Geology
Mr. Ring 2008-2009
F-Block
Geology, the study of the Earth, covers a wide range of topics related to the structure and processes at work
within and on the surface of our world. Major discoveries in the late sixties led to the Theory of Plate Tectonics
which is the NEW Geology. We will study Plate Tectonics through the formation of and the destruction caused
by volcanoes and earthquakes. We will explore the formation of modern and ancient river systems by examining
current river processes and ancient riverbeds. We will ponder questions regarding the origin of the Earth,
formation of ocean basins, uplift of mountains, and the advance of glaciers; as well as many other topics. The
study of Geology in this class will incorporate reading the textbook and class lecture with lab exercises, class
projects, papers, and field labs.
Textbook:
Essentials of Geology – Lutgens and Tarbuck – 10th Edition
Supplies:
Large 3-Ring Binder with Dividers
Field Manual (Composition Book or the like, easy to carry)
Paper
Pencils and Pens
Old shoes, pants, sweatshirts and coats (leave in classroom)
We go into the field. To collect samples, to experience nature, and to view exhibits. The field excursions
require the use of X-Period and Double. Participation does not exempt you from Physical Education. I ask those
of you in PE to request to make-up the missed class the following day. Attending a field trip does not excuse
you from Chorus or Orchestra. If you are in either you can ask to attend the field trip, but X is dedicated Chorus
and Orchestra class time and this must be respected.
Unit Outline:
1.
2.
Hurricanes and Deltas – Gustov
 Reading: p. 213-215, 309-311 Quiz*: Mon Sep 8
 Questions: p. 317 14, 16; Due: Wed Sep 10
 Poster Presentation – Historical Hurricanes
- Due: Thurs Sep 18
 Reading Quizzes: Outline the reading with figures,
definitions, and summaries. You may use your written notes
during the quiz.
Geologic Introduction and History
Project:
Field Lab:
An Introduction to Geology
CH 1
 Reading: CH 1 Quiz: Tues Sept 23
 Questions: p. 6, 7, 9, 12-16, 15, 16, 19, 20 Due:
Fri Sept 26
I.
The science of geology
II.
Geologic time
III. The nature of scientific inquiry
IV. A View of the Earth
V. The Earth as a System
VI. The rock cycle: part of the Earth system
VII. Early evolution of Earth
VIII. Earth’s internal structure
IX. Dynamic Earth – Plate Tectonics
Geologic Time Scale
Niagara Gorge: Thurs Sept 11
3.
Rock Classification
Igneous Rocks/Igneous Minerals
CH 3
Reading: p. 58-75 Quiz: Thurs Oct 2nd
Questions: p. 79: 1, 3-5, 8, 10, 12-16 Due: Mon
Oct 6th
I. Magma: The parent material of igneous
rocks
II. Igneous Textures
III. Igneous Compositions
IV. Origin of Magma
V. How Magmas Evolve
Field Labs: Woodlawn Beach: Glacial Erratics and Stream Types Mon Sept 22
Whirlpool Rapids: Gorge Formations and Glacial Erosion Wed Oct 1st
Volcanoes
CH 4
Reading: CH4 Quiz: Fri Oct 10th
Questions: p. 110-111: 1, 3, 5, 8, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23-25, 28 Due:
Mon Oct 20th
I. Volcanic eruptions
II. Materials extruded during an eruption
III. Volcanoes
IV. Other volcanic landforms
V. Intrusive igneous activity
VI. Plate tectonics and igneous activity
VII.
Field Labs:
Amherst Street: Sed Rocks, Bed Orientation Tues Oct 14
Wanakha Beach: Joints and Streams Fri Oct 24th
Paper: Historical Volcano: Due Thurs Oct 30th
Weathering and Soils
I.
Earth’s External Processes
II.
Weathering
III.
Soil (Dr. Vanini)
Sedimentary Rocks/Sed Minerals
I.
What is a Sedimentary Rock
II.
Turning Sediment into Sedimentary Rock
III.
Types of Sedimentary Rocks
IV.
Detrital Sedimentary Rocks
V.
Chemical Sedimentary Rocks
VI.
Classification of Sedimentary Rocks
VII.
Sedimentary Environments
VIII.
Sedimentary Structures
Metamorphic Rocks/Meta Minerals
I.
Metamorphism
II.
Agents of Metamorphism
III.
Metamorphic Textures
IV.
Common Metamorphic Rocks
V.
Metamorphic Environments
VI.
Metamorphic Zones
Focus:
Cascade Range Volcanism
Project:
Rock Cycle/Volcanism Paper
CH 5
CH 6
CH 7
Sub Unit: Global Warming / The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2007 Report, its
findings, interpretation, and predictions.
3. The Process of Erosion
Mass Wasting
Running Water
Glaciers and Glaciation
Deserts and Wind
Focus:
Field Lab:
4.
CH 8
CH 9
CH 11
CH 12
Southwest National Parks
18 Mile Creek and Lake Ontario Glacial Formations
Mountains and Landforms
Earthquakes
Mountain Building
Landforms
Focus:
CH 15
CH 17
Appendix C
San Andreas Fault
Yosemite National Park
Homework, Assignment, Exam Grading and Procedures:
1. Paper/Movie Presentations:
You will study articles and view movies then discuss with the class and
present in a variety of forms (e.g. papers, essays, posters, presentations) - up
to 30% quarter grade.
2. Homework from Book:
Questions designed to summarize textbook reading -up to 30% of quarter
grade.
3. Labs:
- up to 30% of quarter grade and field manuals
4. Quizzes:
Chapter Quizzes will be given throughout the quarter – up to 30% of quarter
grade and will cover chapters in the text, paper/movie presentations, and
labs.
4. Midterm Examination
5. Final Project:
Instead of a final exam you may decide to complete an independent project.
This is strongly encouraged and you should start early in the year.