general underlying
principles of earth science discipline. Pay special attention to the following key concepts in
Chapter 1: a) the clear differences between Catastrophism and Uniformatarianism, and their
relation to geologic time and Earth processes; b) the scientific method, and how it is unique
compared to other means of gathering knowledge; c) the general origin and anatomy of Earth –
inside and out.
Chapter 24 is a broad overview of planetary geology - covering virtually all general aspects of the
origin of our solar system and planets. a) theories concerning the origin of our planet.
Chapter 2 covers the Plate Tectonics Theory exclusively. The plate tectonics (PT) theory is “the”
central organizing theory that pulls all the various aspects of Earth geology into a coherently
understandable and predictable dynamic model of our ever-changing Earth. Give extra attention to
the following key concepts in Chapter 2: a) the pre-PT theory – the continental drift hypothesis, and
how it fell short; b) the general definition of the PT theory, including the lithospheric plates, the
asthenosphere’s role, the three types of plate boundaries and their unique features and processes,
and the proposed mechanisms that drive plate motion; and c) the various key pieces of evidence
that supports the theory.
Chapter 3 covers very basic geochemistry, types of minerals, and how and where they form. In
Chapter 3, pay special attention to: 1) what exactly is a mineral; 2) the physical properties of
minerals, including their elemental make-up; and 3) the common rock-forming minerals, which are
primarily represented by the silicate group of minerals.
Chapter 4 covers the nature of magmas and how they crystallize; the various textures,
compositions, and naming of igneous rocks; and how and where they form. In Chapter 4, pay
special attention to: 1) the origin and evolution of magmas, keeping in mind the plate tectonic
setting; 2) the difference between plutonic and volcanic rocks, in terms of their texture, mineral
make-up and names; and 3) the various ways in which a single parent magma can produce a
variety of igneous rocks.
Chapter 5 covers weathering and soil development. Weathering is divided into two types:
chemical and physical. Weathering is very important for understanding how earth’s crust
decomposes, and for the formation of sedimentary rock. Also weathering is extremely important
for the development of soils.
Chapter 6 covers the processes of weathering, erosion, and soil formation. These surface
processes act to break down, transform, and transport preexisting rock material as sediment,
dissolved minerals, and soil. These processes are especially important in respect to the formation
of sedimentary rocks and soils. In Chapter 6, pay special attention to: 1) the two principle ways that
weathering breaks down rock; 2) ) the major products of weathering; and 3) the principle agents of
erosion that remove weathered rock material.
Chapter 7 covers the origin and formation of the various types of sedimentary rocks – the
turning of sediments into a rock, the various textures, compositions, and naming of sedimentary
rocks, where they form, and the sorts of structures they make. In Chapter 7, pay special attention
to: 1) the processes that transforms sediment into sedimentary rock; 2) ) the primary differences
between detrital and chemical sedimentary rocks, in terms of their origin, textures, mineral makeup and names; and 3) the major depositional environments where sedimentary rocks originate, and
the resulting sedimentary structures that form.
Chapter 8 covers the agents and processes of metamorphism; the various textures,
compositions, and naming of metamorphic rocks; and the different types of metamorphic
environments where these rocks form, including the connection with plate tectonics. In Chapter 8,
pay special attention to: 1) the agents that transforms a particular parent rock into a daughter
metamorphic rock; 2) the primary differences between the foliated and non-foliated metamorphic
rocks, in terms of their origin, textures, mineral make-up and names; and 3) the major metamorphic
environments where these rocks originate, including contact, regional, and hydrothermal.
Chapter 9, entitled “Geologic Time”, covers the two principle forms of geologic dating: relative
dating and absolute dating, rock correlation, and the geologic timescale. Relative dating uses the
principles of superposition and fossils to determine relative ages for rocks and geologic events,
whereas, absolute dating uses radioactivity to determine actual numeric ages. In Chapter 9, pay
special attention to: 1) the key principles of relative dating which include both, the laws of
stratigraphy, and fossil succession; 2) the concepts and principles behind the radiometric dating
method; 3) the development of the geologic timescale.
