Introduction to Physical Geology Lesson Outline / Study Guide

[Pages:2]Introduction to Physical Geology ? Lesson Outline / Study Guide

1. Science of Geology Physical Geology: Study of the composition of the Earth and the processes that occur on and below the surface of the Earth. Historical Geology: Study of the origin of the Earth and its development through time. Some of the problems and issues addressed by geology include: 1) preparation for natural disasters, 2) protection of human life and property, 3) safe development of natural resources, and 4) protection of the environment. Geology affects our civilization, society, and us as individuals.

2. Nature of Scientific Inquiry Science assumes the natural world is consistent and predictable. Scientists collect data through observation and measurements in an attempt to use that knowledge to make predictions. Geologists (and scientists) search for explanations of naturally occurring phenomena by developing hypotheses and theories. A hypothesis is an untested explanation for an observed phenomenon and a theory is a hypothesis that has withstood rigorous testing. The scientific method includes the following steps: 1. Observation 2. Forming a hypothesis 3. Experiments / gathering additional data 4. Verifying or modifying the current hypothesis 5. Developing a theory 6. Creating a Scientific Law (this rarely happens) The Unifying Theory for geology is Plate Tectonics

3. Science vs. Pseudoscience Science seeks to explain the physical world, requires the strongest standards of evidence, encourages rigorous debate, places the burden of proof on the person making the scientific claim, addresses contradictory data, and allows for all data and theories to be judged in an open forum of peers. Pseudoscience describes sensational events, requires only weak evidence, discourages challenges, takes a "prove me wrong" approach, picks and chooses data to support an explanation, and is presented in an entertainment/for profit manner.

4. Earth's 4 spheres include: Hydrosphere. Geosphere. Biosphere. Atmosphere.

5. Renewable Resources vs. Nonrenewable Resources Renewable resources: Replenished over a relatively short time span. Nonrenewable resources: Not replenished ? we must conserve.

6. Geology as Science The concepts of Time and Sequence set geology apart from other sciences. The science of geology began with James Hutton who said the history of the Earth could be understood by studying layers of stratified rocks and those rocks formed in ways similar to those forming modern sediments. This lead to: Principle of Uniformitarianism: Present is the key to the past. Law of Superposition: In an undisturbed sequence of sediments or sedimentary rock, the oldest sediments (or sedimentary rock layers) are on the bottom of the sequence and successively younger sediments (or sedimentary rock layers) overlie these sediments (or sedimentary layers).

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