Introduction to Physical Geology Notes

“Geology is the science that studies Earth -- how it was born, how it evolved, how it works, and how we can help preserve it.” Physical Geology is the division of geology concerned with earth materials, changes in the surface and interior of the earth, and the dynamic forces that cause those changes.

How does Geology effect us?? Avoiding Geologic Hazards Like building for earthquakes, volcanoes Supplying things we need Like being able to look for oil and diamonds Protecting the environment Knowing how to mine safely Understanding our surroundings Appreciate the beauty around us, like the Rockies.

Important Physical Geology Concepts The earth is a giant machine driven by two engines: External and Internal Both are heat engines they convert heat energy into mechanical energy. Examples: Lava lamp Kettle

Earth's internal heat engine is: Earth's external heat engine is: We are going to look at how these are related to surficial and internal processes.

INTERNAL ENGINE The Earth’s Internal Heat Engine:

Earth’s Interior There are three zones: Mantle Crust Core

Lithosphere: Asthenosphere: Tectonic Forces:

Earth’s Internal Structure Crust Oceanic Crust vs. Continental Crust 7km30-35km P-waves (7km/s)P-waves (6km/s) Mafic Felsic More denseLess dense

Mohorovicic discontinuity MOHO Boundary that separates the crust and the mantle.

Mantle Upper and lower mantle Mostly solid rock with chambers of melted rock called magma P-waves travel at 8km/s Lithosphere: between the crust and mantle

Questions 1. List some geological hazards 2. List some geological resources 3. List some results of carelessness that have endangered our environment 4. Give one example (other than the two I gave) that is an example of heat converted to mechanical energy 5. Draw a diagram with the following things (be sure to label them): Mantle Crust Core Lithosphere Asthenosphere Oceanic Crust Continental Crust