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| Geophysical Sciences @ TCC
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY GOL 105
Physical Geology (GOL 105) is a course that introduces the
composition and structure of the earth and its modifying agents
and processes. Physical Geology investigates the formation of
minerals and rocks, weathering, erosion, earthquakes, and crustal
deformation. The course stresses a practical and application level
approach to the subject material. If you want the full details
about the course, keep reading. Otherwise, return to Geophysical
Science's homepage.
Prerequisites
None
Instructional Material/Required Books
- Physical Geology, 8th edition, Plummer and McGreary (P&M)
- Physical Geology Lab Manual, Departmental
Concepts:
Part 1 - Overview
- Definition of geology
- The scientific method and its geological applications
- Internal and external heat engine; plate tectonics; and hydrologic
cycle
Part 2 - Minerals
- Structure of atoms, chemical bonds, cations and anions, and
isotopes
- Minerals: structure and classification
- Mineral Classes: Silicates; Carbonates; Oxides; Sulfates;
Sulfides; Phosphates; Native elements; Hydroxides
Part 3 - Rocks
- Rock cycle
- Igneous rocks: intrusive and extrusive (volcanic) systems
and processes
- Metamorphic rocks: foliated and nonfoliated; metamorphic processes
- Sedimentary rocks: clastic and nonclastic: sedimentary processes
Part 4 - Weathering and Mass Wasting
- Processes of weathering
- Mechanical weathering: frost wedging; exfoliation;
- Chemical weathering: oxidation, hydrolysis, dissolution
- Differential weathering
- Processes of mass wasting: creep; solifluction; slump; avalanche;
slide;
Part 5 - Surface and Ground Water
- Streams and their place in the hydrologic cycle
- Divides and drainage basins
- Stream channel patterns and morphology
- Dynamics and factors of stream erosion
- Landscape development by regional erosion
- Groundwater and its place in the hydrologic cycle
- Movement of groundwater from highland to lowland
- Springs, seeps, ponds
- Karst topography
Part 6 - Surface Processes
- Glaciers
- Eolian and arid environments
- Shorelines and coasts
Part 7 - The Solid Earth
- Structures
- Earthquakes
- Earth's interior
- Seafloor
Part 8 - Geologic resources
- Formation of hydrocarbons
- Igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary, and weathering processes
and the formation of economic mineral deposits
- Non-metallic economic deposits
- Mining
- Future trends
Schedule Matrix
| Week |
Lecture |
Lab |
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1 |
Introduction to physical geology; Atoms, elements, and minerals
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Minerals - identification of samples |
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2 |
Atoms, elements, and minerals |
Minerals - identification of samples |
|
3 |
Volcanism and extrusive rocks;
Intrusive activity and igneous rock origin |
Test #1 - Minerals;
Igneous rocks - their origin, composition, textures, and
identification |
|
4 |
Sediments and Sedimentary rocks |
Igneous rocks - their origin, composition, textures, and
identification |
|
5 |
Metamorphism, metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermal rocks |
Sedimentary rocks - their origin, composition, textures,
and identification |
|
6 |
Weathering and soil |
Metamorphic rocks - their origin, composition, textures,
and identification |
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7 |
Mass wasting |
Lab Test #2 Rocks
Topographic maps - explanation of their features including:
contour outlines, map symbols, geographic and magnetic north,
topographic features such as hills, valleys, ridges, depressions,
topographic profiles, vertical exaggeration, gradient, stereoscope,
and topographic map construction |
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8 |
Streams, stream action, landscape development |
Stream landscapes - their characteristics and stages, drainage
patterns; |
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9 |
Streams, stream action, landscape development |
Stream landscapes - their characteristics and stages, drainage
patterns; Basin and Range |
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10 |
Waves, beaches, and coasts |
Test #3; Shoreline and wind landscapes; prep for field trip
|
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11 |
Deserts and wind action; Ground water and Karst topography
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FIELD TRIP; Location and project TBA. |
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12 |
Glaciers and glaciation; geologic structures |
Beach Sediment Analysis |
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13 |
Earthquakes; Earth's interior |
Groundwater and Karst |
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14 |
The sea floor |
Glacial landscapes - includes alpine and continental glaciation
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15 |
Geologic resources |
Test #4 - Lab Final |
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16 |
Exam (during exam week) |
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Laboratory
The laboratory periods emphasize empirical methods in geology.
Numerous experiments, projects, and a field trip will be conducted
to give the student an idea on practical application of principles
learned in the lecture.
Field Trip
The field trip is conducted to give you better insight as
to how a geologist might obtain geologic information in the field.
The field trip is normally scheduled during the lab period for
labs held during the day. Night labs will be scheduled for a weekend
field trip. Attendance is required by all students. If night students
are unable to make the scheduled weekend trip, they should make
arrangements to attend during the day period during the week.
A typed paper based on the student's observation and findings
in the trip is required.
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