Introduction to Physical Geology

Class outline: Lecture, reading, and exam schedule

Laboratory will meet during the second week of classes

Week 1: March 27, 28, and 29

Topics: Introduction, Scientific method, Earth's internal structure, plate tectonics Reading: Prelude, Chapters 1 (skim pages 9-20, read p. 21-34) & Chapter 2, (pages 35-77).

Week 2: April 2, 3, 4 and 5

Topics: Plate tectonics, geologic time, rock cycle, minerals, igneous rock classification. Reading: Chapters 2, 3 & 4 (pages 102-104).
Quiz 1, April 4th: Plate tectonics, internal structure of the Earth.

Week 3: April 9, 10, 11, and 12

Topics:: Igneous processes, intrusive igneous rocks. Reading: Chapter 4.
Quiz 2, April 11: Igneous processes, Bowen's reaction series.

Week 4: April 16, 17, 18, and 19

Topics: Volcanic eruptions, volcanic deposits, volcanic landforms. Reading: Chapter 7.
FIRST EXAM, Thursday, April 19.

Week 5: April 23, 24, 25, and 26

Topics: Weathering, sediment, sedimentary rocks, metamorphism. Geology and climate. Reading: Chapters 5, 6 and 19.

Week 6: April 30, May 1, 2 and 3

Topics: Metamorphic rocks, relative age dating, numerical age dating. Reading: Chapters 6 (pages 153-164 & 10 (pages 283-295)
Quiz 3 April 30: Sedimentary rocks, weathering, and metamorphism.

Week 7: May 7, 8, 9, and 10

Topics: Stress, deformation, folds, faults. Reading: Chapter 9 (pages 248-263)

Week 8: May 14, 15, 15, and 17

Topics: Introduction to earthquakes, seismic waves, earthquake scales, earthquake hazards. Reading: Chapter 8.
SECOND EXAM, Monday, May 14

Week 9: May 21, 22, 23, and 24

Topics: Mass movements, streams, and groundwater. Reading: Chapters 13. (pages 364-370 and 373-389), 14 (pages 391-412) & 16 (pages 450-464)
Quiz 4, May 24: Earthquakes and streams

Week 10: May 29, 30, and 31

Memorial Day - Holiday, May 28

Topics: Groundwater continued, glaciers. Reading: Chapters 16 & 18 (pages 493-514 & 520-522).
THIRD EXAM, Thursday, May 31