Unit Title: Geologic Events Through Time
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History of Geology
FEBRUARY 2007 PRIMEFACT 563 (REPLACES MINFACT 60) History of geology Mineral Resources Early humans needed a knowledge of simple geology to enable them to select the most suitable rock types both for axe-heads and knives and for the ornamental stones they used in worship. In the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, about 5000 to 2500 BC, flint was mined in the areas which are now Belgium, Sweden, France, Portugal and Britain. While Stone Age cultures persisted in Britain until after 2000 BC, in the Middle East people began to mine useful minerals such as iron ore, tin, clay, gold and copper as early as 4000 BC. Smelting techniques were developed to make the manufacture of metal tools possible. Copper was probably the earliest metal to be smelted, that is, extracted from its ore by melting. Copper is obtained easily by reducing the green copper carbonate mineral malachite, itself regarded as a precious stone. From 4000 BC on, the use of clay for brick-making became widespread. The Reverend William Branwhite Clarke (1798-1878), smelting of iron ore for making of tools and the ‘father’ of geology in New South Wales weapons began in Asia Minor at about 1300 BC but did not become common in Western Europe until Aristotle believed volcanic eruptions and nearly 500 BC. earthquakes were caused by violent winds escaping from the interior of the earth. Since earlier writers had ascribed these phenomena to The classical period supernatural causes, Aristotle's belief was a By recognising important surface processes at marked step forward. Eratosthenes, a librarian at work, the Greek, Arabic and Roman civilisations Alexandria at about 200 BC, made surprisingly contributed to the growth of knowledge about the accurate measurements of the circumference of earth. -
The History of Planet Earth
SECOND EDITION Earth’s Evolving The History of Systems Planet Earth Ronald Martin, Ph.D. University of Delaware Newark, Delaware © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION 9781284457162_FMxx_00i_xxii.indd 1 07/11/16 1:46 pm World Headquarters Jones & Bartlett Learning 5 Wall Street Burlington, MA 01803 978-443-5000 [email protected] www.jblearning.com Jones & Bartlett Learning books and products are available through most bookstores and online booksellers. To contact Jones & Bartlett Learning directly, call 800-832-0034, fax 978-443-8000, or visit our website, www.jblearning.com. Substantial discounts on bulk quantities of Jones & Bartlett Learning publications are available to corporations, professional associations, and other qualified organizations. For details and specific discount information, contact the special sales department at Jones & Bartlett Learning via the above contact information or send an email to [email protected]. Copyright © 2018 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright may be reproduced or utilized in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the copyright owner. The content, statements, views, and opinions herein are the sole expression of the respective authors and not that of Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, and such reference shall not be used for advertis- ing or product endorsement purposes. -
The Geologic Time Scale Is the Eon
Exploring Geologic Time Poster Illustrated Teacher's Guide #35-1145 Paper #35-1146 Laminated Background Geologic Time Scale Basics The history of the Earth covers a vast expanse of time, so scientists divide it into smaller sections that are associ- ated with particular events that have occurred in the past.The approximate time range of each time span is shown on the poster.The largest time span of the geologic time scale is the eon. It is an indefinitely long period of time that contains at least two eras. Geologic time is divided into two eons.The more ancient eon is called the Precambrian, and the more recent is the Phanerozoic. Each eon is subdivided into smaller spans called eras.The Precambrian eon is divided from most ancient into the Hadean era, Archean era, and Proterozoic era. See Figure 1. Precambrian Eon Proterozoic Era 2500 - 550 million years ago Archaean Era 3800 - 2500 million years ago Hadean Era 4600 - 3800 million years ago Figure 1. Eras of the Precambrian Eon Single-celled and simple multicelled organisms first developed during the Precambrian eon. There are many fos- sils from this time because the sea-dwelling creatures were trapped in sediments and preserved. The Phanerozoic eon is subdivided into three eras – the Paleozoic era, Mesozoic era, and Cenozoic era. An era is often divided into several smaller time spans called periods. For example, the Paleozoic era is divided into the Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous,and Permian periods. Paleozoic Era Permian Period 300 - 250 million years ago Carboniferous Period 350 - 300 million years ago Devonian Period 400 - 350 million years ago Silurian Period 450 - 400 million years ago Ordovician Period 500 - 450 million years ago Cambrian Period 550 - 500 million years ago Figure 2. -
“Anthropocene” Epoch: Scientific Decision Or Political Statement?