Chapter 23 covers the major types of energy and mineral resources that humans exploit, where
they form, how they are extracted, and what we use them for. In Chapter 21, pay special attention
to: 1) What the difference is between renewable and nonrenewable resources; and difference
between a mineral resource and a mineral reserve?; 2) How and where the hydrocarbon resources
form; 3) How and where do the major types of metal ore deposits, like iron, copper, gold and silver
form; and 4) what are some of the negative impacts on our environment from extracting and using
hydrocarbon and ore deposit resources.
Chapters 13 and 14 are more in-depth studies of two principle aspects of the plate tectonic theory
– divergent and convergent plate boundaries. Chapter 13 covers seafloors, divergent plate
boundaries, seafloor spreading and the evolution of ocean basins. Chapter 14 covers convergent
plate boundaries, including mountain building, subduction systems, terrane accretion, and the
evolution of continents.
Below are selectively chosen websites that will help compliment the textbook information:
1) Textbook CD material and textbook resource website:
URLS:
http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_tarbuck_earth_10
http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/Earth-An-Introductionto-Physical-Geology-10E/9780321663047.page#downlaoddiv
2) Professor’s lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations.
URL: http://www.geoscirocks.com/costa_online_con.html
3) “Earth Revealed” videos #’s 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14, 15, 17, and 18.
URL: http://www.learner.org/resources/series78.html#
4) Plate tectonics websites:
URL #1:
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/PlateTectonics/description_plate_tectonics.html
URL #2 : http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/dynamic.html
URL #3: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tectonics.html
URL #3: http://www.learner.org/interactives/dynamicearth/
5) Comprehensive mineral and gem websites:
URL1: http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/interest.htm
URL2: http://www.minerals.net/
Images of minerals under a microscope:
URL: http://www.geolab.unc.edu/Petunia/IgMetAtlas/mainmenu.html.
6) Useful information and photos on rocks:
URL1: http://geology.about.com/library/bl/images/blrockindex.htm
Images of rocks under a microscope:
URL: http://www.geolab.unc.edu/Petunia/IgMetAtlas/mainmenu.html
7) First five pages (including Table I) of this brochure on California’s Mineral Resources:
URL: http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/state/2004/castmyb04.pdf
8) Four interesting websites on volcanoes:
a) http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/framework.html - A comprehensive online volcano
glossary with terms, definitions, and helpful images, illustrations, and additional links:
b) http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/how_volcanoes_work/ - Browse this SDSU geology
website for more useful information and images on how volcanoes work:
The primary intent is to gather information for explaining the close connection
between a volcano’s magma compositions, its eruption variability and style, and the
type of volcano formed.
c) http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs002-97/ - Browse this USGS website for specific information
and images on volcanic hazards:
The primary focus is to gather information for listing and defining the six major types
of volcanic hazards, explaining how they form, how they are hazardous, and how to
minimize their effects.
d) http://www.swisseduc.ch/stromboli/perm/index-en.html - Browse this Swiss website
and take a virtual fieldtrip to a volcano of your choice:
The primary intent is to gather general information about the volcano, including its
volcanic nature, its eruption history, and its tectonic setting. Note: I highly
recommend one of the following: Kamchatka, Stromboli, or New Zealand.
9) Information on geologic dating and the geologic timescale:
a) http://www.nmnh.si.edu/paleo/geotime/ - Excellent in-depth coverage of geologic
time, including dating methods and the geologic timescale
b) http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/geotime/contents.html -- USGS website for an overview of
geologic time
c) http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/hefferan/Geol106/CLASS2/Stratigraphy.htm - The
Six Stratigraphic Laws
d) http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/geo_time_scale.html - The Geologic Timescale
e) http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/help/timeform.html - Detailed descriptions of Eons,
Eras, and Periods in the Geologic Timescale
D. Ten-Point Instructions:
1) Review the six assignment #1 topics, including the set of questions (a-e) listed
for each topic. Keep these questions in mind when you begin your assigned
textbook reading for this half of the course.
