STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Define and use the scientific method.

 2. Link geology to other components of the Earth system, including human society.

 3. Relate rocks, landscapes, and geologic events to Plate Tectonics Theory.

 4. Differentiate minerals from rocks.

 5. Describe the origin and distinguishing characteristics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

 6. Apply the principles of relative and absolute dating.

 7. Classify geologic features in well-known National Park Service areas and describe how they formed.

 8. Identify common features found in the rocks of the Colorado Plateau.

 9. Characterize the landforms resulting from weathering, erosion, and deposition in arid environments.

 10. Describe how carbonate rocks form and dissolve in groundwater and oceans.

 11. Compare and contrast the typical features and processes prevalent in different coastal seashore and lakeshore settings.

 12. Describe the impact glaciers have on landscapes, the reasons for glacial advance and retreat, and the ways in which glaciation is linked to the hydrosphere.

 13. Identify volcanic rocks and landforms found in different plate tectonic settings.

 14. Explain how complex mountains form and how geologic structures are clues to their formation.

 15. Analyze mathematical data to answer real-world questions.

 16. Read, analyze and apply written material to new situations.

 17. Write and speak clearly and logically in presentations and essays.

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. Introduction

 A. Interactions between geology and other Earth systems

 B. Geology and society

 C. The U.S. National Park System

 II. Plate Tectonics Overview

 A. Scientific method and theory development

 B. Boundary types and characteristics

 C. Hot spots

 D. National Park System (NPS) examples

 III. Mineral and Rock Basics

 A. Mineral definition and identifying characteristics

 B. Igneous rocks – formation and classification

 C. Sedimentary rocks – formation and classification

 D. Metamorphic rocks – formation and classification

 E. Well-known examples from parks

 IV. Geologic Time

 A. Relative dating

 B. Absolute dating

 C. Geologic Time Scale

 V. Weathering and Erosional Features

 A. Mechanical and chemical weathering

 B. Erosional features and processes

 C. Depositional environments and rock formations

 D. The Colorado Plateau (e.g. Grand Canyon NP)

 E. Desert characteristics and erosional landforms (e.g. Bryce NP)

 F. Stream erosion (e.g. Zion NP)

 G. Badlands (e.g. Badlands NP)

 H. Wind erosion and deposition (e.g. Great Sand Dunes NP and Preserve)

 VI. Caves and Reefs

 A. Carbonate formation and dissolution (e.g. Guadalupe Mountains NP)

 B. Groundwater features

 1. Cave formation (e.g. Mammoth Cave NP)

 2. Cave features (e.g. Carlsbad Caverns NP)

 C. Ocean carbonates

 1. Coral reef formation (e.g. Virgin Islands NP)

 2. Threats to coral reefs (e.g. Biscayne NP)

 VII. Coasts

 A. Continental beach features (e.g. Point Reyes National Seashore)

 B. Barrier island systems (e.g. Cape Hatteras National Seashore)

 C. Wetlands (e.g. Everglades NP)

 VIII. Glaciers and Glaciation

 A. Glacier types, formation, and movement (e.g. Glacier Bay NP and Preserve)

 B. Glacial erosion features (e.g. Yosemite NP)

 C. Glacial deposition features (e.g. Cape Cod National Seashore)

 D. Glacial advances and retreats – evidence, causes, effects (e.g. Rocky Mountain NP)

 E. Glacial rebound (e.g. Voyageurs NP)

 IX. Volcanic Activity

 A. Characteristics and classification of lava and volcanic rocks

 B. Types of volcanoes and volcanic belts

 1. Stratovolcanoes:  Cascades (e.g. Mount Rainier NP)

 2. Stratovolcanoes:  Alaska (e.g. Katmai NP)

 3. Volcanic domes (e.g. Lassen Volcanic NP)

 4. Cinder cones (e.g. Sunset Crater National Monument)

 5. Shield volcano:  oceanic hot spot (e.g. Hawaii Volcanoes NP)

 6. Supervolcano:  continental hot spot (e.g. Yellowstone NP)

 X. Geologic Structures and Complex Mountains

 A. Faults and fault blocks (e.g. Grand Teton NP)

 B. Basin and Range (e.g. Death Valley NP)

 C. Appalachians (e.g. Shenandoah NP)