GEOL 101 Introduction to Geology

Covers basic geologic processes and earth cycles. Topics include minerals and rocks, earth history, structures and plate tectonics plus consideration of environmental geology such as rivers and floods, landslides, earthquakes, mining and hydrology. Lab work included. (NSL)

Credits

5

Outcomes

1. Explain and interpret the geologic processes involved in forming and changing the landscapes in the Pacific Northwest and the world.
2. Describe global plate tectonics and interpret tectonic processes taking place by observing various global patterns, such as distribution of earthquakes, volcanoes, topographic relief.
3. Identify and explain the meaning and origin of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks that are common to our area. Students will construct the rock cycle and explain how rocks can be transformed given the appropriate geologic process.
4. Characterize and explain the nature of geologic events that could affect our lives in the Pacific Northwest, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides.