Welcome to Geology GEO B10 Instructor Jack Pierce Room DST 118 Instructor Jack Pierce Room DST 118 6:00 – 9:10 pm - Tuesday Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011 Attendance Geology Introduction Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011 Attendance Geology Introduction SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONE

What is Geology? Geo ( ) + logy ( ) Study of the Earth Study of the Earth More specifically: materials that compose the earth materials that compose the earth minerals / rocks processes that shape the earth processes that shape the earthvolcanoesriversglaciersearthquakes What is Geology? Geo ( ) + logy ( ) Study of the Earth Study of the Earth More specifically: materials that compose the earth materials that compose the earth minerals / rocks processes that shape the earth processes that shape the earthvolcanoesriversglaciersearthquakes EARTH STUDY or SCIENCE

Geology is divided into two broad subject areas: Physical Geology / Historical Geology Physical Geology: understanding the processes on earth below and above the earth surface and the materials (rocks) involved with these processes Physical Geology: understanding the processes on earth below and above the earth surface and the materials (rocks) involved with these processes erosional processes occurring above the surface erosional processes occurring above the surface earthquakes occurring below the surface transferring energy to the surface earthquakes occurring below the surface transferring energy to the surface processes below the earth’s surface that move rigid plate material on the surface processes below the earth’s surface that move rigid plate material on the surface

Historical Geology understanding the evolution of the earth and its life forms from its origins to the present day involves investigations into stratigraphy (rock layers), and paleontology (the fossil record) Historical Geology understanding the evolution of the earth and its life forms from its origins to the present day involves investigations into stratigraphy (rock layers), and paleontology (the fossil record) layers of rock deposited one layer over another– preserving evidence to the origin of the earth “The rock record” layers of rock deposited one layer over another– preserving evidence to the origin of the earth “The rock record” fossils- preserved animal/plant remains in the earth’s crust demonstrating the progression of life throughout earth’s history fossils- preserved animal/plant remains in the earth’s crust demonstrating the progression of life throughout earth’s history

The Geologic Time Scale attempts to organize 4.6 b.y. of the earth history created from both relative and absolute dating processes based on fossil succession and relative dating principles. The Geologic Time Scale attempts to organize 4.6 b.y. of the earth history created from both relative and absolute dating processes based on fossil succession and relative dating principles. Age of Reptiles Amphibians Age of fish Invertebrates When does the presence of man appear on the geologic time scale? When does the presence of man appear on the geologic time scale?

Humans and Our Earth How long have humans inhabited the earth? Jan Age of dinosaurs Age of dinosaurs 4.6 billion years Man began inhabiting the earth (2 million years ago) -- December 31, the last 30 seconds of the year!!!! How has man impacted earth in the last 5000 years (the beginning of reasonably modern times) How has man impacted earth in the last 5000 years (the beginning of reasonably modern times) 34

Specifically, geology is defined as: the study of the planet earth--- materials of which it is made, the internal/external processes that act on these materials which produce new materials (rock types) and the history of the planet and its life forms since its origin the study of the planet earth--- materials of which it is made, the internal/external processes that act on these materials which produce new materials (rock types) and the history of the planet and its life forms since its origin Specific disciplines within the field of geology Seismology investigate the occurrence of earthquakes Economic geology formation/occurrence of mineral resources Volcanology investigates volcanoes and volcanic eruptions Hydrogeology investigation of surface/subsurface water processes Specific disciplines within the field of geology Seismology investigate the occurrence of earthquakes Economic geology formation/occurrence of mineral resources Volcanology investigates volcanoes and volcanic eruptions Hydrogeology investigation of surface/subsurface water processes

Career Opportunities in the Geosciences Employment growth of 22% expected between Employment growth of 22% expected between 2006 and Growth is much faster than the 2006 and Growth is much faster than the average for all occupations. average for all occupations. Average salary for geologists with BS, MS degress = 85K Average salary for geologists with BS, MS degress = 85K More MS students are employed. More MS students are employed. Fewer BS students are employed. Fewer BS students are employed. Opportunities are cyclic and dependent on the demand of commodities. Hot Geology Fields Hot Geology Fields petroleum industry petroleum industry environmental geology environmental geology Engineering Engineering Bottom line: Choose the geosciences because you love it!

