GEO 130 - Introduction to Pacific Northwest Geology

5 Credits

Gives introductory students an understanding of the geologic history of the Pacific Northwest by including the influence of plate tectonics upon the mountain building and exotic terrains of the area. It includes several one-day (and possibly overnight) field trips to explore the local geology emphasizing the rock units and geologic processes that have contributed to the formation of the Pacific Northwest.

Pre-requisite(s) MATH 081 or higher
Placement Eligibility Math 091 or higher
Course Note Previously GEOL 130.
FeesGL RG

Quarters Typically Offered

Designed to Serve This course is designed both for general transfer students and students that desire an understanding of the natural history of the Pacific Northwest.
Active Date 2013-06-14

Grading System Decimal Grade
Class Limit 20
Contact Hours: Lecture 33 Lab 44 Worksite 0 Clinical 0 Other 0
Total Contact Hours 77
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science
Science Lab

Course Outline
The geologic framework of Cordilleran landscapes, the Columbia and the Rocky Mountains, the North Cascades, Central and Western British Columbia, The San Juan Islands, the Coast Range Province, the Cascade Range of Oregon and Southern Washington, the Cascade volcanoes, the Blue Mountain Province, Southeastern Oregon - a volcanic highland, Snake River Country, the Columbia Plateau, the Puget-Willamette lowlands. The geologic histories of these diverse regions are correlated to develop and integrated history of the Pacific Northwest through the theme of place tectonics.

Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be able to describe the basic geologic setting of the Pacific Northwest.

2. Students will be able to describe the geologic history and sequence of geologic events n the creation of the Pacific Northwest landscape.

3. Students will know how to identify the landforms of the region and explain how the were created.

4. Students will develop the ability to interpret geologic field evidence for the formation of the local and regional geology.

5. Students will learn how to make and record observation, and perform interpretation of geologic information in the field.

6. Relevant Program, Department and Division Outcomes.

7. Ability to explain the plate tectonic setting of the Pacific Northwest and the results of this setting including the topographic and physiographic features as well as geologic hazards.

8. Ability to support interpretations or conclusions with observations

9. Application of the scientific method including developing a testable hypothesis, collection of data and evaluation of results.

10. Use geologic principles and evidence to demonstrate the vastness of geologic time and the rate of geologic processes.