GLG 101:
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
WELCOME TO GLG 101!
This course has natural and laboratory science designation. There are
no prerequisites needed to take this course. The overall objectives of
the course are introduce the study of Physical Geology. This will be done
through study of the operation and effects of the various internal and
external processes that comprise the geological environment of the Earth
and shape its evolution over geological time. You will gain experience
in this study through laboratory exercises working with mineral and rock
specimens, topographic and geologic maps, aerial photographs, and mathematical
techniques of analysis. You will also study the impact of humans on certain
processes, and vice-versa.
At the end of the course you should: have experience in the interpretation
of geologic and topographic maps and air photos for geological work; comprehend
the magnitude of geological time and understand geology as a science founded
on the assumption of uniformitarianism; be able to identify and explain
the composition of common rocks and minerals; be able to explain the theory
of plate tectonics and use this theory to explain volcanoes, earthquakes,
mountain chains, continental structure and the origin of the ocean basins;
understand the action of surface process and their significance in the
rock cycle of Earth and in the formation of landforms such as glacial features
and river valleys.
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A day field trip to Devil's Lake State Park, Parfrey's Glen, and Rock Springs
will be held in late April or early May.. Background information on the geology
of this area is available HERE.
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A half-day trip might be held during and after class hours in the
first week of April (snow permitting!). A description of the project for
this trip is provided HERE.
The instructional links for each topic will be under construction through
the semester, so be sure to check back each time a new topic comes up in
the course. Some of the links are to general educational material,
but you will be referred to many to access specific data or information
regarding volcano activity etc.
Detailed subject outlines will be supplied in lectures. The order of
the topics represents an attempt to provide context for study of later
topics. In this way material is cumulative and connected throughout the
course. Lab work connects closely with lectures, and often we will have
lab work during scheduled "lecture" time and vice versa. Some topics require
more or less lab study, and we will be flexible in order to coordinate
lectures and labs better. You are expected to come to lab well prepared,
having read the text material ahead of time.