I I geology class I will get an A on my exams and quizzes 1.What is the specific definition of geology? of geology? 2. Describe the differences between physical and historical geology. physical and historical geology. Discuss with a friend:

How does the view of Earth influence the way we study earth?? What do you see? Various “systems” within the earth that interact with one another -– called Earth System Science Systems are NOT individually studied Systems are NOT individually studied How one system impacts another How one system impacts another system system Various “systems” within the earth that interact with one another -– called Earth System Science Systems are NOT individually studied Systems are NOT individually studied How one system impacts another How one system impacts another system system 11

Earth as a System: How systems exchange matter and energy Earth as a System: How systems exchange matter and energy SUN Isolated System Isolated System No exchange of matter or energy No exchange of matter or energy SUN Closed System Closed System Exchange of energy but not matter Exchange of energy but not matter SUN Open System Open System Exchange of both matter and energy Exchange of both matter and energy Which system is the Earth? 12

The Fragile Earth – A CLOSED system: “There is no away to throw things to.” X x x Any change in a closed system will affect other Any change in a closed system will affect other systems. systems. Any change in a closed system will affect other Any change in a closed system will affect other systems. systems. The amount of matter on earth is “fixed” – “We ain’t got The amount of matter on earth is “fixed” – “We ain’t got no more” --- This is all we have. no more” --- This is all we have. The amount of matter on earth is “fixed” – “We ain’t got The amount of matter on earth is “fixed” – “We ain’t got no more” --- This is all we have. no more” --- This is all we have. When we dispose of waste, it’s still here. The waste will When we dispose of waste, it’s still here. The waste will remain within the closed boundaries of earth. remain within the closed boundaries of earth. When we dispose of waste, it’s still here. The waste will When we dispose of waste, it’s still here. The waste will remain within the closed boundaries of earth. remain within the closed boundaries of earth. 13

II this geology class. this geology class. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes. Discuss with a friend: 1.Define a system as discussed in earth science. earth science. 2. Differentiate between an open, closed, and isolated system. and isolated system. 3. Explain why earth is considered a closed system. system. 14

The fragile earth as a closed system is supported by four interrelated open systems. The fragile earth as a closed system is supported by four interrelated open systems. Lithosphere Represents the solid earth: minerals, rocks, and interior Lithosphere Represents the solid earth: minerals, rocks, and interior Atmosphere: Thin blanket of gas keeping life alive, warm, and protected Atmosphere: Thin blanket of gas keeping life alive, warm, and protected Hydrosphere: Interaction of all water processes, only planet with water, 71% ocean 12,500 feet deep, streams, lakes, groundwater Hydrosphere: Interaction of all water processes, only planet with water, 71% ocean 12,500 feet deep, streams, lakes, groundwater Biosphere: Includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in air Biosphere: Includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in air Geosphere Interaction of all open systems Geosphere Interaction of all open systems 15

Cycles and Interactions Explored in Geology There are three (3) main earth cycles and within each cycle, multiple open systems exist. Cycles and Interactions Explored in Geology There are three (3) main earth cycles and within each cycle, multiple open systems exist. Hydrologic Cycle describes the movement of water through reservoirs of the earth system (rivers, water vapor, groundwater) Hydrologic Cycle describes the movement of water through reservoirs of the earth system (rivers, water vapor, groundwater) The Rock Cycle internal/external earth processes that produce new rock, modifies rock, transport rock, and breaks rocks down The Rock Cycle internal/external earth processes that produce new rock, modifies rock, transport rock, and breaks rocks down The Tectonic Cycle movement and interaction between rigid lithospheric plates, internal earth processes producing divergent, convergent, and sliding plate motions The Tectonic Cycle movement and interaction between rigid lithospheric plates, internal earth processes producing divergent, convergent, and sliding plate motions

I I geology class I I I will get an A on my exams and quizzes 1.Define the four major open systems and give an example of how systems may give an example of how systems may interact with one another. interact with one another. 2.Define the three major cycles used to explore geologic processes and give an explore geologic processes and give an example of how these cycles may example of how these cycles may interact with one another. interact with one another.

