Prerequisites: GEO 102/103
This class focusses on sedimentary rocks, how and where they form, and how we interpret their stories in the rock record. We begin by looking at the sediments that make up these rocks, where they come from, how they are transported, where they are deposited, and how they are lithified into sedimentary rocks. Next, we look at the different environments in which sedimentary rocks form, and how these rocks can inform us about ancient environments on Earth. Finally, we investigate the science of stratigraphy, the sequences in which sedimentary rocks are deposited. For the final few weeks of the semester, much of our class time will be spent in the field, followed by lab work on the samples we collect.
Catalog course description:
Sediment origin, transportation and deposition. Diagenesis and lithification of sedimentary rocks. Correlation of stratigraphic units and interpretation of sedimentary environments. Lab work on the mineralogy, texture and other properties of sediments and sedimentary rocks and stratigraphic correlation. Participation in field trips is required.
Prerequisites: GEO 115/116, MTH 123 and ENG 111
This class is the second geology class in the Earth and Environmental Science BS program. It also serves as a "Scientific World" general education class for students in STEM majors. During the first half of the semester, we explore how geologists gather evidence to support their theories about the history of the Earth. We review rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, sedimentary processes and ancient life in this context. During the second half of the semester, we follow the history of the Earth, from its formation 4.6 billion years ago to the present day. This is a writing intensive class with weekly lab reports, writing exercises and a term paper. There is a required field trip.
Catalog course descriptions:
GEO 102: Geologic history of the Earth. Application of fundamental principles of stratigraphy to the reconstruction of paleogeographic, ancient sedimentary, and tectonic relationships. The evolution of life is traced from the fossil record. Participation in scheduled field trips is required.
GEO 103: Classification and identification of major fossil groups. Interpretation of rock record with emphasis on stratigraphic correlation. Major geological features of the United States.