GEO 142 The Geology of Pacific NW Volcanoes, Mountains, and Earthquakes

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Studies plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, mountain-building processes, and geologic hazards, with emphasis on the Pacific Northwest. Includes plate tectonic theory, types and effects of volcanism and other geologic activity on humans, seismic waves and faults, accreted terranes, geologic maps, and Oregon’s geomorphic provinces.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe how scientists developed the theory of plate tectonics and what kinds of data it explains.
Define tectonic plates and the types of plate boundaries.
Discuss the relationship of tectonic plates to Pacific Northwest volcanoes, earthquakes and mountain belts.
Identify Oregon’s major geomorphic provinces.
Contrast Pacific Northwest volcanic landforms and associate their origin to magma characteristics and the types of eruptive materials produced.
Discuss volcanic effects in the Cascade Range and elsewhere and recognize the influence of volcanic activity on human culture.
Describe the extent and characteristics of the Columbia River Basalts in construction of Oregon and Washington, including in the Blue Mountains, Deschutes-Columbia Plateau, Columbia Gorge, Willamette Valley, and Coast Range.
Define an earthquake and distinguish how different types of seismic waves travel through Earth’s interior, including how seismic waves are used to distinguish Earth’s layers.
Explain how a seismograph works and locates the epicenter of an earthquake.
Identify geologic hazards of the Pacific Northwest and analyze their comparative risk, including the causes and dangers of tsunamis.
Describe mountain-building processes, including folding, faulting, and metamorphism. Recognize structures associated with compression and extension.
Contrast earthquake faults and associated stresses in Earth’s crust.
Define “exotic terranes” and discuss the geology and geologic history of the Blue Mountains, and Klamath Mountains.
Discuss the evolution of the Coast Range and the Willamette Valley in relationship to plate tectonics.
Interpret a geologic map, relating map symbols to structures.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

Content Outline
Required Text: Tarbuck, E.J. & Lutgens, F.K., illustrated by Tasa, D., Essentials of Geology, Pearson Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-602007-0 or ISBN 978-0-13-602007-3 (11th Edition, 2009) or ISBN 0-13-149751 (12th Edition, 2014) or ISBN 0-13-4446623 (13th Edition, 2017) and GEO 142 Lab Book, through Chemeketa Press 

Plate Tectonics- Evolution of the Theory
Mechanics of Plate Tectonics
Volcanic Landforms and Associated Intrusive Igneous Activity
Pacific Northwest Volcanoes
Columbia River Basalts
Other Geologic Hazards of the Pacific Northwest
Earthquake Anatomy and Case Histories
Sismic Waves and Interior of the Earth
Mountain-Building and Accretionary Tectonics
Geological Maps, Symbols, and Structures