JCCC
General Geology GEOS 130-001 (81141)Fall 2015
Syllabus and Study Guide
Who?
Lynne Beatty
Email:best way to contact me is through D2L
Blog: hover the cursor over “About Page” to select your course
Office Phone:913-469-8500, ext. 3785
Office:CLB 302
Office Hours:3-4 pm on MW, 1:30-3 pm on TRor by appointment
When and where does this course meet?
Meeting time: 9 - 10:50 am MW in CLB 405 and 11 - 12:20 pm MW in CLB 411 and outside
Credit hours: 5
Prerequisites/Co requisites: None
The course outline and competencies are at
What is this course about?
In this introductory course you will survey the geologic processes that form and shape theEarth over geologic time using the models of the Rock Cycle, the Hydrologic Cycle, and theTectonic Cycle. In the laboratory you will conduct hands-on activities designed to enhance andreinforce the geologic concepts you have studied.
What books do I need?
Tarbuck, E. J., and F. K. Lutgens. 2014. The Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology,11th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.
Rutford, Robert H., and James Carter. 2014. Zumbrege’s Laboratory Manual for
Physical Geology, 16th ed. Dubuque: Wm. C. Brown. This must be new! You will be filling out worksheets and drawing on maps that will be turned in each week.
Personal transportation for some lab activities
JCCC Student ID card for access to the Science Resource Center in CLB 112
The Science Resource Center and the JCCC Library Reserve Desk have a copy of a previous edition of your textbook.
Science Friday airs on KCUR 89.3 FM on Friday afternoons from 1-3 pm. NOVA airs on KCPT and KTWU public television stations on Wednesday evenings and repeats throughout the week.
There is no additional fee for this course.
Is there anything I should know before deciding to spend the semester in this course?
Yes. You will actually have to attend class and prepare by reading the topical chapters and completing assignments and tests
in order to have a successful experience. You should allow at least 5 hours per week outside of class time to prepare for this class. If you think the course material is not rigorous enough, please see me for information on the Honors Program or for additional assignments. The sequence of assignments and the topics covered are subject to change with notice. Check the schedule in advance in order to prepare yourself for outdoor lab activities, either on or off campus. Outdoor activities include moving over uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions. Academic and student policies and procedures can be found at
What are the homework and in-class activities like?
We will graph and use geologic data and images to analyze and discuss trends and to interpret process on Earth in the past and present. We will study current events, often with real-time data, by using earthquake, volcano, and river web sites. Crossword puzzles will help you learn the language of geology. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to check
homework assignments and lab exercises which are due on the due date
and can also be submitted in the D2L Dropbox on the due date. In-class activities cannot be made up.
What are the tests like?
Six lecture exams consist of multiple choice, matching, definitions, listing, diagrams, short-answer, and essay questions with each exam worth one hundred points. Practice questions can be found a few days before the exam at
There will be three lab exams worth fifty points each. Lab exams will consist of mineral and rock identification, analysis of geologic structures and maps, and interpretation of topographic maps and photos. Mineral and rock samples are also available for you to review in the Science Resource Center. Your grades will be posted on the learning management system, Desire To Learn (D2L). Make-up exams can be taken at the Testing Center on the third floor of the Student Center. Any make-up exams not taken before December 11 will earn a grade of zero.
How do I earn a grade?
A minimum of six lecture exams600 points
A minimum of six assignments, in-class activities, and quizzes170 points
A minimum of three lab exams 150 points
A minimum of twenty-eight lab exercises 280 points
The grade for the course will be determined by you. A total of 1200 points is possible for the course. Final grades are determined as follows:
GRADEMINIMUM POINTS
A 1080 (90%)
B 960 (80%)
C 840 (70%)
D 720 (60%)
F less than 720
Is there any extra-credit?
You can review a movie with a geologic theme for 10 extra-credit points. The movie list is at There may be additional opportunities depending on community events.
What will happen to me if I do something dishonest?
All JCCC students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct
Anyone caught cheating (including plagiarizing) will be subject to any or all of the following: a zero for the work involved; an immediate “F” in the course; referral to college authorities for further discipline, including expulsion. The Science Division Dean’s office is CLB 241.
What if I have a disability?
JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you can contact Access Services at (913) 469-3521 or . Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.
What if there is a campus emergency?
ALICE—an acronym for Alert Lockdown Inform Counter Evacuate explains the philosophy and basics steps of the A.L.I.C.E. program and how it can help you write a different script, one in which you can increase your chances of surviving an active encounter with an armed intruder.
Emergency Shelter Areas
What do I need to know if I decide to drop this course?
