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Science
Geology 201
Course Proficiencies for G201 Geology--by Bob Reynolds
Assumed prerequisites:
Math:
Perform arithmetic calculations using a calculator and correctly
manipulate and solve 3 variable algebraic equations.
Reading and Writing:
Re ad and understand English language as found in
college level textbooks and spoken by the instructor and write in complete
sentences using correct grammar.
Geography:
Be familiar with basic landforms and know the locations of
major regional and global land marks.
Upon successful completion of this course students will have demonstrated
competence in the following topics as evidenced by a cumulative score of
70% or more on exams, homework and lab exercises:
1. Describe and cite examples from each of the broad range materials,
scales and processes that the science of geology encompasses.
2. Discuss the major driving forces responsible for geologic change.
3. Explain the unique characteristics that define a mineral.
4. Understand the components of an atom including the fundamental parts,
types of charged atoms and the various ways that atoms bond.
5. Describe the 3 aspects of an atom that are important to the formation
of minerals.
6. Discuss several different reasons why minerals are important to mankind.
7. Know the 8 most abundant mineral forming elements in the crust. Which
form cations and which form anions?
8. Use the silicate mineral group to describe in detail the two main
reasons for chemical variation in minerals.
9. Describe in detail at least 4 different factors responsible for the
macroscopic shape of a mineral.
10. Discuss the atomic explanation of color. Describe 4 different specific
causes of color in minerals.
11. Summarize the concept of polymerization using the silicate mineral
group as examples.
12. Use a mineral key to identify 24 common minerals.
13. Demonstrate understanding of the common physical properties used in
hand specimen identification of minerals.
14. Define rocks in context of the rock cycle
15. Define igneous rocks.
16. Compare and contrast the two main classes of igneous rocks in terms
of conditions of formation, rock types, and resulting land forms.
17. Compare and contrast the characteristics of the two main types of
eruptive products.
18. Discuss in detail the characteristics of the 4 different types of
volcanoes in terms of their morphology, eruptive products and typical
eruptive behavior.
19. Know the 3 regions of the Earth's lithosphere where volcanoes are
usually found, together with the specific types of volcanoes normally
associated with each of these regions.
20. Discuss in detail the 4 main ways in which magmas are thought to
change.
21. Describe in detail 7 different types of volcanic hazards in terms of
distribution (distance, thickness, location), rate of movement, specific
effects on natural and cultural features, and possible mitigation
techniques.
22. Discuss the main process by which magmas form in terms of the 3
important factors in forming a magma.
23. Define the following terms: volcano, eruption.
24. Summarize the basic information needed in order to evaluate and
monitor a volcano’s hazards and associated risks.
25. Compare and contrast the 3 different kinds of magmas in terms of their
chemical and physical properties.
26. Identify on maps major types of volcanic and plutonic igneous
landforms.
27. Use a igneous rock key to identify the most common igneous rocks,
igneous rock textures and common eruptive products.
28. Describe the basic factors that influence explosive eruptions vs. non
explosive eruptions.
29. Describe the basic steps involved in moving magma to the surface.
30. Discuss at least 3 different reasons why igneous rocks are important.
31. Define sedimentary rocks and discuss the 4 processes involved in
forming sedimentary rocks.
32. Summarize the geologic information that size, shape and sorting of
detrital grains provide.
33. Discuss 3 different types of large scale sedimentary rock textures in
terms of what they look like and what information they can provide
about the environment in which they formed.
34. Outline at least 3 different reasons why sedimentary rocks are
important.
35. Discuss the location and characteristics of 3 different marine and 3
different terrestrial deposition environments.
36. Discuss the occurrence and significance of pore space in sedimentary
rocks.
37. Compare and contrast the geologic occurrence of "carbonates" and
"silica" characteristic of specific sedimentary rock types (ex: sandstone,
shale, limestone, chert, breccia, conglomerate).
38. Identify in hand specimen cross bedding, ripple marks, mud cracks and
graded bedding.
