GEO 203 Geology: Evolution of Earth

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Studies earth history, geologic time, and evolution of life on earth. Includes study in plate tectonics, earthquakes, and structural geology. Includes field and laboratory studies of paleontology.

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:

Identify and describe earthquake phenomena.
Describe the basic concepts of structural geology.
Discuss the historical perspective in the development of the plate tectonic theory.
Explain the theory of plate tectonics.
Discuss the temporal framework within which geologists interpret earth history.
Describe earth material dating methods.

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
Required text for college credit: Monroe and Wichander; The Changing Earth: Exploring Geology and Evolution

Earthquakes
- Analyze elastic rebound theory
- Describe the different types of seismic waves
  - Computer the location of an earthquakes epicenter using seismographs
- Magnitude and intensity scales
  - Describe the logarithmic nature of the Richter scale
  - Describe the usefulness of the Modified Mercalli Scale
  - Describe how the Moment-Magnitude Scale is computed
- Demonstrate an understanding of earthquake hazards
- Investigate the relationship between earthquake locations and plate tectonics
- Describe the current earthquake prediction techniques
Structural Geology
- Rock deformation
  - Distinguish between stress and strain
- Structural geology
  - Describe the formation of folds
  - Describe the formation of faults
Plate Tectonics
- Explain evidence for the theory of Plate Tectonics
- Different between the different types of plate margins
  - Divergent
  - Transform
  - Convergent
- Describe the formation of hot spots
- Identify the driving mechanics of Plate Tectonics
Geologic Time
- Differentiate between relative and absolute geologic time
- Describe the stratigraphic principles
- Absolute geologic dating techniques
  - Calculate the age of rocks using radiometric dating techniques
Historical Geology
- Fossils and evolution
  - Explain how fossils are formed
  - Identify common local fossils
- Precambrian
  - Evaluate the theories for the origins of life
- Paleozoic
  - Age of dinosaurs
- Mesozoic
  - Age of dinosaurs
- Cenozoic
  - Climate change
  - Human evolution