Are there any special rules regarding lab?
The chemical hygiene policy is to be enforced by faculty in labs when chemicals or other potentially hazardous materials are being used. Students must abide by the chemical hygiene protocol for their respective lab or not be permitted in the lab. Eating and smoking are not permitted in the lab even when lab takes place outdoors.
Tentative schedule and required reading prior to each date
Geology, Minerals, and the Rock Cycle
Aug 17Introduction to GeologyCh 1 (T&L)
Earth Materials Lab 1Minerals (pp 2-7 in R&C)
Aug 19Introduction to GeologyCh 1 (T&L)
Matter and MineralsCh 3 (T&L)
Earth Materials Lab 2Minerals (pp 2-7, 9 in R&C)
Aug 24Matter and MineralsCh 3 (T&L)
Earth Materials Lab 3Minerals (pp 2-7, 9 in R&C)
Aug 26Igneous RocksCh 4 (T&L)
Earth Materials Lab 4Minerals (pp 2-7, 10 in R&C)
Aug 31Volcanic Eruptions!Ch 4, 5 (T&L)
Rocks Lab 5Igneous (pp 21-27, 32 in R&C)
Sep 2Volcanic and Igneous ActivityCh 5 (T&L)
Rocks Lab 6Igneous (pp 21-27, 32 in R&C)
Sep 7Labor Day Holiday- no class
Sep 9Exam 1; Introduce WeatheringCh 1, 3-5 (T&L)
Weathering and GPS Lab 7handout
Outdoors-JCCC
The Rock Cycle
Sep 14Weathering and SoilCh 6 (T&L)
Rocks Lab 8Sedimentary (pp 34 -40, 43 in R&C)
Sep 16Sedimentary RocksCh 7 (T&L)
Rocks Lab 9 Outdoors-off campushandout
Lab will meet at the Northgate Access Park for Mill Creek Streamway Trail
off of 119th and Northgate. Map will be provided.
Sep 21Sedimentary Rocks, Metamorphic Rocks Ch 7 and Ch 8 (T&L)
Rocks Lab 10Sedimentary (pp 34 -40, 43, 44 in R&C)
Sep 23Metamorphic Rocks, Geologic Time Ch 8 and Ch 9 (T&L)
Rocks Lab 11Outdoors-on campusMetamorphic (pp 45-48, 52 in R& C)
Sep 28Geologic TimeCh 9 (T&L)
Time Lab 12Geologic Column and Time (pp 60-64, Ex 5, 6 in R&C)
Sep 30Exam 2; Introduce StructuresCh 6-9 (T&L)
Lab Review
Inside the Earth
Oct 5Crustal DeformationCh 10 (T&L)
Lab Exam 1handouts and the exercises in (R&C)
Oct 7Crustal Deformation, EarthquakesCh 10 and 11 (T&L)
Geostructures Lab 13Geoblocks; Structural features of sed. rocks
(pp 200-209in R&C)
Oct 12EarthquakesCh 11 (T&L)
Geostructures Lab 14Structural features of sed. rocks
(pp 200-209, Ex 21, 22A, 22B, 22D in R&C) \
Oct 14Earth’s InteriorCh 12 (T&L)
Structural Geology Lab 15Structural features of sed. rocks (Part 4 in R&C)
Faults and quakes (pp 230-232, Ex 24A, 25 in R&C)
Oct 19Exam 3; Introduce Plate TectonicsCh 10-12 (T&L)
Quakes Lab 16Use of Seismic Waves (pp 242-245, Ex 26 in R&C)
The Tectonic Cycle
Oct 21Plate TectonicsCh 2 (T&L)
Plate Tectonics Lab 17Components of the Earth (pp 250-256, Ex 27A, 27B in R&C)
Oct 26Divergent Boundaries/Ocean FloorCh 13 (T&L)
Ocean Lab 18Volcanic islands and hotspots (pp 269-271, Ex 30A, 30B in R&C)
Oct 28Convergent Boundaries/MountainsCh 14 (T&L)
Receive Take-home exam 4 over Ch 2, 13, 14 due next class
Mountain Lab 19handout
Living on the Surface of Earth
Nov 2Mass WastingCh 15 (T&L)
Mass Wasting in Johnson County Lab 20Outdoors-off campus handout
Lab will meet at the Tomahawk Creek Streamway Park near 119th and Mission. Map will be
provided. Lab Review.
