200

Since its formation 4.5 billion years ago, our dynamic planet has undergone enormous changes. It has survived a multitude of volcanic eruptions, ice ages and mass extinctions. Learn about the physical history of the earth and the evolution of life on our dynamic planet from its early formation through the present.

This is a laboratory to accompany Geology 210. The laboratory provides practical experience in studying sedimentary rocks to interpret depositional processes and ancient environments, constructing stratigraphic sections, examining fossils and their use in age determinations, correlating rock units, interpreting geologic history from maps, and examining the regional geology of North America. These skills, introduced in the Geo 211 lab, are required in numerous upper-level courses including Field Geology. Three hours of laboratory per week are scheduled.

The course will cover theory, geological occurrence, and identification of the common earth materials, which includes subjects on minerals, rocks, and natural resources (e.g. fossil fuel and gemstones). Lecture and lab along with a field trip to adjacent area. Laboratory assignments contain a brief introduction to petrographic microscope and thin section identification, but mostly emphasize hand specimen identification. Students are required to write a paper on some aspect related to earth materials.