Physical Geology

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to the science of geology. This course considers the various rock and mineral types and their chemistry, the structures and deformation of the Earth's crust due to plate tectonics and related phenomena like earthquakes and volcanism. It also deals with the actions of the wind, running water, ground water, and glacial ice in shaping the surface of the Earth. Topics covered include aspects of geochemistry, geophysics, geomorphology, geochronology, stratigraphy, and hydrology. This course along with its optional laboratory course GEO 151L satisfies the sequential laboratory science requirement for the Math-Science curriculum. GEO 151 consists of three one-hour lectures or equivalent. Prerequisite MAT 087 or higher.