Geology
PROGRAM NOTE:
In 2019 we changed from a class-based program (2.5-hour blocks with each instructor only teaching one class for different groups) to a trail-group-based program, with each instructor teaching the full curriculum to their class. This makes it so much easier to create a coherent and responsive curriculum for students to have the most meaningful, memorable, student-centered, and nature-centered week at Camp! We haven't updated the content below yet, but it can be used for ideas. We will have regular instructor meetings during the week to share successes and problem-solve. Equipment and Locations will be available on a sign-up basis, but we have flexibility if needed. 2018 Lesson Plan and materials
geology lesson rev2018.docxGeology Landforms Scavenger Hunt.docxgeolesson labs.docNote you can do the Geo Labs outside - by creek for sedimentary and on top of Camp Mountain for metamorphic. The lava lamp works best inside, though - haha :)
bp SIERRA GEOLOGY.pdfBig Pine Mountains
geohistorycards.docGeologic History Cards
(background, optional)
Physics Lesson - speed of sound vs radio.docxSound Experiment - optional but fun and ties in with Astronomy
Local Geology Information
BIG PINE VOLCANIC FIELD-W PICS.pdfWaucobi Lake Beds.pptArea Geology References
USGS / Scholarly / Technical References (in no particular order)
Structural Geology and Volcanism of Owens Valley Region, California: A Geophysical Study (pdf)
Big Pine 15' Geologic Map (link is no longer working - keeping it in case it comes back)
Big Pine 15' Geologic Map link that still works
Roof Pendants - including Big Pine (from Geologic trips)
Petrology and Geochemistry of the Big Pine Volcanic Field Inyo County, California
The Owens Valley Fault Zone, Eastern California, and Surface Faulting Associated with the 1872 Earthquake (fault scarps in Big Pine and through Crater Mountain!)
But then again... "DID THE BIG PINE SEGMENT OF THE OWENS VALLEY FAULT RUPTURE DURING THE 1872 OWENS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE?: EVIDENCE FOR DOUBT"
The BLM's Wilderness Study Area report for Crater Mountain
Other Geology References aimed at General Public
Crater Mountain (from a blog post - good information, though)
Consultants' Report for ATV Trails on Geology and Soils (good summaries)
Quotes about Geology
"To understand the forces that raised the plateau, one must abandon any idea of solidity and endurance of hills, mountains, and rocks. Do not trust rocks. A rock resting on the rim of the Grand Canyon may give an impression of strength and permanence, but as soon as a man turns his back, the rock will resume disintegrating and sneaking off to California. And it is not only that particular rock that is unreliable. Every rock everywhere is growing smaller or larger, rising up or sinking down, or creeping about the planet in a scandalous manner."
― Time-Life Books
"Even stones have a love, a love that seeks the ground."
― Meister Eckhart