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 435E-mail: ewpeter@ilstu.eduPhone: 438-7865Office Hours: 9:00 – 10:00 MW or by appointment

Text

• The Good Earth by McConnell, Steer, Knight, Owens, and Park

• Principles of Geology: A Lab Manualby William E. ShieldsThis 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.

• Hydrosphere

• Biosphere

• Lithosphere

• Atmosphere

Lithosphere

Atmosphere

Hydrosphere

Biosphere

Earth's Major Systems - the 4 spheres

Example 2004 - TsunamiFig. 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– Plants– Animals–

Microorganisms

• Continually in flux– Temperature

– Pressure

– Chemistry

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 EarthMinerals and rocks

The stresses acting on the materials

Plate Tectonics