Phoenix Mountains Project

GEOLOGY OF MOUNTAINS OF PHOENIX PROJECT. Due May 1


Phoenix has a complex and interesting geologic history. This history is evident all around us. In this project you will investigate the geology of some prominent Phoenix landmark mountains and present it to the class. You will create a multi media presentation about your mountain.

Pick one of the following:

  • The Phoenix Mountains : Piestiewa (Squaw) Peak , Stoney, Look Out/Moon Hill, Shadow
  • North Mountain/Shaw Butte/Thunderbird Hills, Camelback Mountain, Quartzite Ridge
  • South Mountain* Papago Buttes / Hole in the Rock* McDowell Mountains * Tempe Butte* Four Peaks* Superstition Mountains (* 20 extra points for field research)

This project will require field research – one or more of your group will journey to the mountain

Take pictures and video.

Now the (bad/good) news: this is a group project each group will have at the most 4 people. Each group will have one person fill the following roles:

  • Arizona/geologist :This person is in charge of compiling information about the geology of Arizona
  • Phoenix/geologist: This person is in charge of researching the geology of the Phoenix area.
  • Physical Geologist : This person is in charge of researching the physical geology of the mountain.
  • Historical Geologist: This person is in charge of writing the geologic historical geology of the mountain

Each person will present their information in some way in a video - this can be a straight forward documentary or an entertaining farce - as long as you show an understanding of the geology the Phoenix area.

These roles are not etched in stone – I expect all to participate in all aspects of the project but each person will be responsible for their part of the finished product and will be graded individually and by your team on your participation.

Each person is responsible for their part of the video - you can work with other students from other class periods but you must produce your own video with your group from your period.

Your video project you will address the following topics:

  • The types of rock in the area. Find out what kinds of rocks is your mountain made, what minerals are they made from? Are there any mineral resources? How are these rocks formed and how do they fit in with the geology of Phoenix?
  • The geologic history – What was sequence in which the rock units formed? In what environment did they formed in? What geologic time periods did they formed in? What was Phoenix and Arizona like when these rocks formed.
  • Examples of geologic processes and principles – Find some examples of weathering - erosion – super position – crosscutting relations -original horizontality - cleavage - unconformities - faults - inclusions - intrusions etc…
  • Topography - How is the topography (shape of the land) related to the geology (rocks and earth forces) in the area of your mountain. How is the shape of the land related to the geologic processes. How does this fit into the geology of Arizona and the Phoenix area.

Total for project 200 pts

The project is due Monday April 20 (we will start presentations this day)

Late projects will be reduced 1 letter Grade for each day late. (no exceptions no excuses)

Some mountains will be done by one group some will be in sections by more than one group.