GEO 115: Physical Geology
Fall 2004 - MWF 10:00 - 10:50; SC 066
Instructor: Dr. Daniel Goldman
Office hours: Science Center 077; Tues. & Thurs. 9:00 - 10:00 am or by appointment.
e-mail: phone: 229-4820
Required Text: Earth’s Dynamic Systems: by W. K. Hamblin and E.H. Christiansen.
The textbook is available in the UD bookstore.
Course Requirements:Percent of Final Grade
Homework15%
Field Trip and Report15%
First Test20%
Second Test20%
Final Exam30%
TOTAL100%
Course Description: A course in physical geology can be viewed as the basic foundation for all earth sciences. It is the starting point for learning about the incredible array of geologic phenomena that human beings interact with every day. These include powerful earthquakes, spectacular volcanoes, shifting shorelines, and even meteor impacts (to name just a few)! In addition to being one of the most fascinating sciences, geology also provides practical solutions to some of society’s most pressing problems – like finding safe disposal sites for toxic and radioactive waste, predicting devastating earthquakes, discovering new mineral and energy resources, and providing clean, uncontaminated water supplies. Finally, some of of the most beautiful places on Earth have been sculpted by geological processes. A better understanding of geology can help us appreciate the grandeur of the world in which we live.
This course has three main goals: 1) To examine the major earth systems (solid earth, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere) and and the processes that operate within them. 2) To give the student a greater understanding of the relationship between human beings and their surrounding environment. Using our knowledge of Earth systems as a foundation we will investigate the causes and effects of natural disasters, man-made hazards, and global environmental change. 3) The last and perhaps most important objective of this course is to give you the tools necessary to evaluate scientific information, engage in constructive dialogue, and make informed decisions.
Field Trip and Report:There is a mandatory one day field trip associated with this course. I am running two trips from which you can choose one (1) – Hocking Hills State Park, OH and Ohio Caverns, OH. Everyone (with no exceptions) must attend one field trip. The trips will run on Saturdays. Anyone not attending a field trip and/or not submitting a field trip report (due on the last day of class) will receive a grade of “Incomplete” for the course if they otherwise have passing grades. Instructions and details regarding the field trip report will be handed out later. Students may attend a second trip for extra credit.
Homework:Occasionally, I will assign exercise questions to be done at home. You may work individually or together on these exercises. These exercises will be graded and returned to you.
Attendance and Classroom Environment: Attendance is mandatory, and a great deal of information not included in your book is provided in lecture. You will have a hard time keeping up with the work if you do not attend class. Freshmen should familiarize themselves with the University of Dayton cut policy. You must let me know if you are going to miss class or provide me with a valid documented excuse if an unanticipated problem arises. I want you to learn and do well - so come to class! I also expect mature and appropriate behavior in the classroom. This means: 1) Arrive and depart at the scheduled times - late arrivals and early departures are disruptive to the instructor and to your classmates. 2) No newspaper reading, sleeping, or headphones in class. 3) You are attending one of the finest universities in our country and have an great opportunity to enrich yourself - come prepared to learn.
Laboratory: The Physical Geology Lab (GEO 115L) is a practical, exercise-based course that reinforces the concepts you learn in lecture and provides experience in solving geological problems.
Learning Disabilities: Students with learning disabilities should register with the Learning Assistance Center. If you have special needs, please inform me and I will do my best accommodate you. I can only help you if you talk to me, so see me as soon as possible.
LECTURE SEQUENCE
DATETOPICREADING
IComparative PlanetologyEarth’s Dynamic Systems
Aug.25WedIntroduction to Geologic SystemsEDS, Ch. 2.
27FriOrigin of the Universe & Solar SystemHandouts
30MonThe Inner Solar SystemEDS, Ch. 25.
Sept.01WedThe Outer Solar System (HW #1: Planets)EDS, Ch. 25.
03FriScience and the Paranormal: In Search ofTo Be Assigned
Little Green Men 06 Mon Labor Day – No Class
08WedPlanet EarthEDS, Ch. 1.
10FriJourney to the Center of the EarthEDS, Ch. 1.
13MonPlate Tectonics: An introductionPlate Tectonics Video
IIEarth Materials and The Amazing Silicon Atom
15WedMinerals: Atoms, Bonds, & PropertiesEDS, Ch. 3.
17FriIgneous Rocks: A) Extrusive RocksEDS, Ch. 4.
20MonVolcanoes 1: Eruptions & MaterialsEDS, Ch. 4.
22WedVolcanoes 2: Volcanic HazardsVolcano! - Video
24FriMetamorphic RocksEDS, Ch. 6.
27MonTest #1STUDY
IIIWeathering, Erosion, & Sedimentary Rocks
29WedWeathering ProcessesEDS, Ch. 10.
Oct.01FriSedimentary RocksEDS, Ch. 5.
02SatField Trip #1: Hocking Hills State Park
04MonSedimentary EnvironmentsEDS, Ch. 5.
IVOur Dynamic Earth: Plate Tectonics
06WedEarly Theories: Continental Drift EDS, Ch. 17.
.08FriPhysical Properties: Isostacy, Gravity &EDS, Ch. 17.
Paleomagnetism
11MonSeismic Waves & Earthquakes:EDS, Ch. 18.
The Earth Revealed
13WedPlate Boundaries 1EDS, Ch. 19 - 21.
15FriLife on the Margin - The Kobe EarthquakeEDS, Ch. 18.
(HW #2: Virtual Earthquake)
18MonEarthquake PredictionNo Readings
20WedPlate Boundaries 2EDS, Ch. 19 - 21.
22FriTEST #2STUDY
VSurface Processes
25MonRiver Systems 1: Erosion, Transportation,EDS, Ch. 12.
& Deposition.
27WedRiver Systems 2: FloodingEDS, Ch. 12.
(H.W. #3: Rivers & Flooding)
29FriGroundwater 1: Water Table and AquifersEDS, Ch. 13.
30SatField Trip #2: Ohio Caverns
Nov.01MonGroundwater 2: Contamination & RemediationEDS, Ch. 13.
(HW #3 – Groundwater Systems)
03WedGlaciers I: Formation & FlowEDS, Ch. 14.
05FriGlaciers II: Erosion, Deposition, & LandformsEDS, Ch. 14.
November 8-10: No Class. Geological Society of America Meeting
VIGeologic Time
12FriRelative Dating TechniquesEDS, Ch. 8.
15MonAbsolute Dating TechniquesEDS, Ch. 8.
17WedBuilding the Geologic TimescaleEDS, Ch. 8.
(H.W. #4: The Grand Canyon)
VIIThe Ocean - Atmosphere System
19FriAtmosphere: Composition, Structure,EDS, Ch. 9.
& Circulation
22MonOceanography: Currents & CirculationEDS, Ch. 9
November 24 – 28: No Class. Thanksgiving Recess
29MonCase Study: El NinoEDS, Ch. 9.
VIIIClimate Change
Dec.01WedGlobal Climate I: Measuring ChangeTo Be Assigned
03FriGlobal Climate II: The Geologic RecordTo Be Assigned
06MonGlobal Climate III: The Future?To Be Assigned
(Field Trip Reports Due – No Exceptions)
14TueFinal Exam: 12:00 - 1:50 pmGood Luck!