Geology                     Natural Science 1003

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Astronomy
Meteorology
Geology

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Astronomy
Meteorology
Geology

NATS 1003
Syllabus
Topic Outlines

Topic 1   Introduction to Geology

1.1  Geology is history / CSI Geology  

1.2  Physical geology 

• Terms: physical geology; internal processes; external processes

1.3  Density

• Terms: Density; mass; volume

• Analytical: Compare densities of objects of equal volume

• Analytical: Compare densities of objects of equal mass

1.4  Density and gravity

• Relationship: gravitational attraction of Earth and objects of different mass

1.5  Cross-sections

• Term: Cross-section

1.6  Layers of the Earth based on composition

• Terms: crust; mantle; core

• Characteristics: ocean crust; continental crust

• Compare: ocean crust; continental crust

• Story: How did the Earth become layered?

• Explanation: Why is more dense material toward center of the Earth and less dense material toward the outside?

1.7  Layers of the Earth based on rock strength and rock characteristics

• Terms: lithosphere; asthenosphere

1.8  Temperature and heat

• Terms: temperature; thermal energy; heat

• Relationship: How does temperature change as you go into the Earth? 

1.9  Why is the Earth hot inside?

• Question: What were the sources of heat early in the Earth's history?

• Explanation: How did these processes warm the interior of the Earth?

• Question: What are the sources of heat inside the Earth today?

• Explanation: how do these processes warm the interior of the Earth?

• Explanation: How does the Earth cool off?

1.10  Melting points of minerals

• Terms: melting; freezing; crystallizing; solidifying

• Relationship: What factors determine the melting point of a mineral?

• Explanation: Why is the melting point of a mineral higher when the pressure is higher?

• Compare: melting point and freezing point

1.11  Pressure

• Term: pressure (inside Earth)

• Relationship: How does pressure vary as you go into the Earth?

1.12  What do geologists do?   

1.13  Looking at the Earth geologically

• Terms: topography; relief; topographic profile; topographic map; landscape

1.14  How old is the Earth?

Topic Resources for students

Entire course

• Notes from Prof. Nelson

Links for further interest

• How to read topographic maps--YouTube