The “Anthropocene” epoch: Scientific decision or political statement? Stanley C. Finney*, Dept. of Geological Sciences, California Official recognition of the concept would invite State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, California 90277, cross-disciplinary science. And it would encourage a mindset USA; and Lucy E. Edwards**, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, that will be important not only to fully understand the Virginia 20192, USA transformation now occurring but to take action to control it. … Humans may yet ensure that these early years of the ABSTRACT Anthropocene are a geological glitch and not just a prelude The proposal for the “Anthropocene” epoch as a formal unit of to a far more severe disruption. But the first step is to recognize, the geologic time scale has received extensive attention in scien- as the term Anthropocene invites us to do, that we are tific and public media. However, most articles on the in the driver’s seat. (Nature, 2011, p. 254) Anthropocene misrepresent the nature of the units of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart, which is produced by That editorial, as with most articles on the Anthropocene, did the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) and serves as not consider the mission of the International Commission on the basis for the geologic time scale. The stratigraphic record of Stratigraphy (ICS), nor did it present an understanding of the the Anthropocene is minimal, especially with its recently nature of the units of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart proposed beginning in 1945; it is that of a human lifespan, and on which the units of the geologic time scale are based. -
Part 629 – Glossary of Landform and Geologic Terms
Title 430 – National Soil Survey Handbook Part 629 – Glossary of Landform and Geologic Terms Subpart A – General Information 629.0 Definition and Purpose This glossary provides the NCSS soil survey program, soil scientists, and natural resource specialists with landform, geologic, and related terms and their definitions to— (1) Improve soil landscape description with a standard, single source landform and geologic glossary. (2) Enhance geomorphic content and clarity of soil map unit descriptions by use of accurate, defined terms. (3) Establish consistent geomorphic term usage in soil science and the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS). (4) Provide standard geomorphic definitions for databases and soil survey technical publications. (5) Train soil scientists and related professionals in soils as landscape and geomorphic entities. 629.1 Responsibilities This glossary serves as the official NCSS reference for landform, geologic, and related terms. The staff of the National Soil Survey Center, located in Lincoln, NE, is responsible for maintaining and updating this glossary. Soil Science Division staff and NCSS participants are encouraged to propose additions and changes to the glossary for use in pedon descriptions, soil map unit descriptions, and soil survey publications. The Glossary of Geology (GG, 2005) serves as a major source for many glossary terms. The American Geologic Institute (AGI) granted the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) permission (in letters dated September 11, 1985, and September 22, 1993) to use existing definitions. Sources of, and modifications to, original definitions are explained immediately below. 629.2 Definitions A. Reference Codes Sources from which definitions were taken, whole or in part, are identified by a code (e.g., GG) following each definition. -
A Christian Physicist Examines Noah's Flood and Plate Tectonics
A Christian Physicist Examines Noah’s Flood and Plate Tectonics by Steven Ball, Ph.D. September 2003 Dedication I dedicate this work to my friend and colleague Rodric White-Stevens, who delighted in discussing with me the geologic wonders of the Earth and their relevance to Biblical faith. Cover picture courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey, copyright free 1 Introduction It seems that no subject stirs the passions of those intending to defend biblical truth more than Noah’s Flood. It is perhaps the one biblical account that appears to conflict with modern science more than any other. Many aspiring Christian apologists have chosen to use this account as a litmus test of whether one accepts the Bible or modern science as true. Before we examine this together, let me clarify that I accept the account of Noah’s Flood as completely true, just as I do the entirety of the Bible. The Bible demonstrates itself to be reliable and remarkably consistent, having numerous interesting participants in various stories through which is interwoven a continuous theme of God’s plan for man’s redemption. Noah’s Flood is one of those stories, revealing to us both God’s judgment of sin and God’s over-riding grace and mercy. It remains a timeless account, for it has much to teach us about a God who never changes. It is one of the most popular Bible stories for children, and the truth be known, for us adults as well. It is rather unfortunate that many dismiss the account as mythical, simply because it seems to be at odds with a scientific view of the earth. -
Utah's Geologic Timeline Utah Seed Standard 7.2.6: Make an Argument from Evidence for How the Geologic Time Scale Shows the Ag
