Physical Geology Exercises

1 Plate Tectonics
Objectives  
Introduction  
Earth’s Interior and Tectonics  
Laboratory Exercises  
Evidence of Plate Tectonics 
Laboratory Exercises  
Earthquakes and Volcanoes 
Laboratory Exercises  
Tracking Hot Spots  
Laboratory Exercises 

2 Mineral Identification and Physical Properties
Objectives  
Introduction  
Physical Properties of Minerals  
Laboratory Procedure 

3 Igneous Rocks
Objectives 
Introduction
Mineralogy  
Texture 
Classification and Identification  
Summary 
Laboratory Procedure 

4 Sedimentary Rocks
Objectives  
Introduction 
Mineralogy of Sedimentary Rocks  
Textures of Sedimentary Rocks 
Classification of Sedimentary Rocks 
Laboratory Procedure 

5 Metamorphic Rocks
Objectives  
Introduction 
Mineralogy and Textures  
Classification  
Laboratory Procedure 

6 Natural Hazards
Objectives 
Introduction  
Volcanic Processes and Hazards  
Laboratory Exercises 

7 Topographic Maps - Interpretation and Construction
Objectives  
Introduction 
Map Coordinates and Land Subdivision  
Map Features  
Rules for Contour Lines 
Topographic Map Symbols 
Laboratory Exercises  
Laboratory Exercises 

8 Topographic Maps - Field Exercise
Objectives  
Introduction  
Taking Bearings with the Compass 
Magnetic Deflections of Compass Bearings 
Recording Directions and Practice 
Laboratory Exercises 

9 Deformation Structures
Objectives 
Introduction  
Orientations of Structures  
Geologic Map Symbols for Strata Orientation  
Horizontal and Inclined Strata 
Laboratory Exercises – Inclined Layers  
Folds and Fold Nomenclature 
Types of Folds and Outcrop Patterns  
Laboratory Exercises – Folds 
Faults and Fault Nomenclature 
Types of Faults  
Geologic Map Symbols for Faults  
General Rules for Interpreting Geologic Structures 
Laboratory Exercises – Faults 
Block Diagrams—Faults 

10 Geologic Structures - Relative Dating
Objectives  
Introduction  
Unconformities  
Laboratory Procedures 

11 Geologic Maps
Objectives  
Introduction 
Laboratory Exercises 

12 Climate Change
Objectives  
Introduction  
The Climate System 
Climate Proxies and the Climate Record  
Laboratory Exercises