2) Carefully read and study Chapters 1. 2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 23 in your textbook. Also
study the professor’s lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations (found on his website) that
corresponds to the above chapters. Finally check the listed internet links for additional
information. Use all these sources to help you gather and organize the necessary information
asked for in the assignment topic list.
3) When you have finished your study, begin composing a statement of your thoughts
concerning the list of questions a) though e) for each of the six topics (a detailed explanation of
the topics is found in Part C below).
4) Make sure to organize your paper into the SIX SEPARATE TOPIC responses – each topic
divided into each lettered subsection, e.g. Topic #1: parts a), b), c), d) and e). - Please
include the stated questions as listed below at the beginning of each response. For an
excellent example of a properly formatted and completed assignment, go to the professor’s
website at:
http://www.geoscirocks.com/geology_assignment_example.htm
5) MAKE SURE to include References to ALL your responses for each topic, including
specific headings, page numbers, illustrations, and diagrams in the text. At the end of your set
of a) through e) topic responses, list the references that you used to gather your included
information. Here are some examples: 1) if you used the textbook, then list your reference as
“Course textbook, pages xx-xxx”; 2) if you used information from the professor’s website
material, then an example listing would be “www.oceansci.com, Plate Tectonics Lecture
Outline”; 3) if you used information that I directly gave you via email or a fieldtrip then
reference that as “Rector, personal communication”; and 4) Finally, if you use information
from an Internet site, then list the URL, such as:
“http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/dynamic.html”
6) I am looking for well-written, thoughtful, thorough, yet concise responses that adequately
address each noted topic. Your written response should be roughly 10 to 20 pages in length
(1 ½ spacing; up to 10,000 words) for the entire assignment - including my topic titles and
posed questions. Note that I am more concerned with a too-short of paper than I am of a
paper that is over-length – if it’s longer than the above listed max – don’t worry about it. It’s
probably best to draft your response in your word processing program (saving it frequently).
That way, you can check the spelling and grammar, and make sure that you express yourself
clearly. Please take note: I will take off points for sloppy, inadequately researched, and poorly
written assignments, including spelling and grammar.
7) Once you've written and edited your research assignment, then you can save it as
ASSIGN_1_YOUR NAME. Note that it helps me greatly in grading your response if you
include your name in the title of your assignment document file. I prefer that you save it as a
WORD .doc file, but, .wps or .rtf files are “OK” too if you do not use MS WORD. Also note that
using symbols such as “/”, “#” or “\” in your file name will cause uploading problems. Thank
you!
8) Upload your completed research assignment as an ATTACHMENT with the above file
name. To submit your assignment, go to Assignment Center and clink on the “Assignment
#1” link. Once on that page, scroll down to beneath the “Submission:” text box. There you
will see a button labeled "Add Attachments". Click on that button and wait for an upload
window to appear, titled “Get Files”. Then click on the icon with the name “My Computer”.
There you will be able to access your computer folders and files for your assignment file. Find
the file, click the “Open” button, and your assignment file will automatically upload onto
Blackboard. You will know if the upload was successful because you will see your file name
link appended above the “Add Attachments” button. DO NOT submit your file by pasting your
assignment as a block of text into the “Submissions:” text box found directly above the “Add
Attachments” button – pasted-in assignments will not be accepted. As a final note, please
make sure to include your name in the title of your assignment word-doc file.
9) You must do your own work – NO plagiarism will be tolerated, either from the textbook or
online sources, nor sharing work with classmates. It is OK to point your fellow student in the
right direction on where to get information, but is not OK to share your actual response
information. My plagiarism policy is found in the Class Start Info folder - read and understand
it very carefully. Note that I use plagiarism detection software like “Turnitin.com” and “Eve2”
on the assignments that you turn in to me. Any evidence that you plagiarized will result in a
big, fat ZERO on your assignment.
10) This assignment is worth 120 points (10 points for each topic). Below are the SIX topics
and the mandatory information that you must include for full credit:
E. Below are the Six Research Topics. Each topic has an a) through e) list of subtopic
questions and question sub-points that need to be answered:
Topic I. – Scientific Doctrine, Origin of Earth; Earth’s Composition and Structure – (4 pts per
subtopic – total of 20 pts)
.
