Part 2: Model Lithologic Columns

Objectives
After participating in the program Earth Science, Part 2, students will be able to:
· differentiate among igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
· recognize that evidence for plate tectonics is derived in part from the   distribution of fossils, rock types, and ancient climatic zones
· report that rocks are often found in layers, with the oldest generally on the   bottom
· read a geologic map for evidence provided on the map, and construct and   interpret a simple scale model
· interpret events by sequence and time from natural phenomena (e.g., the   relative ages of rocks and intrusions)
· select and use appropriate tools and technology to collect and display data

Vocabulary
*sedimentary rock rock formed by the deposit of sediment - may be deposited by water or wind
*igneous rock rock formed by the crystallization of molten magma
*magma a body of molten rock found deep within the Earth
*metamorphic rock rock resulting from subjecting igneous rock to high temperatures and pressures within the Earth; the rock may be changed in mineral composition and texture
*lithologic column a model of the vertical structure and composition of a geologic formation - sometimes these are called stratigraphic columns
*geologic formation the structure of the Earth's crust in a given location
*geologic cross-section a diagram showing a side view of a portion of the Earth's crust (depth profile)
*stratigraphy the study of the character of, relative ages of, variations in, and fossils contained in strata over some area of the Earth's crust
*lithology study of the character of rocks

Materials
(For each group)
       · clear plastic tube (about 15 in long with a minimum diameter of 1 in)
       · 2 end caps for the plastic tube
       · set of colored markers
       · yard or meter sticks
       · dowel rod (diameter slightly smaller than the plastic tube)
       · masking tape
       · published diagram of (local) outcrop, roadcut, drill hole, and/or mine core (sometimes          these are available in the form of stratigraphic or lithologic maps; another possible          source is a geologic cross-section - when using a geologic cross-section, draw a          vertical line to indicate which part of the cross-section will be modeled)
       · powdered tempura paint (for each paint color - one color for each soil or rock type)
       · 2 kg white sand
       · water
       · small paper cup (for handling sand)
       · large container (to hold sand)


 

Total  Activity Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

 

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Disclaimer: These activities were adapted from the article "The Art of Geology"1 by Debra Rockey.

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This work was supported by the Center on Polymer Interfaces and Macromolecular Assemblies (CPIMA)
as part of the NSF Materials Science and Engineering Center program under Grant DMR 9808677

Copyright 1996 - 2003, Leland Stanford Junior University. All rights reserved.