Utah’s Geologic Timeline Utah SEEd Standard 7.2.6: Make an argument from evidence for how the geologic time scale shows the age and history of Earth. Emphasize scientific evidence from rock strata, the fossil record, and the principles of relative dating, such as superposition, uniformitarianism, and recognizing unconformities. (ESS1.C) Activity Details: The students begin with a blank calendar and a list of events in the Earth’s, and additionally Utah’s, history. These events span billions of years, but such numbers are too large to visualize and compare. In order to help the mind understand such enormous lengths of time, the year of the event is scaled to what it would Be proportionate to a calendar year (numBers are from The Utah Geological Survey and Kentucky Geological Survey). The students go through the list and fill out their calendar to visualize the geologic timeline of the Earth and Utah, and then answer some analysis questions to help solidify their understanding. Students will need four differently-colored colored pencils or crayons to complete the activity. Background: The following information is taken from The Utah Geological Survey, written by Mark Milligan. It may Be helpful to define some of the terms with the students so they understand where and how ages come from. Geologists generally know the age of a rock By determining the age of the group of rocks, or formation, that it is found in. The age of formations is marked on a geologic calendar known as the geologic time scale. Development of the geologic time scale and dating of formations and rocks relies upon two fundamentally different ways of telling time: relative and absolute. -
GEOLOGY THEME STUDY Page 1
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS Dr. Harry A. Butowsky GEOLOGY THEME STUDY Page 1 Geology National Historic Landmark Theme Study (Draft 1990) Introduction by Dr. Harry A. Butowsky Historian, History Division National Park Service, Washington, DC The Geology National Historic Landmark Theme Study represents the second phase of the National Park Service's thematic study of the history of American science. Phase one of this study, Astronomy and Astrophysics: A National Historic Landmark Theme Study was completed in l989. Subsequent phases of the science theme study will include the disciplines of biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and other related sciences. The Science Theme Study is being completed by the National Historic Landmarks Survey of the National Park Service in compliance with the requirements of the Historic Sites Act of l935. The Historic Sites Act established "a national policy to preserve for public use historic sites, buildings and objects of national significance for the inspiration and benefit of the American people." Under the terms of the Act, the service is required to survey, study, protect, preserve, maintain, or operate nationally significant historic buildings, sites & objects. The National Historic Landmarks Survey of the National Park Service is charged with the responsibility of identifying America's nationally significant historic property. The survey meets this obligation through a comprehensive process involving thematic study of the facets of American History. In recent years, the survey has completed National Historic Landmark theme studies on topics as diverse as the American space program, World War II in the Pacific, the US Constitution, recreation in the United States and architecture in the National Parks. -
EARTH SCIENCE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK GRADES K–12 • WCCUSD/UCMP EARTH AS a SYSTEM Theme/Questions K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12
EARTH SCIENCE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK GRADES K–12 • WCCUSD/UCMP EARTH AS A SYSTEM Theme/Questions K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 How is the Earth part The Earth is part of a bigger system The Earth is part of the Solar System. The Earth is part of the Solar System. The Earth is part of the Solar System. of a larger system? called the Solar System. How do the four The Earth’s position in relation to the The relative positions of Earth and The tilt of the Earth’s axis and the spheres (lithosphere, Sun changes what happens on Earth. Sun affect the dynamics of the Earth. Earth’s orbit affect Earth’s seasons, cli- atmosphere, hydro- mate belts, and global wind and ocean sphere, biosphere) currents. interact? The gravitational forces of the moon, What evidence is sun, and all other celestial bodies infl u- there of this interac- ence the Earth. tion? The planet Earth has a distinct inter- The planet Earth has distinct layers The planet Earth is made of layers dis- The planet Earth is made of layers dis- nal structure composed of the crust, (crust, mantle, and core) that look tinguished by composition, structure, tinguished by composition, structure, mantle, and core. and act differently. and temperature. and temperature. Earth is made up of land, water, air, Earth is composed of land, water, air, The planet Earth is composed of the The planet Earth is composed of litho- and living things. and living things. lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, sphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and and biosphere. The boundaries of biosphere. -
Engineering Geology in Washington, Volume I Washington Diviaion of Geology and Euth Resources Bulletin 78