A) Compare and contrast the Catastrophism and Uniformitarianism doctrines in terms of:
1) Forces that cause change - natural, such as gravity, heat, moving matter, etc -i. versus supernatural, such as "God" or Supreme alien beings, etc.
2) Earth-changing processes - natural such as tectonics, volcanism, running water, ice,
weathering, erosion, etc, and supernatural such as "God's sweeping hand" etc.
3) Rates of geologic change - such as meters per day, year, 1000 years, million years?
4) Age of the Earth and its features - 1000 of years, millions of years, billions of years?
5) Scientific testability - Are either of the doctrines testable, in terms of observation, data
collection, analysis and experiment?
B) Briefly describe the prevailing scientific theories (science data-backed explanations) for the
formation of the solar system, earth and the moon. Include in your explanation these items:
1) Nebula theory for our solar system
2) Formation of a layered Earth
3) Formation of the Moon
4) Age of the solar system, Earth and moon
C) List and describe Earth’s major structural layers.
1) List the name of each layer, starting from the center of Earth to its outermost layer.
2) Describe each of these layers in terms of thickness (kilometers)
3) Describe each of these layers in terms of physical composition and behavior.
D) Compare and contrast Earth’s lithosphere and asthenosphere in some depth.
1) In terms of layer position (which overlies which?), composition, thickness, and rigidity.
2) What are their similarities? Their differences?
3) How does the lithosphere relate to the asthenosphere, in terms of plate tectonic movement
and processes, such as seafloor spreading and subduction?
E) How are earth scientists able to identify and describe earth’s solid layers?
1) List and describe the types of scientific tools that they use
2) Describe the types of techniques that use with those instruments
Topic II. – The Plate Tectonic Theory - (4 points for each subtopic – total of 20 points)
A) Provide a brief yet concise definition and discussion of the Continental Drift Hypothesis
1) Who was the major author?
2) What are Pangaea and Panthalassa?;
3) Timing of breakup Pangaea?
4) What exact part of earth was believed to be drifting? Drifting on or through what?
5) What were the four major lines of evidence collected to support the drift hypothesis?
6) Where and how was the evidence collected?
7) Why was the continental drift hypothesis soundly rejected by the scientific community?
B) Provide a concise definition of the Plate Tectonic Theory (in about 80 to 90 words or so).
1) The tectonic plates – What part(s) of the solid Earth do they comprise? How many? What
layer do the plates float/move over?
2) What is the driving energy source inside the earth that powers plate tectonics?
3) What internal forces and mechanisms are involved in causing the plates to move? For
example, what makes subduction occur?
4) What are some of the geologic consequences of plate motion and principally where do
these activities occur in relation to the plates? For example, what sorts of geologic
structures are created by plate tectonic activities?
C) List and describe the three major types of plate boundaries and their subtypes.
1) The two subtypes of divergent boundaries;
2) The three subtypes of convergent plate boundaries;
3) The two subtypes of transform boundaries.
D) Describe and explain both seafloor spreading and subduction.
1) Briefly define seafloor spreading; subduction.
2) What type of plate boundary is associated with spreading? Subduction?
3) Specific relative motion of plates where spreading and subduction occur
4) The type(s) of magma /igneous rocks that are generated by spreading and subduction..
5) What seafloor features are formed at the site of spreading and subduction?
6) Name and briefly explain the melting mechanism in the mantle that causes magma to form
beneath a spreading center and hot spots?
7) Name and briefly explain the melting mechanism in the mantle that causes magma to form
in a subduction zone?
E) List, describe, and discuss the types of physical evidence that is collected to support
the plate tectonic theory
1) List at least four different lines of actual collected physical evidence
2) DO NOT list the lines of evidence that were used to support the continental drift hypothesis
3) Describe and explain how each line of evidence is used to support the PTT
4) List and explain the sorts of scientific tools, instruments, and techniques that were used to
collect the four types of data that you listed.
