Geology - GEOL 134

Course Description

Historical Geology is the study of the geologic development of the earth as a planet from its creation to the present time. The first half of the course is a study of the methods and techniques that the science of geology uses to unravel the history of the earth. The second half applies these techniques to present the geologic history of the continent of North America as a case study.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Determine the relative ages of two different rocks (which is the youngest and which is the oldest).
• Determine the radiometric age of a rock containing measurable amounts of radioactive isotopes.
• Determine the specific geologic environment in which a sedimentary rock formed based on: lithology, color, sedimentary structure, fossil content.
• Distinguish between the different types of sedimentary structures.
• Recognize the common rocks of the Precambrian age.
• Recognize the common rocks of the Paleozoic age.
• Recognize the common invertebrate fossils of the Paleozoic age.
• Recognize the common rocks of the Mesozoic age.
• Recognize the common rocks of the Cenozoic age.
• Correlate separated rock strata of equal age.
• Distinguish between the different methods of fossilization (the way in which organic matter becomes preserved).
• Determine the processes used to produce a paleogeographic map.
• Determine the processes used to generate paleomagnetism.
• Distinguish between the various processes at work in ocean floor rifting.
• Distinguish between the various processes at work in subduction zones.
• Distinguish between the various processes at work in continental accretion.
• Distinguish between the various processes that formed the universe, solar system and planet Earth.
• Distinguish between the several sub-periods of the Pleistocene Ice Age.

Course Schedule

Currently no sections of this class are being offered.