GEO 143 Rocks and Geologic History of the Pacific Northwest

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Focuses on the geologic history and formation of the Pacific Northwest, including its past and present tectonic setting. Topics include plate tectonics, geomorphic provinces of Oregon, accreted terranes and mountain building, geologic time, metamorphic rocks and fossils of the PNW, and the economic resources of Oregon.

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.
Differential Fee Yes
Student Learning Outcomes:

Define tectonic plates and the types of plate boundaries associated with the PNW.
Identify Oregon’s major geomorphic provinces.
Explain the significance of Geologic Time, focussing on the eras and periods associated with PNW.
Explain the significance of fossils and Oregon’s stratigraphic record.
Identify common metamorphic rocks and where they are found in the PNW.
Describe mountain-building processes, including folding, faulting, and metamorphism. Recognize structures associated with compression and extension. Identify locations in the PNW where these features are seen.
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.
Discuss the Columbia River Flood Basalts and their place in the PNWs geologic history
Define an ore and explain the processes that form them.
Recognize the important uses of minerals and rocks in modern society. Identify resources originating in the PNW.
Recognize the importance and types of rocks used as decorative and construction materials in Oregon’s city and state buildings.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order 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
Earle, S. (2019). Physical Geology - 2nd Edition. Victoria, B.C.: BCcampus. Retrieved from https://opentextbc.ca/physicalgeology2ed/

GEO 143 Lab Book

Introduction to Oregon Geology
- Oregon Geomorphic Provinces
  - Columbia River Flood Basalts
  - Basin and Range
Plate Tectonics
- Plate Boundaries
- Mechanisms of Plate Tectonics
- Plate Boundaries influencing the Pacific Northwest
  - Cascadia Subduction Zone
  - Juan de Fuca Ridge
  - San Andreas Fault
Geologic Time
- Relative and numerical dating
- Stratigraphy
- Fossils of Oregon
- Geologic Map of Oregon
Mountain-Building and Accretionary Tectonics
- Geologic structures
  - Folds
  - Faults
- Exotic Terranes
- Accretionary history of the Pacific Northwest
  - Subduction of the Farallon Plate
  - Tectonic future of the Pacific Northwest
- Terranes of the Pacific Northwest
  - Blue Mountains
  - Klamath Mountains
  - Coast Range
Metamorphic Rocks and Rock Alteration Processes
- Common metamorphic textures
- Common metamorphic environments
  - Index minerals
- Metamorphic rocks of the Pacific Northwest
Economic Minerals and Ore Deposits
- Significance and Uses of Rocks and Minerals in today’s society
- Mineral and Rock Resources from the Pacific Northwest
  - Popular rockhounding sites
- Identify rocks used in building and decorative stone