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AUTHOR Pittman, George K., II; Hubbard, William F.; Lambert, Michael D.; Beazley, Lea J. TITLE Metamorphic Mountain, Mount Jefferson State Park: An Environmental Education Learning Experience Designed for Grades 5-7. INSTITUTION North Carolina State Dept. of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Raleigh. Div. of Parks and Recreation. PUB DATE 1999-03-00 NOTE 137p.; For an earlier edition, see ED 374 938. Originally printing funded by CP&L. AVAILABLE FROM North Carolina Div. of Parks and Recreation, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC 27611-7687. PUB TYPE Guides Classroom Teacher (052) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC06 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Earth Science; Environmental Education; *Geology; Intermediate Grades; Junior High Schools; *Minerals; Science Activities; Water IDENTIFIERS *North Carolina; State Parks
ABSTRACT Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is located in the southern Blue Ridge highlands of North Carolina and covers 489 acres, which includes peaks and upper slopes to the Mount Jefferson mountain. This document introduces students to the geology of Mount Jefferson State Park and focuses on the geologic processes and rocks and minerals of Mount Jefferson. Major concepts covered include the rock types and their uses, rock cycle, weathering and erosion, rock and mineral identification, geologic history, and resource use. Three types of activities are featured:(1) pre-visit activities;(2) on-site activities; and (3) post-visit activities. The pre-visit activities will introduce students to the different rock types, how rocks are formed, how to identify them, and how they weather. Students will also learn about geologic time scale and identify the geologic belts of North Carolina. The on-site activities will familiarize the students with actual rock types of Mount Jefferson State National Area, their characteristics and where they are found. In addition, students will learn how the geology of the Mt. Jefferson area affected the cultural history. The post-visit activities are designed for review and will broaden students' understanding of minerals. The post-visit activity focuses on concepts such as mining, environmental issues and conservation of natural resources. These activities may be performed independently or in a series to build upon students' newly gained knowledge and experiences. A vocabulary list and definitions are listed in the back of the activity packet, along with a list of reference materials used in developing activities.(CCM)
Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS CENTER (ERIC) BEEN GRANTED BY This document has been reproduced as ved from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality.
TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Points of view or opinions stated in this INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. te,
K6mt Jefferson '$titer.4.1* vs:1r rfigifetItal,EducatiOniparpingExperiehc DOsiEned for Grades'5 ,-7:
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- -'1 ;".:C". _ "Geology is something most of us do not think about as we go about our daily activities. Yet all of us are affected by the powerfulgeologic processes that formedour continent."
A Geologic Guide To North Carolina's State Parks
4 Funding for the original printing of this Environmental Education Learning Experience was contributed by C P&L
5 This Environmental Education Learning Experience was developed by
George K. Pittman,,II and William F. Hubbard, former Lead Interpretation and Education Rangers and Michael D. Lambert, Ranger I Mount Jefferson State Natural Area; Lea.J. Beazley, Interpretation and. Education Specialist North Carolina State Parks
N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation Department of Environment and Natural Resources VA James B. Hunt, Jr. Wayne McDevitt Governor NCDENR Secretary J 6 111 Other Contributors...
Park volunteers;
Leonar' d S. Wiener, Carl Merschat, and Mark Carter, N.C. Geological Survey, Division of Land Resources;
Alex Glover, Vulcan Materials;
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction;
The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources;
The N.C. Geological Survey Section, Division of Land Resources;
and the many other individuals and agencies who assisted in the review of this publication.
500 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $3,781 or $7.56 per copy
Printed on recycled paper. 03-99
iv 1. Introduction Introduction to the North Carolina State Parks System 1.1 Introduction to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area 1.2 Introduction to the Activity Packet for Mount Jefferson State Natural Area 1.5 Introduction to the Geology of Mount Jefferson State Natural Area 1.6
2. Activity Summary 2.1 Correlation Chart 2.2
3. Pre-Visit Activities #1 Rainbow Rock 3.1 #2 Belting It Out 3.2 #3 Mt. Jefferson's Crystals 3.3
4. On-Site Activities #1 Geo-Trek 4:1 Part I. Rock ID 4.1.3 Part II. Talking Rocks 4.1.11 #2 Exploring Metamorphic Mountain 4.3 #3 Cultural History & Geologic History The Connection 4.4
5. Post-Visit Activities #1 Geo-Scavenge 5.1. #2 It's About Time 5.2 #3 Ironing It Out 5.3
6. Vocabulary 6.1
7. References 7.1
8. Forms 8.1
9. Notes 9.1 Introduction to the North Carolina State Parks System
reserving and protecting The North Carolina State As one of North Carolina's PNorth Carolina's natural Parks System has now been principal conservation resources is actually a established for more than agencies, the Division of relatively new idea. The three, quarters of a century. Parks and Recreation is seeds of the conservation What started out as one smallresponsible for the more than movement were planted plot of public land has grown 150,000 acres that make up early in the 20th century into 59 properties across the our state-parks system. The when citizens were alerted state, including parks, Division manages these to the devastation of Mount resources for the safe Mitchell. Logging was enjoyment of the public and destroying a well-known protects and preserves them landmark - the highest peak as a part of the heritage we east of the Mississippi. As will pass on to generations to the magnificent forests of come. this mile-high peak fell to An important-component the lumbermen's axe, of our-stewardship of these alarmed citizens lands is education. Through began to voice their our interpretation and objections. Governor environmental education Locke Craig joined them services, the Division of in their efforts to save Parks and Recreation strives Mount Mitchell. to offer enlightening Together they convinced programs which lead to an the legislature to pass a bill recreation areas, trails, rivers,understanding and establishing Mount Mitchell lakes and natural areas. This appreciation of our natural as the first state park of vast network of land boasts resources. The goal of our North Carolina. That was in some of the most beautiful environmental education 1915. scenery in the world and program is to generate an offers endless recreation awareness in all individuals opportunities. But our state that cultivates responsible parks system offers much stewardship of the earth. more than scenery and recreation. Our lands and waters contain unique and valuable archaeological, For more information contact: geological and biological resources that are important N.C. Division of Parks parts of our natural heritage. and Recreation P.O. Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611-7687 919/ 733-4181 www.ncsparks.net
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC i.P March 1999 Introduction to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Mount Jefferson State above the nearby New River were originally formed from Natural Area, located in Valley. The mountain is depositions in a trough or the southern Blue Ridge located between the north and basin on the floor of an ancient highlands, covers 489 acres, south forks of the New River, sea, 600 to 800 million years which includes the peak and which have played a ago. Some sand and clay upper slopes of the mountain. tremendous role in eroding materials were washed into the On clear days, Mount Rogers Mount Jefferson to its present- basin from the surrounding and Whitetop Mountain in day height and shape. land areas, eventually forming Virginia, Grandfather Mount Jefferson and the sedimentary rocks, which later Mountain in North Carolina, other high mountains in the changed into the metamorphic and Snake Mountain in area are the remnants of a rocks gneiss and schist. Other Tennessee can be seen from high, broad plateau that once materials were deposited as the natural area's overlooks. existed there. Weathering and volcanic, debris from now Nestled at the foot of Mount erosion have removed much extinct volcanoes. The black Jefferson are the towns of of the original material of the rock amphibolite, seen in the Jefferson and West Jefferson. plateau, creating broad park today, is an example of an Mount Jefferson is a mountain valleys, and leaving igneous, volcanic rock that has northwest trending mountain the more resistant underlying been changed into a that reaches a maximum rock. metamorphic rock by heat and pressure. elevation of 4,683 feet, The rocks that would one approximately 1,600 feet day become Mount Jefferson It is difficult to explain
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 1.2 March 1999 Mount Jefferson's height. include chipmunks, deer, - School groups can borrow trail Amphibolite is normally not groundhogs, red and gray booklets at the park office. very resistant to erosion and squirrels, ruffed grouse and Please return them to the office is usually found at lower numerous song birds and when you are finished. elevations. The gneiss and raptors. Facilities: schists found in the valley Hiking Trails: below Mount Jefferson, Restrooms: Restroonis are normally have a higher quartz The natural area's two located above the picnic area. content and are more resistant hiking trails are accessed from They are open from May 15 to erosion. It has been the picnic area. They begin as to November 1. suggested that, the gneiss and one trail, but divide into two at Picnic Area: Nineteen schists in this area are more the ridge line after passing the tables and six grills are located thinly layered than in the rest restrooms. The left fork, the in a wooded area above the of the southern Blue Ridge Summit Trail, is a 50-yard trail parking lot. No reservations Highlands, thereby making to a North Carolina Forest are required as the area is used them mechanically weaker and Service fire tower on top of on a first-come basis. A six- causing them to erode more Mount Jefferson. table picnic shelter with a easily. The topography at The right fork is the fireplace and large grill may be Mount Jefferson is controlled Rhododendron Trail, a self- reserved for a, nominal fee by by joint and fracture patterns guided nature trail. It is a one contacting the office. in the area. mile loop which leads to Overlooks: There are two The Natural Area's.Luther's Rock-overlook, overlooks located along the meanders through road leading up to the summit Natural Resources: rhododendron thickets and of Mount Jefferson. then returns to the picnic area. Plant Communities: NOTE: The road to the top of Mount Jefferson State Mount Jefferson is very steep Natural Area has a wide and many vehicles overheat as a variety of trees, shrubs and result. Please take appropriate measures to ensure that you flowers. Sugar maple, red have a safe and productive trip. maple, black locust, ash, hickory, birch, white oak and Scheduling a Trip: red oak form the canopy 1. To make a reservation, in most of the natural area's contact the natural area at least forests. The understory, two weeks in-advance. flowering shrubs of purple 2. Complete the Scheduling rhododendron, mountain laurel Worksheet, located on page and wild azalea, is a visual 8.1, and return it to the natural treasure to be enjoyed during jack-in-the-pulpit area as soon as possible. the summer months. Native wildflowers such as trillium, Before the Trip: jack-in-the-pulpit and 1. Complete the pre-visit Dutchman's breeches add activities in this Environmental variety to your visit. Education Learning Experience. Wildlife: 2. The group leader should visit the natural area without Wildlife you might Trail booklets are available at the participants prior to the encounter on the mountain the summit area parking lot.