GL 101 - Introduction to Geology

1. Apply theory and scientific principles learned in this course to hypothesize about hazardous scenarios related to geology facing the human population in the near future. (GELO3)
2. Describe the theory of plate tectonics and use scientific data to identify the three major types of plate boundaries in plate tectonics theory. (GELO3)
3. Apply theory of plate tectonics to understand the characteristics of earthquakes and volcanoes and be able to use data to determine risk associated with these geologic hazards and to discuss mitigation techniques. (GELO7)
4. Apply theory to understand how erosion can influence shoreline and slope stability/mass wasting and analyze the impact of various mitigation methods. (GELO3)
5. Be able to analyze and use measurements from topographic maps to calculate parameters relevant to estimating the risk of geologic hazards and develop solutions based on the acquired data. (GELO7)
6. Measure and calculate flood risk, examine human impact on flood severity, and discuss the validity of flood mitigation methods. (GELO7)
7. Analyze water resource data (groundwater and surface water) and discern which data is relevant and correctly shows the degree of human impact on water resources. Use relevant data to seek solutions to water resource problems. (GELO7)
8. Analyze climate data to determine its relevance and to formulate possible solutions to climate change. (GELO7)
9. Describe the principles of relative and absolute age dating and be able to use them to solve problems and to describe the geologic history of an area. (GELO7)
10. Analyze mineral and energy resource statistics to understand their limits and discuss possible problems associated with their exploitation and use.
11. Use theory and data to understand the major natural and human controls on global climate and explore the human impact on rapid climate change.
12. Describe major geologic and biologic events that define the PreCambrian Eon and the eras of the Phanerozoic Eon and their boundaries.
13. Identify common rocks and minerals based on their observable properties.
14. Determine the processes that create igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks from the properties of the rock.
15. Use sedimentary structures and a sedimentary rock’s composition and texture to infer an environment of deposition.
16. Describe the processes of weathering and erosion and explore the relationship between erosion and mass wasting.
17. Describe the water cycle and understand water’s role as both a resources and a hazard.
18. Create a written summary of the main ideas extracted from information gathered.
19. Identify the best solution to a problem or issue.

    A. Definition of Geology

    B. Introduction to basic geologic principles

    C. The Scientific Method

II. Theory of Plate Tectonics

    A. History of the Theory: Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading

    B. Plate Tectonics: The theory and supporting data

    C. Geologic features and phenomenon at divergent, convergent and  transform boundaries

III. Earthquakes

    A. Mechanisms and seismic waves

    B. Hazards

    C. Forecasting and Mitigation

IV. Minerals

    A. Mineral properties and diagnostic features

    B. Rock-forming mineral identification

V. Igneous Rocks and Other Igneous Activity

    A. The rock cycle

    B. Classification of igneous rocks

    C. Identification of common igneous rocks

    D. Plutonic igneous activity

VI. Volcanoes

    A. Volcanic precursors

    B. Eruption styles

    C. Types of volcanoes

    D. Volcanic Hazards

VII. Sedimentary Rocks

    A. Classification of sedimentary rocks

    B. Identification of common sedimentary rocks

    C. Sedimentary environments

VIII. Metamorphic Rocks

    A. Classification of metamorphic rocks

    B. Identification of common metamorphic rocks

    C. Metamorphic environments

IX. Mineral and Energy Resources

    A. Formation and abundance of fossil fuels:

    B. Types, formation and abundance of mineral resources:

X. Topographic Maps

    A. Interpretation and use

XI. Mass Wasting

    A. Controls on slope stability

    B. Types of mass wasting

    C. Impact of mass wasting and mitigation methods

XII. Running Water

    A. The hydrologic cycle: surface and groundwater resources

    B. Stream attributes

    C. The work of running water

        1. Depositional and erosional landforms

    D. Flooding problems and mitigation

XIII. Groundwater

    A. Aquifers and their attributes

    B. Storage and management

    C. Groundwater problems and mitigation

XIV. Glaciers and Glaciation

    A. Glaciers and their attributes

    B. Glacial landforms

    C. Climate and geology: The Ice Ages

XV. Global Climate Change

    A. Human and natural controls

    B. Consequences of Climate Change

XVI. Geologic Time

    A. Principles of relative and absolute age dating

    B. The Geologic Timescale

XVII. Earth’s Evolution through Geologic Time

    A. Formation of the Universe, Solar System, and planet

    B. Major events of the PreCambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and  Cenozoic

Class Discussion: 10-20%

Group Work: 0-30%

Laboratory/Hands on Activities: 25-50%