8. SUN MercuryMercury VenusVenus EarthEarth MarsMars JupiterJupiter SaturnSaturn UranusUranus NeptuneNeptune Asteroid Belt Outer planets Jovian planets Gas planets Outer planets Jovian planets Gas planets Inner planets Terrestrial planets Inner planets Terrestrial planets The earth’s place in the solar system Low densities High densities 28

The earth’s interior Inner Core Solid- Ni, Fe 12.5 g/cm 3 Outer Core Molten – Ni, Fe 11.5 g/cm 3 Mantle -Solid Si,O,Fe,Mg,Ca 5.5 g/cm 3 Temp: 5000 C Source of magnetic field Asthenosphere ductile rock Mantle Core Lithosphere Cont/ocean crust Upper mantle 2.8 g/cm 3 Crust Why are densities arranged from heavy (core) to lightest (crust)? Chemical Differentiation 29

What makes earth unique?? Oxygen, water, life oxygen atmosphere no O 2 on other planets the hydrologic cycle Soil accumulation weathering of rocks various soil types Plate Tectonics moving continents formation of landforms from interacting plates Oxygen, water, life oxygen atmosphere no O 2 on other planets the hydrologic cycle Soil accumulation weathering of rocks various soil types Plate Tectonics moving continents formation of landforms from interacting plates 30

Plate Tectonics The movement and interactions of large fragments of earth lithosphere (called plates) earthquakes new landforms volcanoes new climatic regions on the earth creation of new rock types on the crust Plate Tectonics The movement and interactions of large fragments of earth lithosphere (called plates) earthquakes new landforms volcanoes new climatic regions on the earth creation of new rock types on the crust Oceanic Crust Thin, dense (Fe, Mg) young rock – basalt underlying the ocean floor Oceanic Crust Thin, dense (Fe, Mg) young rock – basalt underlying the ocean floor Continental Crust Thicker, less dense (Si,O) older rock – granite making the bulk of the earth’s land Continental Crust Thicker, less dense (Si,O) older rock – granite making the bulk of the earth’s land 31

Plate Tectonics!!! Scientists use fossil evidence, sea floor evidence, and climatic evidence to reconstruct the continents!!!!!!– HOT TOPIC Scientists use fossil evidence, sea floor evidence, and climatic evidence to reconstruct the continents!!!!!!– HOT TOPIC 32

II Earth Science. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes. Discuss with a friend: 1.Name the planets in their proper order. 2. Describe the layering of the earth using lithosphere, asthenosphere, using lithosphere, asthenosphere, mantle, and core; explain properties. mantle, and core; explain properties. 3. Describe chemical differentiation. 4. Present at least 3 reasons why the earth is unique. earth is unique. 33

Is the Earth old or considered young? Are earth process rates rapid or slow? How can rock (considered 2-b.y. old) have the same composition of present rock produced today? If mountains are built through tectonic processes, why can’t we make obvious observations? In terms of geologic time, why is it possible for a storm to erode 2-million years of rock formation in a single day? Is the Earth old or considered young? Are earth process rates rapid or slow? How can rock (considered 2-b.y. old) have the same composition of present rock produced today? If mountains are built through tectonic processes, why can’t we make obvious observations? In terms of geologic time, why is it possible for a storm to erode 2-million years of rock formation in a single day? Geo-philosophical Questions

Historical aspects about geology There are two schools of thought on the geologic history and processes that formed our earth. Historical aspects about geology There are two schools of thought on the geologic history and processes that formed our earth. Catastrophism vs. Uniformitarianism 4

Catastrophism: (mid-1600’s) powerful geologic events that shape the earth in a single incident Volcanic eruptions Earthquakes Massive floods Landsliding Catastrophism: (mid-1600’s) powerful geologic events that shape the earth in a single incident Volcanic eruptions Earthquakes Massive floods Landsliding 5