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC March 1999 group trip. This will enable recommended that proper Following the Trip: you to become familiar with footwear be worn and that 1. Complete the post-visit the facilities and natural-area water be carried. Also, activities in this Environmental staff, to identify themes and to hazards such as bees and Education Learning Experience. work out any potential extreme weather conditions 2. Build upon the field problems. may exist. These hazards can experience and encourage cause problems if you are not 3. The group leader should participants to seek answers to prepared. Students with any discuss park rules and questions and problems medical conditions should be behavior expectations with encountered while at the monitored closely by the adult adult leaders and participants. natural area. Safety should be stressed. leaders. 3. Relate the experience -to 2. Be as quiet as possible 4. The group leader is classroom activities through while in,the natural area. This responsible for obtaining a reports, projects, demonstrations, will help you get the most out parental consent form for each displays and presentations. participant. Be sure that of the experience, while 4. Give tests or evaluations,' health conditions and medical increasing your chance of needs are noted. A sample observing wildlife. if appropriate, to determine if students have gained the consent form is located on 3. On hikes, walk behind the desired information from the page 8.2. leader at all times. Running is experience. 5. Research Activity Permits not permitted, Please stay on 5. Please complete the may be required for activities the trails! program evaluation sheet on in which samples are to be 4. All plants and animals are page 8.3 and send it to the taken from the park. Contact protected within the park. natural area. the natural area to determine ifInjuring or removing plants or research activity permits are animals is prohibited in all Natural Area Information: needed. North Carolina State Parks andAddress: 6. If you will be late or need to Natural Areas. Removal of cancel your trip, please notify rocks is also prohibited. This Mount Jefferson State Natural the natural area immediately. allows others to enjoy our Area natural resources. P. 0. Box 48 While at the Natural Area: Jefferson, NC 28640 5. Picnic only in the Tel: (336) 246-9653 Whether your class is designated picnic area. Help Fax: (336) 246-3386 working on an Environmental keep the park clean and natural e-mail: [email protected] Education Experience or by not littering and by picking taking a nature hike, please up any trash left behind by Office Hours: obey the following rules: others. Year-round 1. Be safety conscious. Some 6. In case of accidents or Mon - Fri. 8:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. sections of the natural area's emergericies, contact the Mt. Hours of Operation: trails are strenuous. It is Jefferson staff immediately. Nov. - Feb. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. March, Oct. 9:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. April, May, Sept.9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. June - Aug. 9:00 a.m.8:00 p.m.
1.2
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 1.4 March 1999 a A I a
The Environmental of North Carolina. By The Environmental Education Learning creating models of crystals, Education Learning Experience, Experience (EELE), they will also learn that all Metamorphic Mountain, will Metamorphic Mountain, is minerals have characteristic expose students to the designed to introduce the crystal shapes. following major concepts: student to the geology The on-site activities will Geology of the Blue Ridge Mountains familiarize the students with Rock types and their uses through hands-on the actual rock types of Mount Rock cycle environmental education Jefferson State Natural Area, Weathering and erosion activities for the classroom and Geologic belts the outdoor setting of Mount their characteristics and where they are found in the park. In Geologic time and hiStOry Jefferson State Natural Area. Mineral properties It is targeted for the 5th addition, students will learn Rock formation through 8th grades and meets how the geology of the Mt. established curriculum Jefferson area affected the Strata orientation objectives of the North cultural history, and take a Mining Carolina Department of Public hike to see first-hand examples Conservation of natural Instruction. Three types of of folds and faults, dipping resources activities are included: rock strata, weathering, The first occurrence of 1) pre-visit activities erosion and foliation. a vocabulary word used in 2) on-site activities The post-visit activites are these activities is indicated in 3) post-visit activities designed for review and will bold type. Their definitions broaden the students' are listed in the back of the The on-site activities will be understanding of how we use activity packet. A list of the conducted at-the natural area; rocks and minerals. reference materials used in while pre-visit and post-visit developing the activities activities are designed for the These activities may be follows the vocabulary list. performed independently or classroom. The pre-visit This document was activities should be conducted in a series to build upon the designed to be reproduced, students' newly gained prior to the visit to Mt. in part or entirety, for use in Jefferson so students will have knowledge and experiences.. North Carolina classrooms. the necessary background and If you wish to photocopy or vocabulary for the on-site adapt it for other uses, please activities. credit the N.C. Division of The pre-visit activities will Parks and Recreation. introduce the students to the different rock types: sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. The students will learn how rocks are formed, how to identify them, and how they weather. In addition, students will learn about the geologic time scale and identify the geologic belts
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC March 1999 a II I
Geologyit is something electronics and computer Locally, these very ancient most of us seldom think about, industries. Significant deposits rocks were mostly derived yet it affects all of us... where of copper were once mined in from molten rock materials, and how we live, the the Blue Ridge; in fact a major called magma, that gradually 'resources available to us and deposit, now depleted, is hardened or crystallized far the landscape that surrounds nearby at Ore Knob, less than down in the Earth's crust. With us. The powerful geologic eight miles east of Mount the passage of time, these processes that formed our Jefferson. deep-seated, generally granitic continent were as sudden and The rocks now found at rocks underwent deformation catastrophic as a volcanic Mount Jefferson State Natural and metamorphism and were eruption or as slow as a stream Area were originally igneous altered to various types of eroding and sculpting the or sedimentary. However, granitic gneiss. Geologists landscape. These processes when the rocks were buried in who study these rocks have also created varied minerals the Earth's crust intense heat concluded that throughout and rocks. Locally they and deforming pressure much of eastern North concentrated minerals into converted all the older strata to America very similar deposits that could be mined, metamorphic rocks. We can deformation and metamorphism and produced the soil which easily see that the rocks are occurred at this same time, would become either forests ortilted, folded and fractured. approximately. 1- 1.25 billion farmlands. The eventual result These observations, along years ago. is the beautiful state we enjoy with unmistakable signs of An integral part of the today. metamorphism, are evidence deformation process must have Geology influences the that the area has had a long, involved widespread uplift world and our lives in many complicated geologic history. of the land. Of course, different ways. For example, The oldest rocks of the whenever uplift occurs, the the resistance and structure of Blue Ridge, some of which elevated region becomes the rocks profoundly influence are exposed in a 10-mile wide exposed to the forces of the landscape of North belt passing several miles erosion. If uplift proceeds Carolina. When rocks northwest of Mount Jefferson, faster than erosion, then a weather, they produce soil and, make up the region's highland or mountain thus, significantly influence geological basement, the landscape may evolve. In our the type of vegetation we see. foundation upon which all the area, however, subsequent Mineral deposits provide us region's geologic structure is geologic events have virtually with raw materials needed to built. obliterated evidence needed to construct cities, supply our determine how high the land heat and energy needs, and became during this ancient fabricate the commodities of time. It seems likely that a our modern civilization. The major mountain chain Blue Ridge region is well developed. As the uplifting known for its deposits of forces gradually died away, feldspar, mica and quartz erosion continued and, essential minerals used in the ultimately, the land's elevation ceramics, glass, paint, plastics, and features must have been quartz 14. