GEOLOGY 100

Basic (Physical) Geology

 
 Folded sedimentary rocks at Calico, California.
Physical Geology would normally be the first course one would take in the program.

The topics covered include:

MINERALS: their origin, uses and classification

ROCKS: their types, classification and origin

VOLCANOES: how and why they erupt

LANDSLIDES, AVALANCHES and MUDFLOWS

RIVERS: behavior, causes of flooding

DESERT PROCESSES: sand dunes and other landforms

GROUNDWATER: springs, caves, etc.

GLACIERS: causes of ice ages and features produced

COASTS: effects of waves and other shoreline processes

STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY: especially the different kinds of faults

EARTHQUAKES: origin and effects

GEOLOGIC TIME: how we measure it

PLATE TECTONICS: how all of the topics above are actually inter-connected in a global system of tectonic action

There is an optional lab, Basic (Physical) Geology Lab, that parallels this course.

There is a field trip offered at the end of the semester.

Go to Program Offerings to see other courses

 
Seismograms from earthquakes and volcanoes (from U.S. Geol. Survey).