Catastrophism: (mid-1600’s) published by Anglican Archbishop, James published by Anglican Archbishop, James Ussher Ussher determined that earth was only a few determined that earth was only a few thousand years old – created in 4004 BC thousand years old – created in 4004 BC suggested that earth landscapes are suggested that earth landscapes are fashioned by great catastrophes – features fashioned by great catastrophes – features form rapidly form rapidly an attempt to fit the formation of earth an attempt to fit the formation of earth features into a short amount of time features into a short amount of time (6000 years – Biblical philosophy- creationist (6000 years – Biblical philosophy- creationist viewpoint) viewpoint) Catastrophism: (mid-1600’s) published by Anglican Archbishop, James published by Anglican Archbishop, James Ussher Ussher determined that earth was only a few determined that earth was only a few thousand years old – created in 4004 BC thousand years old – created in 4004 BC suggested that earth landscapes are suggested that earth landscapes are fashioned by great catastrophes – features fashioned by great catastrophes – features form rapidly form rapidly an attempt to fit the formation of earth an attempt to fit the formation of earth features into a short amount of time features into a short amount of time (6000 years – Biblical philosophy- creationist (6000 years – Biblical philosophy- creationist viewpoint) viewpoint) 6

Uniformitarianism – Birth of Modern Geology “The present is the key to the past.” “The present is the key to the past.” Uniformitarianism – Birth of Modern Geology “The present is the key to the past.” “The present is the key to the past.” Uniformitarianism states: Physical, chemical, and biological laws that operate today have also operated in the geologic past. geologic past. Uniformitarianism states: Physical, chemical, and biological laws that operate today have also operated in the geologic past. geologic past. Proposed by James Hutton – late 1700’s argued using the “rock cycle” concept argued using earth processes that can be observed What is required? TIME Proposed by James Hutton – late 1700’s argued using the “rock cycle” concept argued using earth processes that can be observed What is required? TIME 7

The Uniformitarianism philosophy Do geologic processes act slowly or rapidly? How many catastrophic events take place/day? When was the last major volcanic eruption? When was the last major earthquake? How long does it take a river to carve a canyon? How fast are the continents moving? Do you consider yourself a catastrophist or a uniformitarianist? The Uniformitarianism philosophy Do geologic processes act slowly or rapidly? How many catastrophic events take place/day? When was the last major volcanic eruption? When was the last major earthquake? How long does it take a river to carve a canyon? How fast are the continents moving? Do you consider yourself a catastrophist or a uniformitarianist? 8

Taking Uniformitarianism literally – Problem with “U” Rates and intensities of geologic processes change over time. Example: 10,000 years ago, large land masses were covered in ice. Different type of geologic environment than today Different intensity Different rates of erosion Given the concept of Uniformitarianism, would you consider the earth to be very OLD or very YOUNG? Taking Uniformitarianism literally – Problem with “U” Rates and intensities of geologic processes change over time. Example: 10,000 years ago, large land masses were covered in ice. Different type of geologic environment than today Different intensity Different rates of erosion Given the concept of Uniformitarianism, would you consider the earth to be very OLD or very YOUNG? 9

II geology class. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes. Discuss with a friend: 1.Describe the differences between catastrophism and uniformitarianism. catastrophism and uniformitarianism. 2. Provide at least 2 examples each of catastrophism and uniformitarianism. catastrophism and uniformitarianism. 3. Identify “problems” with both philosophies. 10

Why do we care and study our earth (geology)? Earth resources: societies depend on minerals and rocks for material resources soils that produce agriculture products the availability of fresh water for everyone Earth resources: societies depend on minerals and rocks for material resources soils that produce agriculture products the availability of fresh water for everyone Geologic hazards: volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes, floods (when does nature become a geologic hazard?) Geologic hazards: volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes, floods (when does nature become a geologic hazard?) The uniqueness of earth constant fascination and can give one geologic chills earth processes may open the door for other planetary processes The uniqueness of earth constant fascination and can give one geologic chills earth processes may open the door for other planetary processes Students need the science requirement for their degree! Students need the science requirement for their degree!