Welcome to PRINCIPLES OF GEOLOGY GEO - 102

Today’s Goals Discuss course - syllabus Talk about Science Ask Questions

Dr. Eric Peterson Office: Felmley Hall Annex 435 E-mail: ewpeter@ilstu.edu Phone: 438-7865 Office Hours: 9:00 – 10:00 MW or by appointment

Text The Good Earth Principles of Geology: A Lab Manual by McConnell, Steer, Knight, Owens, and Park Principles of Geology: A Lab Manual by William E. Shields This manual will be made available for purchase in the laboratory. You will need to purchase a new copy.

COURSE CONTENT Designed for science and non-science majors Earth’s Systems Solid Earth – geological process that create and modify the Earth’s surface Hydrosphere and Hydrologic Cycle The Atmosphere The Biosphere

COURSE OBJECTIVES Understand the role of geology in society and geologic constraints on the utilization of resources Understand the Major Principles of Geology Understand the interaction between the different systems on the Earth

Class Policies Attendance – Mandatory Academic Honesty Text / Lab Books Required Pre-read assigned material

Grading Exams (best 4 out of 5) 55% Homework/Quizzes/Participation – in-class exercises and assigned 15% Lab Grade 30% 100%

?

What is Science?

Why do YOU need a science course?

How is Science conducted? The Scientific Method– process by which scientist answer questions Observation – Evidence/Data that can be measured or observed. Hypothesis – Formation of an explanation of the observation. An untested idea (See Figure 1.4). Inductive Reasoning – scientists draw general conclusions from specific observations Deductive Reasoning – scientists draw specific conclusions from general principles or observations

Fig. 1.6

How is Science conducted? The Scientific Method– continued Hypothesis Testing – Designing an experiment that supports your hypothesis. Theory – well-supported explanation withstanding tests by numerous investigators Elevated hypothesis Generally accepted by the scientific community Law – Universally accepted theory No deviations have ever been observed. Most certain concept in science

The Scientific Method Scientific answers are tentative – they can change Answers/Explanations are continually challenged, which causes ideas to be modified or discarded Answers/Explanations should be predictable and testable Answers/Explanations are based upon observations or experiments and can be reproduced

Earth System Science The Earth can be divided into individual parts (systems) to be studied, but it is recognized that each part interacts with many other parts. The boundaries of a system can be defined however you want. Systems are defined by how energy and matter cross the boundaries.

Earth's Major Systems - the 4 spheres Biosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere Lithosphere Atmosphere All four are constantly interacting Can be broken into internal and external processes Lithosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere

Example 2004 - Tsunami Fig. 1.4

Hydrosphere Total Mass of Water Covers 71% of Earth’s surface 98% is in the oceans 2% is in streams, lakes, groundwater, & glaciers In constant motion – Hydrologic Cycle Needed for life to evolve and flourish

Hydrosphere Breakdown

The Biosphere Includes all life Continually in flux Plants Animals Microorganisms Continually in flux Temperature Pressure Chemistry Make sure animation is on the disc being used.

Atmosphere Envelope of gas around Earth Essential for life Influences weather and climate patterns Composition Unique 78% nitrogen 21% oxygen trace amounts of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases 1st atmosphere was carbon dioxide and water vapor Oxygen added as a by-product photosynthesis once plants evolved

Lithosphere The Solid Earth The stresses acting on the materials Minerals and rocks The stresses acting on the materials Plate Tectonics