Introduction to Geology Week 1 Geology is.. The scientific study of the Earth and its processes. the physical earth composition processes the historical earth the interactions between humans and the earth 01.02.b1 Observe this scene. What do you see? How did this landscape form? 02.01.a1 What would a geologist look for? Hill has different parts Various colors Ledges that reflect layers Some color looks to be a stain on outside of rock Fractures Loose pieces versus solid bedrock Loose pieces cover slope Rounded versus angular corners Observe this scene and think about the processes going on and how geology influences the scene a1 01.09.a Isolated mountains near Great Plains How does a geologist see the Black Hills? Uplift of older rocks, with younger rock layers tilted away from range Rapid City is on east side 01.10.a1 What would a geologist observe in this landscape? Reservoir River Mountains and drainages toward town Active fault along cliffs Volcano Nearby oil field Farms City of St. George River 02.04.a1-6 Gasoline in groundwater Observation Questions from observation From leak in buried tank? Proposed explanations From tank Not from tank Make predictions for each explanation: if tank is cause, leak should be found in tank Collect data to test predictions Steps in Investigation What Was Discovered No leak in tank; wrong kind of gasoline in tank Conclusion Contamination is from elsewhere 02.07.a Types of datais one type better? Quantitative data: numeric measurements (conveyed with numbers) Qualitative data: descriptions (conveyed with words or sketches) 02.10.c1-4 Examining an area from various viewpoints Exploring for petroleum Flow of groundwater Earthquake hazards see text: p. 45 02.12.a1 What Formed This Crater? Observe this scene and then think of options for all the ways in which a crater could form see text sec. 2.12 02.12.a2 Rim of crater has angular blocks of fractured rock Observe the rocks in the rim of the crater 02.12.b1 Observe this geologic cross section across the crater. The crater is within sedimentary layers. 02.12.c1-3 Rising salt Volcanic explosion Meteoroid impact Consider the predictions that arise from each model How you could test each prediction? What type of data would you like to have? Models for Formation of the Crater Questions to consider: How does science examine things? How does science differ from other ways of knowing? What makes science so special? How does science develop explanations for natural processes? What do you hope to gain? How does geology relate to your field of study? (be creative) How has geology impacted your life? What are you curious about? If you can relate this subject to something that interests youyou will be more successful in this class.