Topic III. – Minerals and Mineral Resources - (4 points per topic – total of 20 points)
A) Compare and contrast the terms “mineral” and “rock”
1) Provide a concise definition for what makes an earth material technically a “mineral”
2) List the five key criteria for what technically makes a mineral a mineral.
3) Provide a brief definition for the term “rock”
4) How do minerals relate to rocks, in terms of classifying rocks?
B) List and describe the various physical properties used to identify a specific mineral
1) List the 6 general physical properties used for mineral Identification
2) Briefly describe each physical property and how it is used for the ID of a mineral.
3) Use your most favorite mineral or gem as an example by listing its major physical
properties
4) If you could only use three physical properties to ID a mineral out in the field, what would
they be? And Why?
C) List, describe, and explain the major ways that minerals form (crystallize).
1) Your list should include at least 3 different mineral-forming processes
2) Briefly describe each of these mineral crystallization processes; where it occurs; what type
of rocks are formed.
3) Which of these mineral-forming processes has created most of the earth’s crustal rocks?
Hint: Igneous.
D) List, describe, and compare the seven major classes of minerals.
1) List the 7 major mineral classes. Example: the silicates.
2) Briefly describe each of the 7 mineral classes – what makes each of them unique?
3) Which is, by far, the most extensive and abundant of these 7 mineral groups?
4) List the seven most common specific minerals types (by %) found in the earth’s crust.
Example: quartz.
E) Study and comment on California’s mineral resources
1) List the nine major types of non-fuel mineral resources produced in California in 2004 (See
Table I of brochure noted above).
2) Of the nine major mineral resources you listed above, which group was, by far, the greatest
moneymaker?
3) What is California’s top producing mineral commodity primarily used for?
4) Where in California is gold being mined?
5) What types of mineral resources are mined in San Diego?
Topic IV. – Igneous Rocks, Volcanism and Intrusions- (4 points for each subtopic – total
of 20 points)
A) Describe the nature of magma, including the crystallization of magma into the two types
of igneous rocks
1) Where in the earth do most magmas form? In what plate tectonic setting(s)?
2) How does magma form? From what? Does it move? From where to where?
3) What are the three basic components of a magma
4) What are the two basic types of igneous rocks that form from magma? Hint: Underground
versus surface.
5) What are the two criteria of a crystallizing magma that controls which type of igneous rock
is produced? Hint: Subtopics b) and c)
B) List, describe, and discuss the major types of igneous rock textures and compositions
1) What are the factors that affect crystal size
2) List and briefly describe the types of igneous rock textures, including cooling conditions
3) List and briefly describe the four general igneous rock compositional categories, including
mention of type and abundance of light and dark minerals
4) What factor(s) do you think controls the composition of an igneous rock, i.e. why mafic
versus felsic? Hint: magma
C) List, describe, and compare the general types of igneous rocks.
1) What are the two basic criteria for naming an igneous rock? Hint: Subtopics b) and c)
2) List the 8 igneous rock types – based on texture and composition.
3) Briefly describe each of the 8 igneous rocks – can you pair them up in more than one way?
4) List and describe the 3 special groups of igneous rocks, based solely on extrusive texture.
5) Which of the above rock types do you think is the most abundant in continents? Seafloor?
Mantle?
D) Describe, compare, and explain the nature of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions.
1) What factors affect magma viscosity?
2) Why do volcanoes erupt?
3) List and briefly describe three major types of material that is extruded out of volcanoes
4) List and briefly describe the major forms of volcanoes – you should list at least four
5) Compare and contrast a shield and composite volcano, in terms of form, magma type and
eruption style.
6) List the major types of volcanic hazards.
E) Describe, compare, and explain the nature of intrusive igneous activity.
1) What is a pluton, and how does it form?
2) List and describe the main types of plutonic bodies, in terms of shape and intrusive style
3) What’s the difference between a pluton and a batholith?
4) How does an intruding magma body make room for itself during emplacement?