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 1.6 March 1999 greatly worn down. recrystallized into new and metagraywacke (sometimes The next chapter in the different minerals and shapes. referred to as metamorphosed story of the Mount Jefferson The, old lava flows, or basalts, "dirty sandstone"), which State Natural Area region is were altered by intense heat contains abundant quartz and recorded in rocks that formed and pressure to rocks feldspar, with lesser biotite and in an ocean environment. At containing abundant, dark - mica. first, along a fracture in the sea colored hornblende and This major episode of floor, vast outpourings of fiery variable proportions of light- folding, faulting and hot lava dominated the scene. -colored feldspar, along with metamorphism, very vigorous Most of the material was some other lesser minerals. In at first but then gradually probably very similar to the the sediments, the original claydeclining, also resulted in flows and shallow intrusions making up the muddy uplift and subsequent erosion of very fluid lava such as those component recrystallized and the continued sculpting of in and around the Hawaiian mostly to biotite and muscovite- the land. Critical evidence that Islands today. As each sheet ofmica. The original quartz and would enable us to estimate lava cooled, it solidified into , feldspar grains of sand and silt the height of the mountains a dark-colored, rock called became reorganized and that undoubtedly developed basalt. Between some of the recrystallized into larger, has been greatly complicated lava eruptions, thin layers of intergrown and interlocking and obscured by subsequent sand and mud were deposited. crystals. geologic events. Finally, about Eventually, as the eruptions Thus were formed the 375 Million years ago, roughly became less frequent, the metamorphic rocks that 100 million years after the start sandy and muddy deposits Underlie Mount Jefferson State of this major metamorphic began to dominate in this part Natural Area: episode, the Earth in the region of the ocean basin. All this amphibolite, which was temporarily tranquil. activity is estimated by some dominates, is mostly made up But it wasn't long until the geologists to have occurred of hornblende (one specific Earth, a dynamic, ever- between 550 to 900 million mineral in a large group of changing body, once again years ago. minerals collectively called began to deform eastern North Considering the great amphiboles) and feldspar;. America about 300 million expanse of geologic time, the schist, which contains years ago. This event was the Earth's crust is seldom quiet abundant biotite and last of the collision-like for long. About 475 million muscovite; and interactions of the continental years ago the rocky material filling this distant ocean basin fault began to get squeezed together. The basin's large thickness of accumulated lava flows and interlayered sediments began crumpling, or folding, and moving westward by sliding along r..t t r major thrust faults at great ,12; .'^7/-^!;;, fr' depth. As the layers were squeezed, crumpled and moved, the deeply, buried original minerals in the rocks
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC LI 5 March 1999 plates of North America and buried some 10 miles or so resistant rocks underlie the Africa. As before, great beneath the surface of the valleys and lowlands. masses of the Earth's crust Earth. Because these rocks are As we look carefully were carried west or now at the Earth's surface, the at the Earth, we can see that it northwestward along another total uplift could have been on changes constantly. New series of major thrust faults. Inthe order of 50,000 to 55,000 rocks form, they are cooled, the region of Mount Jefferson feet! However, because folded and faulted, perhaps, State Natural Area, it appears erosion was occurring at the even metamorphosed during that some of the quartz veins same time the rocks were the processes of deep burial that formed in cracks or being pushed up, it is quite and then uplift and exposure at fradures may have developed unlikely the mountains were the earth's surface. Once during this episode. The sum ever as high as 50,000 feet. exposed at the surface, they of the previous westward Although their actual height weather and erode, producing movements, including the long ago is difficult to sediment that washes into most recent one, is certainly estimate, it seems reasonable nearby streams and rivers and many tens of miles; some to infer that the peaks may moves to the ocean. These geologists estimate the total have been on the order of proceSses and their results lateral displacement may, well 15,000 to 20,000 feet. What continue today , exceed 200 miles!- remains today, some 250 and are visible all around From the minerals million years later, are the us. As you walk the trails at contained in the rocks now erosion-scarred, nearly worn- Mount Jefferson, it is exposed in and around Mount dOwn roots of high mountain interesting to think about the Jefferson State Natural Area, ranges. Typically resistant many changes these rocks'and geologists conclude that the rocks underlie the hills and the landscape have undergone rocks were once probably peaks we see now; less to reach their present form.
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 1.8 March 1999 A
The following outline provides a brief summary of each activity, the major ,concepts introduced and the objectives met by completion of the activity. I. Pre-Visit Activity #1 Rainbow Rock (page 3.1.1) Through this activity, students will learn how sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks are formed and about the rock cycle. Major Concepts: Rock cycle Mechanical weathering Sedimentary rock formation Metamorphic rock formation Igneous rock formation Learning Skills: Observing, classifying, inferring and making models Following directions to create -a product Measuring Objectives: List the three main rock classifications. Describe how the three rock classifications are formed. Explain the rock cycle. Name the predominant metamorphic rock, and its minerals, found at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area.
O
r, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.1.1 1 7 March 1999 #2 Belting It Out (page3.2.1.) During this activity, students will locate the geologic belts of North Carolina, pinpoint the locations of specific types of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks, identify some of the rocks and minerals mined in the state, locate the origins of some North Carolina rocks and minerals and answer questions about the specific ages of various rocks and minerals. Major Concepts: Physiography Geologic belt Geologic time Learning Skills: Observing, communicating and inferring Reading and interpreting maps.. Estimating distances. Reading tables Objectives: Locate three physiographic provinces and 10 geologic belts on a geologic map of North Carolina. Compare and contrast the three physiographic provinces in North Carolina. Use a geologic map to determine rock.types and approximate age or formation for given locations in North Carolina. List at least seven rocks and minerals that are mined in North Carolina and-locate major sources on a geologic map. Using a map scale and ruler, estimate distances on a state geologic map.
#3 Mt. Jefferson's Crystals (page3.3.1) In this activity, students will learn that many minerals display characteristic shapes. They will then learn about the crystal shapes of some minerals found at Mt.. Jefferson and cut out, color, and make mobiles and three-dimensional models of the crystal shapes. Major Concepts: Mineral properties Crystal shape Learning Skills: Observing and classifying Making models of 3-D geometric shapes Following directions to make a product Objectives: Participate in a group demonstration to grow large crystals of salt (halite) and describe the crystal shape and growth pattern. Define mineral and list at least five characteristics that geologists use to identify minerals. Observe and describe the crystal shapes of five minerals found in the rocks at Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area. Create three-dimensional models of quartz and feldspar crystals. 18 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.1.2 March 1999 IL On-Site Activities #1 Geo-Trek (page 4.1.1) This activity is designed to familiarize the student with the specific rock types of the southern Blue Ridge highlands, their characteristics and where they are found in the park. In Part I, students will learn the names and characteristics of three different rocks and five minerals found at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. In Part II, students take a short walk to observe firsthand the effects of geologic processes on the landscape.. Major Concepts; Part I: Rock ID Rock formation Rock characteristics Sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks Part II: Talking Rocks Weathering . Erosion Rock cycle Learning Skills: Observing, classifying, inferring Comparing; writing notes Objectives: Part I: Identify three major rocks and five major minerals found at the park by listing their distinguishing characteristics. List five characteristics that geologists use to help identify rocks and minerals. Part II: Describe three factors that cause rocks .to weather. Describe how metamorphic rock is formed and name one common to this area. Describe how sedimentary rocks are formed and how they are layered. Explain why rocks found in this area are no longer in a horizontal plane.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.1.3 March 1999 #2 Exploring Metamorphic Mountain (page 4.2.1) In this activity, the students will see firsthand examples of folds and faults, dipping rock strata, weathering, erosion, and foliation during a hike atop Mount Jefferson. Major Concepts: Metamorphic rock Geologic formations Mountain-building processes Weathering and erosion Learning Skills: Observing, classifying, communicating, inferring Collecting, analyzing and evaluating information Measuring angles Objectives: Describe how metamorphic rocks are formed and name two common to Mount Jefferson. Explain the presence of vein quartz on the surface and in the soil throughout the park. Explain how horizontal beds or sheets of rock are folded and tilted. Identify rocks and minerals along the trail. Describe three factors that cause rocks to weather and erode.
#3 Geology and Cultural History (page 4.3.1) From the second overlook at the natural area, students will listen to a talk presented by the ranger describing the geologic and cultural history of the Mt. Jefferson area. The students will locate landmarks and mountain peaks. When the students return to their school they will be given a Mt. Jefferson Quiz which will assess how much information the students retained from the visit. Major Concepts: Mt. Jefferson's geologic history The cultural history of the Mt. Jefferson area Learning Skills: Observing and communicating Listening for details Acquiring information Objectives: Identify and observe seven peaks and two towns seen from Mt. Jefferson's second overlook. Describe the difficulty explorers had traveling through the Mt. Jefferson area. Identify the first explorers and the first permanent settlers in the Mt. Jefferson area. Identify the rock for which Mt. Jefferson was .originally named. Write a story about life as a boy or girl in the Mt. Jefferson area in the 1800s.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.1-.4 March 1999 III. Post-Visit Activities #1 Geo-Scavenge (page 5.1.1) In this activity, the student will gain an understanding of how many of the things,we use in our daily lives are derived from rocks and minerals. They will learn the Origins of many common objects then match up different objects with the rocks and minerals they are made from Major Concepts: Mining Raw materials Uses of rocks and minerals Learning Skills: Observing, classifying, inferring Noting important details and drawing conclusions Gathering and organizing information Objectives: Use reference materials to match household objects, or pictures of these objects, to the mineral(s) used to make them. Explain the importance of Earth resources in our daily lives.