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY IN WASHINGTON Volume I RICHARD W. GALSTER, Chairman Centennial Volume Committee Washington State Section, Association of Engineering Geologists WASHINGTON DIVISION OF GEOLOGY AND EARTH RESOURCES BULLETIN 78 1989 Prepared in cooperation with the Washington State Section of the A~ociation or Engineering Geologists ''WNatural ASHINGTON STATE Resources DEPARTMENT OF Brian Boyle • Commlssloner 01 Public Lands Ari Stearns - Sup,,rvuor Division of Geology and Earth Resources Raymond LcumanJs. Slate Geologist The use of brand or trade names in this publication is for pur poses of identification only and does not constitute endorsement by the Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources or the Association of Engineering Geologists. This report is for sale (as the set of two volumes only) by: Publications Washington Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Earth Resources Mail Stop PY-12 Olympia, WA 98504 Price $ 27.83 Tax 2.17 Total $ 30.00 Mail orders must be prepaid; please add $1.00 to each order for postage and handling. Make checks or money orders payable to the Department of Natural Resources. This publication is printed on acid-free paper. Printed in the United States of America. ii VOLUME I DEDICATION . ................ .. .. ...... ............ .......................... X FOREWORD ........... .. ............ ................... ..... ................. xii LIST OF AUTHORS ............................................................. xiv INTRODUCTION Engineering Geology in Washington: Introduction Richard W. Galster, Howard A. Coombs, and Howard H. Waldron ................... 3 PART I: ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND ITS PRACTICE IN WASHINGTON Geologic Factors Affecting Engineered Facilities Richard W. Galster, Chapter Editor Geologic Factors Affecting Engineered Facilities: Introduction Richard W. Galster ................. ... ...................................... 17 Geotechnical Properties of Geologic Materials Jon W. Koloski, Sigmund D. Schwarz, and Donald W. -
Terminology of Geological Time: Establishment of a Community Standard
Terminology of geological time: Establishment of a community standard Marie-Pierre Aubry1, John A. Van Couvering2, Nicholas Christie-Blick3, Ed Landing4, Brian R. Pratt5, Donald E. Owen6 and Ismael Ferrusquía-Villafranca7 1Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway NJ 08854, USA; email: [email protected] 2Micropaleontology Press, New York, NY 10001, USA email: [email protected] 3Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades NY 10964, USA email: [email protected] 4New York State Museum, Madison Avenue, Albany NY 12230, USA email: [email protected] 5Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK7N 5E2, Canada; email: [email protected] 6Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Lamar University, Beaumont TX 77710 USA email: [email protected] 7Universidad Nacional Autónomo de México, Instituto de Geologia, México DF email: [email protected] ABSTRACT: It has been recommended that geological time be described in a single set of terms and according to metric or SI (“Système International d’Unités”) standards, to ensure “worldwide unification of measurement”. While any effort to improve communication in sci- entific research and writing is to be encouraged, we are also concerned that fundamental differences between date and duration, in the way that our profession expresses geological time, would be lost in such an oversimplified terminology. In addition, no precise value for ‘year’ in the SI base unit of second has been accepted by the international bodies. Under any circumstances, however, it remains the fact that geologi- cal dates – as points in time – are not relevant to the SI. -
Geologic, Climatic, and Vegetation History of California
GEOLOGIC, CLIMATIC, AND VEGETATION HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA Constance I. Millar I ntroduction The dawning of the “Anthropocene,” the era of human-induced climate change, exposes what paleoscientists have documented for decades: earth’s environment—land, sea, air, and the organisms that inhabit these—is in a state of continual flux. Change is part of global reality, as is the relatively new and disruptive role humans superimpose on environmental and climatic flux. Historic dynamism is central to understanding how plant lineages exist in the present—their journey through time illuminates plant ecology and diversity, niche preferences, range distributions, and life-history characteristics, and is essential grounding for successful conservation planning. The editors of the current Manual recognize that the geologic, climatic, and vegetation history of California belong together as a single story, reflecting their interweaving nature. Advances in the sci- ences of geology, climatology, and paleobotany have shaken earlier interpretations of earth’s history and promoted integrated understanding of the origins of land, climate, and biota of western North America. In unraveling mysteries about the “what, where, and when” of California history, the respec- tive sciences have also clarified the “how” of processes responsible for geologic, climatic, and vegeta- tion change. This narrative of California’s prehistory emphasizes process and scale while also portraying pic- tures of the past. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of landscape dynamics of California that will help toward preparing for changes coming in the future. This in turn will inform meaningful and effective conservation decisions to protect the remarkable diversity of rock, sky, and life that is our California heritage.