39. Using a sedimentary rock key identify in hand specimen common
sedimentary rocks.
40. Use example rock types to compare and contrast the characteristics
and origin of the two major categories of sedimentary rocks.
41. Locate and identify on a geologic map of Oregon important
occurrences and geologic ages of sedimentary rocks.
42. Discuss the nature of metamorphism in context of the primary 4
conditions required to metamorphose a pre-existing rock.
43. Describe what geologic interpretations are possible from examining
metamorphic mineral and textures and how can we use this information
to solve geologic problems.
44. Discuss metamorphic grades.
45. Draw a pressure temperature diagram showing the location of the 5
metamorphic common grades.
46. Explain how metamorphism fits into the theory of plate tectonics.
47. Describe the characteristics of the 5 different types of metamorphism.
48. Use examples to discuss the concept of index minerals in terms of what
information they provide concerning the process of metamorphism.
49. Using a metamorphic rock key identify in hand specimen common
types of metamorphic rocks and their textures.
50. Locate and identify on a geologic map of Oregon important
occurrences and geologic ages of metamorphic rocks.
51. Discuss the importance of metamorphic rocks.
52. Use an example mineral to discuss the pros and cons of mining and
processing sulfide ore minerals.
53. Describe the 5 types of geologic energy resources in terms of origin,
concentration, exploration, extraction and end use.
54. Compare and contrast the following: resources vs. reserves; renewable
vs. nonrenewable definition of ore minerals.
55. Use examples to compare and contrast metallic and nonmetallic
resources in terms of origin, concentration, exploration, extraction and
end use.
56. Describe three different types of petroleum trapping mechanisms.
57. Define ore deposits and describe at least 4 different natural ways
that ores are concentrated.
58. Describe the components of the theory of plate tectonics and cite at
least 4 reasons why plate tectonics is important.
59. Discuss in detail 7 different evidences that support the theory of
plate tectonics.
60. Describe the characteristics of a typical subduction zone.
61. Describe the characteristics of a typical mid oceanic ridge or
spreading center.
62. Describe the characteristics of a typical volcanic island arc.
63. Describe the characteristics of a typical volcanic hot spot.
64. Explain how and why plates move.
65. Describe in detail the 2 major types of tectonic plates and 3 main
types of plate margins and their associated landforms.
66. On a map of the Pacific northwest identify and label by name the 3
major tectonic plates. and with symbols label 3 different plate margins
(D = diverging, C = converging, T = transform) and any major
landforms by name (volcanic arcs, trenches, ridges, fracture zones).
Draw large arrows on each plate showing the movement direction of each
plate.
67. Using examples from the Pacific Northwest discuss the nature of exotic
terrains.
68. Label on a map of the world the major tectonic plates.
69. Identify passive and active continental margins of North and South
America.
70. Discuss the various evidences that provide information regarding the
structure and composition of the interior of the Earth.
71. Describe in detail the characteristics each ofEarth’s major layers.
72. In a general cross sectional diagram of the Earth identify by name
landforms and features associated with plate tectonics.
73. On a map identify the passive and active continental margins of North
and South America.
74. Discuss the various evidences that provide information regarding the
structure and composition of the interior of the Earth.
75. Describe in detail the characteristics each of Earth’s major internal
layers.
76. Describe in detail the 5 events the make up the Moon's geologic
history.
77. Describe the significance of the following features on the Moon:
anorthosite, maria, lunar highlands, regolith, significance of first
melting event, significance of second melting event.
78. Contrast the geology of the Earth and Moon in terms of rock types,
age, weathering and plate tectonics.
79. Compare and contrast the geology of Mars and Venus in terms of
presence of impact structures, igneous activity, tectonic activity and
erosion.
80. Describe the significance of the following features on Mars: size and
gravity relative Earth, atmosphere, extent of impact craters, significant
geologic features, polar ice caps, seasonal dark spots.
81. Describe the significance of the following features on Venus: size and
gravity relative Earth, atmosphere, examples of igneous activity,
significant geologic features
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