#2 It's About Time (page 5.2.1) The vast scale of geologic time is difficult to envision for most people. This activity presents geologic time in a 24-hour cycle and provides a quick review of various events that have occurred since the Earth formed. Major Concepts: Geologic time Geologic history Learning Skills: Gathering, organizing and analyzing information Calculating numbers and solving mathematical problems Interpreting data Objectives: Convert geological and biological events, occurring millions of years ago, to a 24- hour time clock by following a sample calculation. Identify and describe three important events in the geologic history of Mt. Jefferson. Use reference materials to identify the period or epoch for a given event in geologic time.
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.1.5 March 1999 #3 Ironing It Out (page 5.3.1) In this activity, students will debate and decide if the area inside and adjoining Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area should be mined for iron ore. Major Concepts: Mining Environmental issues Conservation of natural resources Learning. Skills: Predicting, communicating, inferring Participating-effectively in groups, problem-solving Using language for personal response Evaluating the accuracy and value of information and ideas Objectives: Write an essay supporting or opposing a proposed mining operation near a state park. Provide at least three logical reasons to support the position. Listen critically to oral presentations and write notes of key points. Demonstrate a willingness to acknowledge other points of view and work towarda group solution to a natural resources issue.
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.1.6 22 March 1999 Correlation Chart
Note to classroom teachers: The following Correlation Chart shows how each activity in this Environmental Education Learning Experience (EELE) correlates with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) objectives in science, mathematics, social studies and English language arts. The activities are listed in the order in which they appear in this EELE. The recommended grade levels are listed along the side of the chart. Notice that only the objective numbers are listed. Use your DPI Teacher Handbook for each subject area to get a complete description of the objectives in that subject area. Pre Visit Activity#1:Rainbow Rock, p.3.1.1 Grade Science English Lang. Arts Soc. Studies Mathematics] 5 3.01 ,Strands:, Nature of 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,2.3 Science, Science.Inquiry, Personal & Social Perspectives 6 of 4.02 Strands: Nature 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 4.1 Science, Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2 7 4.01, 4.04 Strands: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Nature of Science, 4.1 2.1, 2.2 Science Inquiry 8 3.01, 3.04 Strands: Nature 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 of Science, Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2
Earth/1'.02 Strands: Science as Envtl. Human Endeavor, Science Science Inquiry
Pre-Visit Activity #2: Belting ItOut. p. 4.2.1 Grade Science English Lang. Arts Soc. Studies I Mathematics 3.03 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 9.2 4.6 Science, Personal & Social 2.1, 2.2 Skill Goal I 'Perspectives
6 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 4.1 Science, Personal &Social 2.1, 2.2 Perspectives
7 :'.Strands: Nature:of 1.1,1.2, 1.3, 4.1 .Science, Personal & Social 2.1, 2.2 -Perspectives 8 2.02.3.01, 3.03Strands: 1.1, 1.2. 1.3 Nature of Science, 1.1. 1.2 2.1,2.2 Skill Goal I Personal & Social Persp. :Earth/ 1L3, 1.06, 3.03 Strands: .Envtl. Nature of Science, Science ...... Science r _ as Human Endeavor BEST C0Fri1AVAILABIE
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC March 1999 2.2.12 3 Correlation Chart Pre-Visit Activity #3: Mt. Jefferson's Crystals, p. 3.3.1 Grade Science English Lang. ArtsSoc. StudiesMathematics 5 Strands: Nature of 1.1,1.2, 1.3, 2.,1,.2.2 Science,Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
6 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1. 2.4, 2.7 Science, ScienCe Inquiry 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 ; - 7 4.01, 4.04 Strands: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, Nature of Science, Science 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 2.4, 2.5 Inquiry .. 8 3.01 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2, 1,3, 2.3 Science, Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Earth/ 1.01 Strands: Nature of EnvII. Science, Science as ScienceHuman Endeavor
On-Site Activity #1: Geo-Trek, IPart,IRock ID, p. 4.1.1
Grade Science I English Lang. ArtsSoc. Studies Mathematics 5 3.03 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2. 1.3, 9.1 Science, Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2,.2.3. Skill Goal I
6 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2. 1.3, Science, Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2. 2.3
7- 4.01, 4:04 Strands: 1':11.2, Nature of Science, Science 2.1, 2.2, 2:3 Inquiry 8 3.01 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, Science, Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2. 2.3
Earth/ 1.01, 1.02 Strands: Nature Envtl. of Science, Science Inquiry Science
BEST COPYAVAILABLE 24
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.2.2 March 1999 Correlation Chart On-Site Activity #1: Geo-Trek, Part II, p. 4.1.11
Grade Science IEnglish Lane. ArtsSoc. StudiesMathematics 5 3.01 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, Science. Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2
Strands: Nature of 1.1,12, 1.3, Science, Science Inquiry 2.1,2.2
7 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2,1.3, Science, Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2
8 0.01, 3.04 Strands: Nature 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, lof Science, Science Inquiry 2.1, 2.2
Earth/ 1.02, 1.05 Strands: Envtl. Science as Human IScienceEndeavor. Science Inquiry
On-Site Activity #2: Exploring Metamorphic Mountain,p. 4.2.1 Grade Science I English Lang. ArtsSoc. StudiesMathematics 5 3.01, 3.02, 3.03.Strands: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, Nature of Science, Science 2.1, 2.2. 2.3 Inquiry, Personal & Social Perspectives
C 1.01 Strands: Nature of Science, Science Inquiry
4.01, 4.04 Strands: Nature 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, of Science, Science inquiry 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
8 3.01,3.02, 3.03, 3.04 1.1, 1:2, 1.3, Strands: Nature of Science, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 Science inquiry
Earth/1.02. 1.05. 2.01, 103 .Envtl.Strands: Science as Human ScienceEndeavor, Nature of.Scien- tific Knowiedge,,Science Inquiry
BEST COPY AVAILABLE 25 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.2.3 March 1999 On-Site Activity #3: Cultural History & Geologic History -- The Connection,p. 43.1 Grade Science English Lang. Arts ISoc. StudiesI Mathematics 5 3.03 Strands: Personal & 1 .1, 1.2. 1.3, 1.1, 5.2, 6..2, 11.3 Social Perspectives 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 4.2 Skill Goals 1 &..11 1.03 Strands: Nature of 1 .1,1.2, 1 .3, Science, Personal & Social 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 4.2 Perspectives 7 Strands: Nature of Science, 1.1, 1.2, 1 .3, Personal & Social Persp. 2.1, 2.2. 4.1,4.2 8 2.01 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 3.2 Science, Personal & Social 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 4.2 Skill Goals I & II Perspectives
Earth!7.02 Strands: Historical Envti. Perspectives, Personal & Science Social Perspectives
Post-Visit Activity #1: Geo-Scavenge, p. 5.1.1
GradeI Science English Lang. Arts Soc. Studies Mathematics ,,,,.., ,, 5 Strands: Personal & Social 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 52, 9.1 , Perspectives 2.1. 2.2, 2.3 Skill Goals I & II , .;
6 Strands: Science & Technology, Personal & 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, Social Perspectives 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
7 4.03 Strands:SCience & 1.1, 1 2, 1.3; 1 .3,11.2 Technology, Personal & 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 ' 4 Social Perspectives Skill Goals I & II 7:
8 2.02 Strands: Science & 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
.Technology, Persona: & 2.1, 2.2; 2.3 Social Perspectives
, _ ....._._, , ,,, I Earth/ i1.03, 7.02 Strands: Science Envti. & Technology, Personal & ScienceSocial Pers :ectives
BEST COPY AVAILABLE Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.2.4 26 March 1999 Correlation Chart
Post-Visit Activity #2: It's About Time,p. 5.2.1 Grade Science English Lang. ArtsSoc. StudiesMathematics- 5 3.01 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 5.1,5.5,7.14 Science, Personal & Social 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 Perspectives 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 5.1,5.4,7.3, 6 [Strands: Nature of Science 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 7.4
7 Strands: Nature of Science 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 5.1,5.2.5.4, 2.1, 2.2,. "2.3 7.3
8 13.01, 3.02, 3.03, Strands: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 5.1,5.2,5.5 Nature of Science 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 4.3
Earth/3.01, 3.02 Strands: Nature of Envtl.Scientific Knowledge Science
Post-Visit Activity #3: Ironing It Out,p. 5.3.1 Grade- Science English Lang. Arts.Soc. StudiesMathematics i;'- 5 1.01, 1.06, 3.03Strands: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,2.1, 2.2,2.3, 5.2. 5.3 Nature of Science, Science & 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, Skill Goals I, Technology, Personal & 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 HI, I, & IV Social Perspectives *ya 6 1.03,2.03 Strands: Nature of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,2,1, 2.2, Science, Science & Technol- 2.3, 3.1,3.2, ogy, Personal & Social Persp. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 , s... .,...... ,...., . ... ,r,-,.,...t., , ,..,, . .5 Strands: Nature of Science, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,2.1, 2.2, , Science & Technology, Per- 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, sonal .&. Social. Perspectives 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 8 1.04, 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 2.04 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,2.1, 2.2,1.3, 1.5,,11.2 Strands: Nature of Science, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, Skill Goals I, Science & Technology, Per- 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 II, Ill, & IV sonal & Social Perspectives .