Nov 4Running WaterCh 16 (T&L)
Lab Exam 2handouts and exercises in (R&C)
Nov 9Running WaterCh 16 (T&L)
GroundwaterCh 17 (T&L)
Topo Maps Lab 21 Map coordinates, land division,topo maps (pp 74-81, Ex 8, 9, 11
in R&C)
Nov 11GroundwaterCh 17 (T&L)
Water Lab 22 Outdoors-off campushandout
Lab will meet at Indian Creek Streamway Park near Quivira and 119th,
just south of campus. Map will be provided
Nov 16Exam 5; Introduce Glaciers Ch 15-17 (T & L)
Streams Lab 23Geologic Work of Running Water
(pp 108-110, Ex 13A, 13B, 13D in R&C)
Living on the Surface of Earth
Nov 18Glaciers and GlaciationCh 18 (T&L)
Groundwater Lab 24Groundwater movement, pollution,
geologic agent (p 126, 133, Ex 14 B, 15A in R&C)
Glacier Balance/Movement Lab 25 Balance and Accumulation (pp 143-144, Ex 16A, 16B in R&C)
Nov 23Deserts and WindCh 19 (T&L)
Glaciers Lab 26Alpine and Continental glaciation (pp 143-144, 154, Ex 16C, 17A, 17 B,
17C in R&C)
Nov 25Thanksgiving Holiday-no class
Nov 30Deserts and WindCh 19 (T&L)
ShorelinesCh 20 (T&L)
Deserts Lab 27Landforms produced by wind (pp 164-165, Ex 18A, 18B, 18C in R&C)
Shorelines Lab 28Landforms produced by shore processes (pp 172-173,
Ex 19B, 19D in R&C)
Dec 2ShorelinesCh 20 (T&L)
Lab Exam 3handouts and exercises in (R&C)
Dec 11Exam 6 over Ch 18-20.
Your Study Guide
Your goal is to acquire factual knowledge, explain fundamental principles, and apply those principles to real-Earth situations. The learning goals listed for each chapter cover broad concepts. The learning goals are based on the following:
1. Foundational knowledge – understanding and remembering terms, concepts, and principles
This category is your responsibility as you prepare for class by reading the assignment and completing the crossword puzzles.
2. Application – using foundational knowledge to analyze a situation or problem
We will accomplish the goals in this category through homework projects and discussions in class.
3. Integration –bringing together ideas
We will accomplish the goals in this category through homework projects and discussions in class.
4. Human dimension – identifying how geology affects humans and vice versa
We will accomplish the goals in this category through homework projects, discussions in class, and personal reflection.
5. Caring –developing interests and values related to the subject
We will accomplish the goals in this category through homework projects, discussions in class, and personal reflection.
6. Learning how to learn –carrying this experience onward in life
We will accomplish the goals in this category through homework projects, discussions in class, and personal reflection.
Geology, Minerals, and the Rock Cycle
Ch 1 Introduction To Geology
Distinguish between physical and historical geology.
Explain the relationship between geology, people, and the environment.
Discuss the history of geology, including the concepts of catastrophism and uniformitarianism (Hutton).
Contrast relative and radiometric (absolute) dating of Earth materials and explain how geologists used the law of
superposition and the principle of faunal succession to develop the geologic time scale.
Describe the nature of scientific inquiry in terms of its basic assumption and components: observation, hypothesis,
testing,theory.
Discuss Earth as a system, identify and describe the four spheres of Earth, and identify the major surface features of Earth.
Explain the origin of Earth and the development of Earth’s layered structure.
List the compositional and physical layers of the Earth’s internal structure.
Explain the concept of the rock cycle; sketch a diagram showing its five components and the processes that move
components from one location in the cycle to another, and relate it to the plate tectonics model.
Ch 3 Matter And Minerals
Identify the five characteristics of a mineral.
Name and distinguish among the three basic subatomic particles.
Explain the distribution of electrons based on the octet rule.
Contrast ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding.
Define the physical properties that are useful in identifying minerals.
Recognize the general chemical composition of a mineral group based on its name.
List the eight most common elements of the earth’s crust, their relative percentage, valence, and size.
Describe the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron. Explain how tetrahedrons link to form other silicate structures.
Contrast the eight common silicate minerals in terms of chemical composition and silicate structure.
Develop an understanding of what minerals are in the products that you use in everyday life.
Ch 4 Igneous Rocks
Discuss the physical and chemical properties of magma.
Explain the process of crystallization and how it relates to the formation of igneous rocks.
Identify the factors that influence the size of crystals in igneous rocks.
List the six different textures of igneous rocks, describe the appearance of each, and explain the origin of each texture.
Identify the primary minerals composing ultramafic, mafic (basaltic), intermediate (andesitic), and felsic
(granitic) igneous rock types.
