Outline

This is a VERY tentative outline:

Physical Geology

Outline:

I. Scientific Measurements, Maps, Cross Sections, and the Scientific Method

A. Maps on a curved surface (Earth)

B. Geologic cross sections

C. Metric measurements and conversion factors

D. The Scientific Method(s)

II. Introduction to Geology

A. Historic development of geologic concepts

B. Geologic time

C. Plate tectonics

D. The Earth as a system

III. Earth’s Composition

A. The Earth’s interior

B. Minerals

C. Rocks and the rock cycle

IV. Surface Processes and Investigative Tools

A. Weather and climate

B. Weathering and soil formation

C. Oceans and the hydrologic cycle

D. Erosion and deposition, landslides, floods, glaciation, shoreline processes, desert formation

V. Subsurface Processes and Investigative Tools

A. Heat and pressure conditions

B. Layers, plate tectonics and earthquakes

C. Heat sources and convection

D. Magnetic field

VI. Geologic Structures

A. Faults

B. Folds

C. Plate movements and mountain building

D. Continents and ocean basins

VII. Geologic Resources

A. Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere

B. Groundwater and surface water resources

C. Mineral resources

D. Fossil fuels and energy minerals

E. Construction materials

F. Soils

VIII. History of Earth and Solar System

A. Planetary

B. Plate tectonics

C. Catastrophes, mass extinctions, and climate extremes

IX. A. Observation of Rocks and Minerals in a Natural, Outdoor Setting

B. Geology & Formation of Tucson.

X. Careers

Subject topic outline

Mineralogy

· Periodic table review

· Chemical compositions of common rocks

· Qualitative and quantitative representations of common minerals

· Rock and mineral identification

Geophysics

· Tectonic movement

· Velocity-space diagrams

· Focal mechanisms

· Seismic reflection

· Qualitative and quantitative representations of earthquake

Petrology

· Physics of mineral and rock compositions using cross polarized light

· Qualitative and quantitative representations of regional chemistry

· Chemical evolution of magma and lava

· Chemical evolution of metamorphic rock compositions

Sedimentology

· Common sedimentary rock compositions

· Qualitative and quantitative representations of depositional environments

· Paleontology and biological interpretation of ancient animals

· Reconstruction of paleoenvironments through sedimentary rock and fossil analysis

Geology & the Environment

· Humans, geology, and the environment

· Hydrological hazards at Earth’s surface

· Coastal environment & humans

· Glaciation and long-term climate change

· Mineral resources and society

· Waste management and geology