. , Earth/1.03, 1.06, 7.01,7.02, 7.03 , , Envtl.Strands: Science as Human ScienceEndeavor, Science & Technol- ogy, Personal .& Social Persp. I r-'Y ktAttki i Lc Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 2.2.5 2 7 March 1999 Pre-Visit-Activi 1 Rainbow Rock
Curriculum Objectives: Location: Major Concepts: Grade 5 Classroom/science lab Rock cycle Communication Skills: lis- Mechanical weathering tening, reading, vocabulary Group Size: Sedimentary rock forma- and viewing comprehension, 30 students or less, class size tion writing Guidance: competency for Estimated Time: 2 to 4 hours Metamorphic rock forma- interacting with others tion Healthful Living: safe school Appropriate Season: Any Igneous rock formation environment Science: Earth science Materials: Objectives: Social Science: gather, orga- Provided by the educator: List the three main rock nize and analyze informa- Per student: safety goggles, large classifications. tion, draw conclusions, par- pocket pencil sharpener, four ticipate effectively in groups wax crayons of the same color, Describe how the three (either red, green, blue, or rock classifications are Grade 6 yellow), envelope, wax paper, formed. Communication Skills: lis- "Rock Cycle" worksheet, Explain the rock cycle. tening, reading, vocabulary "Rainbow Rock" worksheet Name the predominant and viewing comprehension, Per group: hot plate, two oven writing mittens, petri dish, aluminum metamorphic rock, and its Guidance: competency and foil, three disposable aluminum minerals, found at Mount skill for interacting with foil pie pans, trivet, newspaper Jefferson State Park. others (enough to cover lab surfaces Social Studies: gather, have lots of newspaper handy) organize and analyze infor- Per class: samples of real sedi- Educator's Information: mation, draw conclusions mentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks (contact the park tudents often have a diffi- Grade 7 if you need to borrow a rock cult time understanding Communication Skills: lis- set), crushed ice, water tening, reading, vocabulary Provided by the park: the abstract concept of the and viewing comprehension Per group: one 8 inch C-clamp, rock cycle. The students can Guidance: being responsible two boards see rock examples in the class- in a group Special Considerations: room; the difficulty lies in Healthful Living: school Take proper safety precautions. their inability to visualize just safety The hot plate and hot crayon how these rock samples were Science: Earth science, natu- wax can cause bums. C-clamps ral phenomena can pinch/crush fingers. formed. The following activity Social Studies: know the is extremely effective in giv- importance of natural re- ing students the opportunity to sources, gather, organize and "see" the rock cycle through analyze information, draw conclusions a series of simulation activi- ties; mechanical weathering and erosional processes, and formation of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rock. The activity can be done as one continuous pro- cess or can be separated into five parts.
Mount Jefferson State Park. NC 3.1.1 July 1994 Instructions: their crayons on the wax paper, similar weathering processes Set the stage by asking stu- call their attention to the size will usually take place in one dents to describe local rocks and shape of the fragments. particular area. Smaller, lighter and rock formations, or ones Discuss with them the follow- rock fragments will be carried that they have seen during ing questions: farther away, in a winnowing walks along a lake or river's "Are the weathered frag- effect.) edge, near or on a mountain, orments all the same?" (Answer: When the "weathering" is during drives along highways No.) complete, the students should that were built through road "Why or why not?" ( An- wrap their fragments in their cuts. Be sure to have several swer: The process of weather- wax paper and place each Wax rock samples distributed ing can be either mechanical paper packet in an envelope, around the room. (breaking up a rock into unless you plan to do part B Ask the students questions smaller fragments), or chemi- immediately. Label each enve- such as, "Have you ever won- cal (rearranging the elements lope as to its contents, "red," dered just how these rocks into new minerals). Many "yellow," etc., for proper distri- form?" and "Are new rocks factors are involved within bution when the activity is forming at this moment?" each of the two types of weath-resumed. You might ask each student to ering. As a result, a rock will Part B: Erosion and write down one rock-related show a characteristic size and/ Sedimentation question they would like to or shape, depending on which Once rock fragments have have answered in class. Dis- kind of weathering is taking been created, they are usually cuss with the students the place.) moved' by some force of three classifications of rock: "What are some of nature's nature. Here, the students act sedimentary, metamorphic and Weathering forces?" ( Answer: as the erosive force as they igneous. Mechanical weathering forces move the envelopes containing Part A: Weathering can include water, ice, wind, the fragments within the room. growing roots, worms and Each student should com- Ask the students what this burrowing animals, lightning, plete a "Rainbow Rock" work- force of movement is called, expansion and contraction sheet as they do the activity. and to name some of its caused by heating and cooling, Cover all desk tops with news- causes. (Answer: Erosion, human activity, and expansion paper. Give each student a caused by wind and water such of rock caused when erosion sheet of wax paper, a pocket as streams, rivers, and waves.) removes weight on top and pencil sharpener and four cray- Place all the weathered produces cracks under the sur- ons of the same color. The "rock" fragments in four sepa- face of the rock. Chemical crayons represent rock mate- rate piles, one color to a pile. weathering forces include rial, and the pencil sharpeners Divide the class into groups oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, represent weathering agents. of four and give each group a etc., reacting with a rock or Students should remove and sheet of aluminum foil (31 cm mineral, resulting in change.) discard the paper from the out- x 45 cm). A student from each side of their crayons. Next, "Where do rock fragments group should carefully transfer they should carefully shave the tend to collect?" (Answer: On some "weathered" fragments crayons with the pencil sharp- the downhill side of the rock.) to the center of their aluminum ener, keeping all of the frag- "Why?" ( Answer: Gravity.) foil. Spread the fragments ments (which represent rock "Why do similarly sized into a 1 cm thick layer. Repeat sediments) in a small pile. As fragments seem to be found with the remaining colors, the students are "weathering" together?" (Answer: Because layering the colors one on top
Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 3.1.2 29 July 1994 of another (see illustration). fragments that are between larger piece of "sedimentary them. Once the "rock sand- rock" to the 41uminum foil and , Students should record their observations of their "weath- wich" has been lightly com- wrap it up again. ered" fragments on their "Rain-pressed, remove it from the Compare real sedimentary bow Rock" worksheet. Fold C-clamps. Students should rock with the sedimentary the foil over the fragment lay- then carefully open their pack- "crayon rocks." Explain to ers, allowing for a 1 cm space ages and observe the new the students that, in this area, all around the fragments, and product. Call their attention sediments were laid down in then carefully fold the edges toto the central region which is a shallow basin or sea around seal the packages. If you are more tightly compressed; they 540 million years ago. These breaking the activity into sec- should lift this portion-from sediments were buried within tions, stop here and label each the non-compressed fragments the Earth's crust, forming package for proper distributionand carefully break it into two sedimentary rock. Then, when the activity is resumed. parts. Look at the broken when the North American and edges and describe the layers. African continental plates col- Part C: Sediments/ How do they compare with lided, the buried sedimentary Sedimentary Rock the original layers? What hap- rock was changed into meta- Simulation pened to the spaces between morphic rock. These rocks Instruct the groups to place the fragments? (Answer: The were the core, or basement, their folded foil package be: layers are thinner and the- of the Appalachian Mountain tween two pieces of plywood. spaces between the crayon Range that resulted from the Apply very light pressure with fragments are now smaller.) collision. Later, as the rock the C-clamp to compress the Each group should transfer above was eroded away, the plywood pieces and the "rock" a few of their loose fragments landsCape that we see around and the smaller piece of the us today was exposed.. "sedimentary rock" into one of There is not much sedimen- their pie pans. Place the rest oftary rock left in its original lay- the fragments in an envelope ered form at Mount Jefferson (for part E). The pieces in the when compared to the amount pie pan will be used for com- of metamorphic rock. This parison with the other "rocks" is due to the age of the rocks the students will produce dur- and the changes the rocks un- ing this activity. Return the derwent as the fragments were
Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 3.1.3 30 July 1994 buried. heated, folded and as much as they can this time. Examine a real metamor- pressed together. As "Rain- This part of the activity dem- phic rock and compare it to bow Rock" demonstrates, the onstrates the need for greater the metamorphic "crayon original fragments are hardly pressure to cause a rock to rock." Also compare the real recognizable after the pressure metamorphose. In reality, as metamorphic rock to the real and heat processes. the pressure deep within the sedimentary rock. Have the Examine a sedimentary Earth increases, the tempera- students examine the texture, rock with fossils imbedded ture increases as well. A tem- the edges and overall appear- within it. Almost all fossils perature change is probably ance of these rocks. As the are found in sedimentary rock. occurring in this activity, but basin or sea opened and closed Fossils are not found in igne- we do not have the equipment due to two continents colliding ous rock since the tremendous to measure this change. The about 250 million years ago, heat necessary to melt rock chemical activity associated the sedimentary rock was would obliterate any fossils. with the formation of meta- turned into metamorphic rock The same is true for metamor- morphic rock is not a part of by heat and pressure. phic rock. Due to the heat, this activity. It is important Place the smaller piece of folding and pressure required for the students to understand "metamorphic rock" into the to create metamorphic and that metamorphic rock may pie pan with the fragments and igneous rock, any fossils that become contorted in appear- the first "sedimentary rock" might have been present are ance and actually flow like a sample the students made. The usually destroyed. Since plastic material in response to larger piece of "metamorphic almost all the rocks at Mount the pressure that is caused by rock" will go in an envelope Jefferson State Park are meta- the overriding rock load and labeled "metamorphic." (You morphic. no fossils have been continental plate movement. can reuse the envelopes used found here. earlier to hold the crayon frag- If you are breaking the ments.) If you are breaking the activity into sections, stop activity into sections, stop here here and label each package and label each group's pie pan for proper distribution later. for proper distribution later. Have the students release Part D: Metamorphic Part E: Igneous Rock the compression on the Formation Rock Simulation C-clamp, remove the foil Each group should place package and open it carefully Safety Note: This portion of their foil package with the to examine the newly formed the activity requires that the "sedimentary rock" between "metamorphic rock." They students be especially safety the two plywood boards and should carefully break this conscious as they will be the C-clamps again. Tell the "rock" into two parts and working with a hot plate and students to tighten the C-clampexamine it, noting what hap- melted wax. pened to the thickness, frag- Each group should line their ment shape and surface. The remaining two pie pans with students should write aluminum foil and do the fol- down their observa- lowing: tions on their work- sheet. (The different colored Groups 1 and 2 should each "rock fragments" will be fill one of their pie pans with squeezed together.) crushed ice. 31 Mount Jefferson State Park. NC 3.1.4 July 1994 Group 3 should fill one of the "rock" and "weathered will simulate the formation their pie pans halfway with sediments" are in the molten of extrusive igneous rock in warm water. state, turn the hot plate off and a warm water region, i.e. a Group 4 should place the carefully remove the pie pan, volcano that forms under the "weathered fragments" and theusing the oven mittens. There ocean. smaller pieces of "sedimentary is enough heat energy in the Group 4 - Using the oven and metamorphic rocks" they molten wax to melt the remain-mittens, pour the melted wax saved earlier into one of their ing solid mass. Caution: Do over the "weathered sedi- foil-lined pie pans. (Groups 1, not let the wax heat to the ments" and the small pieces 2, and 3 will save their frag- splattering point! of "sedimentary and metamor- ments and "rock" pieces for phic rock" from sections B comparison with "igneous and C. This simulates lava rocks" they will make during flowing over sediments, sedi- this part of the activity.) mentary and/or metamorphic For the igneous rock simula- rock, as would happen in a tion, all groups should place volcanic eruption. Some the "weathered sediments" of the fragments will melt they set aside in envelopes, quickly, while the "sedimen- plus the larger piece of "meta- tary and metamorphic rocks" morphic rock," into one of will at least partially maintain their foil-lined pie pans. Be While the wax is still in their integrity. During a volca- Especially Careful Here! the molten state, representing nic eruption, lava will flow This part of the activity re- magma, a student from each over and around rocks in its quires a hot plate as a heat group, or the teacher, should path, causing some to melt, source. Students Should AvoidCAREFULLY do the follow- while others remain as they Dropping Wax Fragments ing: were originally. These rocks on the Hot Plate Surface or Group 1 - Form a trench in that are surrounded by lava are Themselves. The students or the ice which has been placed called xenoliths. teachers doing this portion of in their second pie pan. Using Mow the pie pans and wax the activity should wear pro= the oven mittens, pour the to cool thoroughly (about 5 to tective oven mittens to avoid melted wax into the ice trench, 10 minutes). After the "lava" being burned. Cover each then cover the "magma" with wax has cooled, the students hot plate surface with a layer more crushed ice. This simu- should carefully remove their of foil before you turn it on. lates intrusive igneous rock, "igneous rock" from the pie (This will diffuse the heat from which is formed by magma pans. Students should make the coils of the hot plate so flowing into rock cracks deep comparisons between the igne- the crayons will not burst into inside the Earth. ous rock in each group's pie flames.) Each group should Group 2 Using the oven pans, then draw and write their place their pie pan of "weath- mittens, pour the melted wax ered sediments" and "meta- (lava) directly over the surface morphic rock" on the hot plate of the crushed ice. This will and turn the hot plate tempera- simulate the formation of ture to medium. Melt the wax, extrusive igneous rock. being careful that the melting Group 3Using the oven process does not occur so rap- mittens, pour the melted wax idly that the molten wax splat- into the warm water. This ters or burns. When most of
Mount. Jefferson State Park, NC 3.1.5 I-1 (-) July 1994 observations on their work- Using Group 4's pie pan, processes they observed in sheet. For instance, compari- discuss the effect of the "lava" actionto transform one rock sons should be made between flowing directly onto the sedi- into the next. Have the stu- the crystal sizes and shapes mentary and metamorphic dents discuss the differences formed by each of the group's "rock" and "sediments." and similarities between their cooled magma. Comparisons If possible, show the stu- "crayon rocks" and the real should also be made between dents various examples of real rock samples. Talk about the these "igneous rocks" and the volcanic rocks and compare questions your students had "sediments" and the "sedimen-the real rocks with their igne- when the activity first started. tary and metamorphic rocks" ous "crayon rocks." Remind Reiterate the concept of students created in the previousthe students that most of the the rock cycle by reminding sections of this activity. rock visible at Mount Jeffersonthe students of the "rocks" As a class be sure to discuss State Park were first volcanic, (crayons) that were weathered the following: eroded to sediments then com- down into "sediments", com- Using Group l's pie pan, pressed into sedimentary pressed into "sedimentary discuss the effect of the and finally, with the collision rock" and then "metamorphic "magma" on the sedimentary of North Am6rica and Africa, rock" and then melted into or metamorphic "rock" which were pressed into metamorphic"igneous rocks." the ice represents. rock. These rocks have formed It is important for everyone deep within the Earth. The Using Group 2's pie pan, to understand that not all con- processes of weathering and discuss the effect of "lava" on ditions for rock formations erosion have exposed them to the surface "sediments" and can be simulated. In fact, our view and shaped the land- "rocks" which the ice repre- geologists have never "seen" scape into what we see today. sents. intrusive rocks form. How- While the students are ever, they are able to look at Using Group 3's pie pan, looking at the three types of all of the available evidence, discuss the effect of the warm rocks, lead a discussion on the Simulate some of the condi- water on the "lava." rock cycle, focusing on the tions in the laboratory, and arrive at results similar to those found in nature.
Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 3.1.6 33 July 1994 Student's Information
Rocks forming the Earth's There is no sedimentary 3. Igneous rock rock crust are classified according rock at Mount Jefferson. Thereformed from magma, solidi- to their origin. There are three is sedimentary rock in the fied from a molten state. It basic rock classifications. Of eastern part of the state. A can be extrusive or intrusive. these three, two (igneous and good example of sedimentary Extrusive igneous rock is metamorphic) are formed by rock can be seen at Cliffs of formed when magma spews geologic processes occurring the Neuse State Park in Seven out onto the Earth's surface deep within the Earth. The Springs, North Carolina. from cracks or vents in the other, sedimentary, is formed 2. Metamorphic rock - Earth's crust. This type of closer to the Earth's surface. sedimentary or igneous rock magma is called lava. Intru- The relationship between thesethat has been changed deep in- sive igneous rock is formed three rock classifications is side the Earth by extreme heat when magma finds its way what is generally considered and pressure over a long periodinto cracks in the rock and the rock cycle. (The rock of time into a harder rock with solidifies within the Earth. cycle is discussed below.) different qualities. An exampleThere are no intrusive igneous 1. Sedimentary rock - of sedimentary rock which wasrocks at Mount Jefferson. .A rock that is composed of tiny changed to a metamorphic rockgood example of intrusive particles of sand, clay or other is Schist, which is made from igneous rock can be seen at sediments that are deposited mudstone. Schist is a major Stone Mountain State Park, in layers on land or on the rock type found throughout thelocated in Wilkes County at bottom of lakes, rivers and Blue Ridge Mountains and is Traphill, North Carolina. oceans. Over time, the ex- one of the three metamorphic treme pressure from the weightrocks found at Mount Jeffer- of the layers above presses son State Park. The other the deposition into rock, or two are amphibolite an the sedimentary particles are metagraywacke. cemented together. Examples The word "metamor- are limestone, sandstone and phosis" means a transfor- shale. mation, a marked change Sedimentary rocks are im- in appearance or condition. A portant when discussing the familiar example would be a rock cycle and are also impor- caterpillar changing, or meta- tant in the understanding.of morphosing, into a butterfly how metamorphic rock is (although this is not accom- formed. The metamorphic plished by applying extreme rock of the Blue Ridge Moun- heat and pressure to the cater- tains was formed when sedi- pillar). mentary rock layers were subjected to extremely high temperatures and tremendous pressure. The chemical action of solutions and gases during the last 540 million years of the Earth's dynamic activity played a part as well.
Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 3.1.7 July 1994 The Rock Cycle The continents are not sta- will be subjected to weather- Geologists believe that at tionary but drift about on top ing. one time the Earth was a ball of the molten mantle which is The continuing cycle of of molten magma and gases. beneath the crust. The North rocks melting down and then As the Earth cooled, the outer- American continental plate is cooling into rocks again, or most layer of magma solidifiedmoving westward, causing the breaking down and then being into a crust of igneous rock. crust at the leading edge of pressed into rocks again has Today, the Earth's crust is 30 the Pacific plate to slide under-happened many times. It is miles thick in some places, yet neath the continental plate. hardto imagine, but all the in others it is so thin that lava This pushes the crust down far rocks you see around you were can spew up through cracks. enough that it melts, turning once sediments at the bottom into magma. (The collision Even as the first rocks of the sea, and one day the of the Pacific and continental cooled, weathering began particles in these 'rocks will be plates is what pushed up the breaking them down into washed there again. It is also Rocky Mountains.) This type sediments which were eroded difficult to imagine something of collision causes sedimentary away by wind and water. Those as hard as a rock breaking and igneous rocks caught in it first sediments were deposited down, or the time it takes for to be under tremendous heat at the edges of the continents this to happen. It has been and pressure, enough so that in the first oceans. The eroded estimated that the particles in a third class of rock is formed: rock particles traveled more the rocks that make up Mt. metamorphic. Eventually the quickly than they do today, as Everest, the highest mountain metamorphic rock will reach there were no plants to stabilize in the world, have eroded to the Earth's surface where it these first soils. For over three the sea at least three times. billion years, the continents were bare rock and sediments. .1) The sediments continued to build up as the continents wore down. The underlying sedi- ments became rock again as the pressure and heat cemented the particles back together. As the continents eroded, they became lighter and rose up, exposing the sedimentary rocks to the air, where they started to erode away once again. Most of the Earth's crust is made up of igneous rock, but the most common class of rock found on -,;4,.., : tr*.ii;i'..- , the Earth's continental surface
.,%...,24.v. A -,1 . is sedimentary, which lies on ,.....:,,,,t3.:4c4.,4-2. :24t:..j. top of the igneous crust. ....,,4*N. ,.,I`44.44,:.1.,;,",;:o*,#,,al4.4A-.440S1&,z.,01,4.4%.: -4 `.,`'..:- -1-?7 :-----. .7=:--71),...ii.%11% . -.:L.---,. ------411C- 4 104.,we 7-40 Ei a c "4/ 35 Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 3.1.8 July 1994 sedimentsAs sediments on the pilebottom up, thoseare Compaction Rock Cycle Worksheet The movementHeat of the and Earth's Pressure of all the sedimentpacked piling together on top. by the weight Sedimentary Rocks from thecrust center andtogether theof thetremendous Earth to transform act heat rocks. Eventually, thesediments compacted turn to rock. Sediment compaction heat & erosion erosion erosion Metamorphic Rocks pressure r Igneous Rocks pressureheat & melting melting break down all kinds ofFirst, rock weatheringinto processes Erosion cooling Melted rock is called Magma sediment.wind, water, Erosion ice occursand snow when carry these sediments away. comesmagma. out of When a volcano, magma it is called lava. 3'7 "Rainbow Rock" Worksheet
1. Describe and draw the "weathered sediments" that you made. Note the sizes and shapes.of the "sediments."
2. Do a colored drawing of the "rock fragments" after light pressure has compacted these "sediments" into "sedimentary rock." Describe the broken edge and the layers that are formed.
3. Do a colored drawing of the "sedimentary rock" after heavy pressure has compacted it into "metamorphic rock." Describe the broken edge and the layers that are formed. How have they changed with the addition of heavy pressure?
38
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3. 1. 10 March 1999 4. Do a colored drawing of each of the four "igneous rocks" created. Compare and contrast the formation of the extrusive with the intrusive igneous rocks. / Group One's "Igneous Rock" Group Two's "Igneous Rock"
Group Three's "Igneous Rock" Group Four's "Igneous Rock"
5. Write a comparison between the "weathered rock fragments," "sedimentary rocks," "metamorphic rocks," and "igneous rocks" formed in this activity. Describe their similarities and differences as to color, texture, etc.
3J Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 3.1.11 July 1994 "Rainbow Rock" Answer Sheet
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ti .06/10 , :7-./ " - 0, 4. Do a colored drawing of each of the four "igneous rocks" created. Compare and contrast the formation of the extrusive with the intrusive igneous rocks.
Group One's "Igneous Rock" Group Two's "Igneous Rock"
Group Three's "Igneous Rock" Group Four's "Igneous Rock"
5. Write a comparison between the "weathered rock fragments," "sedimentaryrocks," "meta- morphic rocks," and "igneous rocks" formed in this activity. Describe theirsimilarities and differences as to color, texture, etc. The "weathered rock fragments" will vary in size and
shape, depending on the implement used and how it is used. The "rock fragments" canbe oriented
(up/down or right/left) in any direction. In the "metamorphic rocks" the space betweenthe
fragments is very small and the orientation of 'fragments" is now flattened (right/left). Thethickness
is much thinner, but each layer of rock (color) can still be seen. The "igneousrock" is grayish-black
due to the melting and mixing of different "rock fragments" and has a variety of forms,depending on
how the separate groups' rocks were cooled.
Note: The different methods of cooling are not intended to simulate real rockformations: they
do, however, give the students the understanding that different coolingconditions will create
different rocks.
Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 341 13 July 1994 1 Pre-Visit Activity 42. Belting It Out-
Major Concepts: Credits: Adapted from the Educator's Information: Physiography "Using the Geologic Map" The purpose of this Geologic belt activity found in the North activity is to introduce Geologic time Carolina Geological Survey's students to the "Generalized Mineral and Rock Kit Guide. Learning Skills: Geologic Map of North Observing, communicating Carolina." They will use and inferring Objectives: Reading and interpreting this map to answer questions maps Locate three about rock types across the Estimating distances physiographic provinces state, geologic age of Reading tables and 10 geologic belts on a various formations, and the Subject Areas: geologic map of North Carolina. location of economically Science valuable rocks and Social Studies Compare and contrast the minerals. Students will also English Language Arts three physiographic compare the general geology Math provinces in North See Activity Summary for Carolina. of Mt. Jefferson State a Correlation with DPI Natural Area with the objectives in these subject Use a geologic map to school. For more areas. determine rock types and information about geologic Location: Classroom approximate age or formation for given time and how geologists Group Size: 20 - 30 students locations in North determine the age of rock in groups of 5 or less Carolina. formations, see Post-Visit Estimated Time: One to two List at least seven rocks Activity #2. class periods and minerals that are Materials: mined in North Carolina Provided by the educator and locate major sources Per Group: NC Rock Kit,* or on a geologic map. other samples of common North Carolina rocks and Using a map scale and minerals, "Generalized ruler, estimate distances Geologic Map of North on a state geologic map. Carolina,"* ruler, calculator Per Student: one copy of Student's Information and worksheet, pencil
* For information on the NC Rock Kit, call Mary Watson at (919) 733-2423. Purchase copies of the "Generalized Geologic Map of North. Carolina" at approximately S0.25 each by calling the NC Geological Survey Sales Office at (919) 715-9718. The rock kit and map are available for loan from the park upon request.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4 ') 3.2.1 March 1999 Instructions: What about the ages of the gneiss, granite, diabase and 1. Purchase and laminate rock formations? Is your pyrophyllite.. The specimens copies of the "Generalized school located in the same should be passed out, one at a Map of North Carolina." For aphysiographic province and time, to avoid misidentification class size of 28, you will need geologic belt as Mt. Jefferson? prOblems. (Individual at least seven maps. Teachers If not, how are they different? specimens are not labeled in living near Mt. Jefferson State Are there economically the kit.) Ask students to use Natural Area can borrow maps valuable rocks and minerals the "Origins of Smile North from the staff. Call for near your school? Carolina Rocks and Minerals" availability. 5. If you are planning to take in the Student's Information to your students to Mt. Jefferson discover the geologic belt 2. Create,small learning teams where each specimen is of two to four students per for a field trip, ask them to draw a sketch or write a located. Place each specimen group. Give each group the on the "Generalized Geologic "Generalized Geologic Map ofparagraph describing the physiography. and geology of Map of North Carolina" in its North Carolina," a ruler and a approximate location. Note: calculator. Give each student aMt. Jefferson based on the "Generalized Geologic Map ofYou can substitute the large copy of the Student's wall map, "Geologic Map of Information. Read and discuss North Carolina." After the field trip, you can return these North Carolina," and do this as the Student's Information, a whole class activity. Make making sure the students descriptions to the students and ask them if the real Mt. Jefferson sure the map is laminated and understand the terms place it on a table or counter in physiographic province and was anything like their descriptions. Why pr why not? the classroom. Give each geologic belt. The Student's group one of the samples from Information is designed to helpAssessment: the rock kit. Each group you provide guided practice in Ask each student to develop should place_their specimen in using the map to find the types a Jeopardy-style Answer and the proper location on the map. and ages of rocks, locate Question based on the This could be used as a economically valuable rocks "Generalized Geologic Map." classroom display during the and minerals, and calculate Use these questions to quiz the geology unit. distances. Can students locate whole class, or divide the class their school and Mt. Jefferson into teams and have a contest. 