Our catalog of courses is complete. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
This is a two-part course. Students who wish to join us midyear should email to check on prerequisites. It is highly recommended that students sign up for both semesters of Geology.
Total classes: 8
Prerequisite: Geology, Part One or equivalent
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: 2/3 semester of Science or Geology
Description
The purpose of this course is to offer an opportunity for students to explore aspects of geology as it relates to the real world. Students will be exposed to activities related to mineral/rock identification, plate tectonics, oil/coal exploration, ground water quality, geologic history and mapping techniques (Part Two).
Outline
Class 1: Topographic Maps and Aerial Photographs.
Introduction to Topographic Maps. Topographic Profiles and Vertical Exaggeration. Analysis of the Ontario, California Topographic Map. Analysis of Your Topographic Quadrangle Map. Aerial Photographs.
Class 2: Geologic Structures, Maps, and Block Diagrams.
Structural Geology. Block Diagrams. Analysis of a Geologic Map.
Class 3: Stream Processes, Landscapes, Mass Wastage, and Flood Hazards.
Stream Processes and Landscapes. Stream Processes and Landscapes Near Voltaire, North Dakota. Stream Processes and Landscapes near Ennis, Montana. Rio Grande River Meander Evolution. Stream Erosion and Mass Wastage at Niagara Falls. Flood Hazard Mapping, Assessment, and Risk.
Class 4: Ground Water Processes, Resources, and Risks.
Caves and Karst Topography. Location and Movement of Ground Water in the Floridian Limestone Aquifer. Land Subsidence Hazards Caused by Ground Water Withdrawal. Home Septic Systems and Ground Water Contamination.
Class 5: Glacial Processes, Landforms, and Indicators of Climate Change.
Glacial Processes and Landforms. Glaciation in Wisconsin . Comparing Topographic Profiles of Glaciated Valleys. Glacier National Park, Montana. Nisqually Glacier—A Global Thermometer?
Class 6: Dryland Landforms, Hazards, and Risks.
Eolian Processes, Dryland Landforms, and Desertification. Death Valley, California. Dryland Lakes. Dryland Hazards and Risks in Nebraska’s Sand Hills.
Class 7: Coastal Processes, Landforms, Hazards, and Risks.
Dynamic Natural Coastlines. Human Modification of Shorelines. The Threat of Rising Seas.
Class 8: Earthquake Hazards and Human Risks.
Simulate Earthquake Hazards to Estimate Risks. Graphing Seismic Data and Locating the Epicenter of an Earthquake. Analysis of Active Faults Using Aerial Photographs. Determining Relative Motions Along the New Madrid Fault Zone. Tracking Earthquake Hazards in Real Time and Assessing Their Impact.
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 6th Ed. We recommend purchasing used to save money (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0130463337/catholictreas-20).
Homework: Students will be expected to read the assigned chapter(s), write the vocabulary words, watch the recording, and complete the weekly computer graded quizzes. Approximately 2-3 hours/week.
