Physical Geology

Catalog description

During the first six weeks we will study rocks, mineralogy, and the rock cycle. The physical characteristics of rocks, sediment and soil will be examined, and methods for determining the ages of rocks will be studied. During weeks seven through nine we will study rivers, streams, groundwater, glaciers, and deserts. The landscape of Wisconsin includes glacial landforms and wind-borne loess from western deserts. Weeks ten through fourteen will be concerned with plate tectonics and geologic structures. The underlying bedrock of Wisconsin contains evidence of past collisions and continental rifts. Week fifteen will include a discussion of resources and climate change, which will be covered in more detail in another course.