Use mineral composition and rock texture to classify the igneous rocks.
Describe the role of heat, pressure, and volatiles in the origin of magma.
Explain how Bowen’s Reaction Series accounts for the mineral distributions.
Use crystal settling, assimilation, and magma mixing to explain how magmas change.
Explain the concept of partial melting and its role in the origin of basaltic, andesitic, and granitic magmas.
Ch 5 Volcanic And Plutonic Activity
Contrast the eruptions of an effusive (fluid) volcano with an explosive (viscous) volcano.
Identify the factors that affect the viscosity of magma and thus eruption style.
Characterize thetypes of materials erupted from volcanoes.
Recognize and contrast shield, composite, plug dome, and cinder cones as to size, shape, and eruptive style.
Distinguish between the types of calderas in terms of mechanisms that produce them.
Describe the processes of formation of pyroclastic flows, fissure eruptions, flood basalts, lava plateaus, lava domes,
volcanic pipes, and volcanic necks.
Identify the criteria used to classify plutons and use them to identify batholiths, laccoliths, dikes, and sills.
Relate the distribution of volcanic activity on Earth to the plate tectonics model.
Discuss the possible effects of volcanism on climate.
The Rock Cycle Continued
Ch 6 Weathering And Soil
Contrast weathering, erosion, and mass wasting.
Contrast mechanical and chemical weathering.
Describe and recognize types of mechanical weathering and types of chemical weathering.
Discuss the origin and importance of carbonic acid in the weathering process.
Explain what is meant by acid precipitation and why people are concerned about it.
List the products resulting from the chemical weathering of quartz, feldspars, amphibole, pyroxene, and olivine.
List and discuss factors that influence the type and rate of weathering.
List the five basic controls of soil formation and describe how each affects soil formation.
Sketch and label an idealized soil profile.
Explain why clearing of tropical and subtropical forests does not yield productive farmland.
Describe the process of soil erosion and its impact on the land surface, either during the Dust Bowl or now.
Ch 7 Sedimentary Rocks
Explain how weathering, erosion, and sedimentation contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Compare the abundance and distribution of sedimentary and igneous rocks in Earth’s crust.
Name and describe three ways in which sediments are lithified to form sedimentary rocks.
Contrast the two main groups of sedimentary rocks.
List and briefly describe the origin and chief characteristics of the detrital sedimentary rocks.
List and briefly describe the origin and chief characteristics of the chemical inorganic and organic sedimentary rocks.
Contrast continental, marine, and transitional sedimentary environments.
Recognize sedimentary structures and relate them to sedimentary environments.
Ch 8 Metamorphic Rocks
List three agents of metamorphism and describe the types of alteration each produces in the rocks.
List and describe the textures of metamorphic rocks.
List six types of metamorphic rocks and identify the texture and parent rock of each.
Describe the metamorphic environments in which metamorphism occurs.
Describe the textural and mineralogical changes that occur with increasing grades of metamorphism.
Discuss the relationship between metamorphism and plate tectonics.
Ch 9 Geologic Time
Discuss why geology needs a time scale.
Distinguish between radiometric (absolute) and relative dating of the Earth.
Describe the principles of superposition, original horizontality, cross-cutting relationships, and inclusions and apply these
principles to solve problems of relative age dating.
Recognize and contrast disconformities, nonconformities, and angular unconformities.
Explain the concept of correlation and how fossils and physical continuity are used to correlate the ages of rocks.
List conditions favoring the preservation of an organism as a fossil.
List three common types of radioactive decay and indicate the effect of each on the nucleus of the atom.
Calculate an absolute age of a sample given the half-life of a radioactive isotope and the ratio of the radioactive parent
and the stable daughter product.
Recognize sources of error in radiometric dating and explain how these might be overcome.
Describe the general structure of the geologic time table.
Inside the Earth
Ch 10 Crustal Deformation
Contrast stress with strain.
Contrast the three types of differential stress.
Describe the types of deformation that rocks go through when great stress is applied to them.
List factors that determine the behavior of rocks when subjected to stress and describe how each factor affects the way
rocks behave when deformed.
Demonstrate and define strike and dip of a rock layer or fault plane.
Name and label the parts of a fold.
Recognize and describe the types of folds: monoclines, anticlines, synclines, domes, basins.
Recognize and contrast the types of dip-slip faults and strike-slip faults.
Relate the type of stress to each fault and fold.
Compare and contrast faults and joints.
Ch 11 Earthquakes
Explain how an earthquake occurs using the concept of elastic rebound.