5) List the three major plate tectonic settings where active volcanism and magma intrusions
occur on earth. Hint: Where are the principle regions inside Earth where magmas form?
6) What type of plate tectonic setting do large, extensive granitic batholiths form at?
Topic V. - Weathering and Sedimentary Rocks - (4 points per subtopic – total of 20 points)
A) Provide a concise definition, explanation, and importance of weathering:
1) What is it exactly?
2) Where does it occur?
3) What are two major types of weathering? Describe them.
4) What the main products of weathering? Hint: they all eventually form sedimentary rocks
5) Explain the importance of weathering to the formation of sedimentary rocks and soils.
B) List and describe the processes and materials involved in forming a sedimentary rock:
1) List the sedimentary processes in step-by-step order, from weathering to cementation.
2) List and describe the three categories of sedimentary rocks, based on the specific
processes.
3) What are the major agents of erosion?
4) How does erosion work with weathering?
5) Explain the importance of erosion to the formation of sedimentary rocks.
C) List, describe, and compare the common four types of detrital sedimentary rocks.
1) What is the most important criteria for classifying a detrital rock?
2) What are the most common minerals found in detrital rocks?
3) Name and briefly describe each of the four general detrital rock types, including mention of
grain size, common minerals, and depositional environment
4) What factor(s) do you think controls the grain size of a sedimentary rock? Hint: energy
D) List, describe, and compare the common four types of chemical sedimentary rocks.
1) What is the most important criteria for classifying a chemical rock?
2) What are the most common minerals found in chemical rocks?
3) Name and briefly describe each of the four general chemical rock types, including mention
of grain size, common minerals, and depositional environment
4) What factor(s) do you think controls the composition of a sedimentary rock? Hint: Its in
the water,
E) Study and comment on sedimentary environments and structures
1) List and describe the three major types of sedimentary environments.
2) Be sure to include the types of processes that are occurring, the dominant agents
involved, such as water, wind, ice, etc, .and the most common rock types that form there
3) List and describe some common sedimentary structures – at least four.
4) How do these structures tell you something about the sedimentary environment?
Topic VI. – Metamorphism and Geologic Time - (4 points per subtopic – total of 20 points)
A) Define “metamorphism” and explain the general processes and agents involved
1) Provide a concise definition for “metamorphism”
2) Be sure to list and describe/explain the four key metamorphic agents.
3) Discuss the importance of a metamorphic rock’s parent rock, in terms of how it influences
the reactivity to metamorphic agents and resultant metamorphic rock composition.
B) List, describe, and discuss the major types of metamorphic rocks textures and
compositions
1) What is foliation? How and why does it form?
2) What are the four types of foliated textures?
3) List and briefly describe the four common types of foliated metamorphic rocks.
4) What is the key characteristic for naming the foliated rock types?
5) List and briefly describe the two most types of nonfoliated metamorphic rocks.
6) What is the key characteristic for naming the nonfoliated rock types?
C) Study and comment on metamorphic environments and zonations
1) Where on earth does most metamorphism occur, in terms of plate tectonics?
2) List and briefly describe the 6 types of common types of metamorphism
3) Be sure to include the most important processes and dominant agents involved.
4) What is an index metamorphic mineral and how is it useful to determine metamorphic
zones?
D) Compare and contrast relative and absolute dating, including the following:
1) What exactly is the relative geologic dating and what is it’s importance?
2) List and briefly define the following four stratigraphic principles:
- Principle of Superposition
- Principle of Crosscutting Relationships
- Principle of Fossil Succession
- Principle of Unconformities
3) What exactly is absolute geologic dating and what is its importance?
4) Briefly explain how the radiometric dating technique works.
E) Study and comment on the Geologic Timescale
1) What is the geological timescale? When it was first developed?
2) Name the major divisions in the geologic timescale, including the eons, eras and periods.
3) What are the primary criteria for dividing up the geologic timescale? Hint: What do the
divisions between periods represent?
4) What are difficulties in the development and assignment of time periods and absolute ages
of the geologic timescale?
5) If you could go back in time, which part of the geologic timescale would you like to travel to,
and why?