2. Display speciniens of the State Natural Area on the For a pencil and paper quiz, common rocks In the Ashe geologic map? Hint: Mt. ask students to compare the Metamorphic Suite in your Jefferson lies in southern Ashe three physiographic provinces classroom: metagraywacke, County. in North Carolina in terms of mica schist, amphibolite and 3. Give each student the their topography, rock types gneiss. Ask students to Belting It Out Worksheet. and ages of formation, and observe the specimens Encourage students to work economically valuable rocks carefully; provide a hand lens. together to find the answers, and minerals. To help students really observe, require that they make but each student should fill out Extensions: his/her own worksheet. a sketch of each specimen. 1. After the students have Will students be able to 4. Discuss the correct answers fmished the worksheet, pass recognize these rocks when to the worksheet. Compare out (one per group) the they come to Mt. Jefferson? the geology of Mt. Jefferson following specimens from the Can they fin- d similar. rocks in with your school. Are the rock NC Rock Kit: limestone, their backyard or on the school types similar or different? dunite, spodumene pegmatite, grounds? 43 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.2 March 1999 Student's Information
In this activity, you will be each of the three provinces. surrounding countryside. using the "Generalized Map (This map is basically the This province is geologically of North Carolina" to help same map shown on the backdiverse with eight different you learn about rock types at of the "Generalized Geologicgeologic belts. Can you find Mt. Jefferson State Natural Map" in the lower left all eight belts? Notice that Area and many other section.) Covering about 45 the Kings Mountain belt in locations in the state. North percent of the state, the southwestern North Carolina Carolina can be divided into Coastal Plain Province has is very small; it looks like a three physiographic flat land to gently rolling hillsblack finger wedged between provinces: Coastal Plain, and valleys. It includes only the Inner Piedmont and the Piedmont and Blue Ridge. one geologic belt, made Charlotte belts. Most of the (Physiography is the study mostly of marine rdcks in the Piedmont are of the physical features of thesedimentary rocks that are metamorphic rocks. Earth's surface, how they partially covered by sand and However, the Triassic basins formed and how they have clay sediments. contain sedimentary rocks changed over time.) Each The Piedmont Province and other Piedmont areas province has particular types has gently rolling, well- have granite, an intrusive of landforms and contains' roundedhills and long low igneous rock. one or more geologic belts. ridges. The elevation The Blue Ridge Province A geologic belt is an area difference-between the hills covers only 10 percent of the with similar rock types and and valleys is, on average, state and has steep, rugged geologic history. The rocks only a few hundred feet. mountains. In fact, it has the in each belt formed at However, the Sauratown highest elevations and most approximately the same time Mountains in Stokes and rugged topographrof the and in the same mariner. Surry counties are notable entire Appalachian Mountain ,Examine the map on this exceptions, rising from 1,700system. With an elevation of page while you read about to 2,500 feet above, the 6,684 feet, Mt. Mitchell in
10% 45% 45% \\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\.\\.\\\\ \\\\.\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\
PIEDMONT BLUE RIDGE Geologic Belts From West To East
EnBlue Ridge Belt and Murphy Belt Carolina Slate Bell CA F-s Inner Piedmont Belt Triassic Basins 14 IIIII Kings MountainBelt Raleigh Belt
Milton Bell Eastern Slate Pelt
rACharlotte Belt 1-1 Coastal Plain 44 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.3 March 1999 Yancey County is the the age of these rocks measure the distance highest mountain in the from late Proterozoic to between Raleigh and eastern United States. The early Paleozoic. If you are Asheville on the map. Blue Ridge has only one not familiar with geologic (Answer: 6.5 inches) If 1.5 geologic belt composed of ages, turn the map over and inches = 50 miles, how metamorphic rocks over one read the "Geologic Tinie many miles does 6.5 inches billion years old. Mt. Scale for North Carolina." represent? (Answer: 6.5" Jefferson State Natural Area In this chart, late Proterozoic 1.5" = 4.33; 4.33 x 50 miles is located in the Blue. Ridge was 900 million years ago, = 217 miles) Province. In which province while early Paleozoic (also You can learn more about is your school located? called Cambrian) was 570 economically important Now find your group's million years ago.. Thus, the rocks and minerals in our copy of the "Generalized ages of the metavolcanic state by using the "Principal Geologic Map of North rocks in the Carolina Slate Mineral-Producing Areas" Carolina." This map uses belt are from 570 to 900 map and legend. Find it on colors and symbols to million years old! Can you the back of the "Generalized illustrate the major rock discover the name and age Geologic Map of North types found at the surface. of the rocks near your Carolina" in the lower right The legend below the map school? Near Mt. Jefferson section. This small map will has colored blocks with rock State Natural Area in Ashe help you locate rocks and names listed to the right of -County? minerals mined in North each block, and rock ages You can calculate Carolina. Deposits of listed to the left of each distances on the-"Generalized metals or minerals that are block. For example, use the Geologic Map of North concentrated enough to be map to find Randolph Carolina" by using the map economically valuable are County in the center of the scale. A map scale shows called ores. Because an ore state. You will see three the relationship between contains larger amounts of different colors, indicating linear distance on a map and the desired mineral than an three rock types, within this the corresponding distance average rock, the ore can be county. Locate the light- on the actual land surface. mined for profit. The blue box in the legend below Find the map scale in the following chart; "Origin's of the map. The text to the lower right section of the Some North Carolina Rocks right of this box tells you map, On this map, 1.5 and Minerals," will assist that the light-blue area on inches equals 50 miles of you in placing the the map contains actual land surface. How economically valuable rocks metavolcanic rocks of the many miles is it from and minerals within their Carolina Slate belt. To the Asheville to Raleigh, in a correct geologic belts. left of the box, you can see straight line ?. Use a ruler to
45 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.4 March 1999 Origins of. Some:NortirCarolinaRocksandMiherals Specimen Mineral or Mick Type Ongin
limestone sedimentary Coastal Plain
dunite igneous Blue Ridge Belt
spodumene pegmatite igneous Kings Mountain Belt
gneiss metamorphic Inner Piedmont Belt
granite igneous Raleigh Belt
diabase igneous Triassic Basins
pyrophylite mineral Carolina Slate Belt
conglomerate sedimentary Coastal. Plain
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.54 6 March 1999 Belting It Out Worksheet
Student Name.
(Use Geologic Belts From West to East for questions 1 through 6.) 1. North Carolina is divided into 10 geologic belts that trend northeast-southwest. List their names.
2. Which geologic belt is the largest?
3. The eastern half of the Piedmont is divided into four geologic belts. List their names.
4. List the remaining four geologic belts in the western Piedmont, in any order:
5. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area (Ashe County) is located in which geologic belt?
6. In which geologic belt is your school located?
(Use the Principal Mineral-Producing Areas map-for questions 7 - 9) 7. Name two economic materials mined in the Coastal Plain: and
8.What materials are mined in the Charlotte Belt in MecklenbUrg County?
9. Gemstones are mined in which two counties? and
10. Mica and kaolin are mined in what two geologic belts? and
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.6 47 March 1999 (Use the Generalized Geologic Map of North Carolina for questions 11 - 16)
11. What four rock formations occurred during the Cretaceous Period, 66 - 138- million years ago?
12. Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area (southern Ashe County) has metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of the Suite, which includes rocks
such as gneiss, ,metagraywacke, ,and calc-silicate granofels..
13.'How many counties, otherthan Ashe County, have rocks that are similar in age and composition to the rocks at Mt. Jefferson? Hint: Look for the "green zone." List the counties below.
14. The dark burgundy (deep red) color on the map indicates what type of rock?
15. The lavender (light purple) color on the map indicates what type of rock?
16. Using the map scale and a ruler, determine the distance between Charlotte and Cape Lookout, in a straight line. Hint: 1.5 inches = 50 miles
Now find the straight-line distance between Winston-Salem and Asheville.
(Use the Generalized Geologic Map of North Carolina and Geologic Time Scale for North Carolina to answer questions 17- 21) 17. How old are the rocks in Ashe County? Express your answer as a range in millions of years.
18. What rocks in Ashe County are older the felsic gneiss found in northern Ashe
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.7 48 March 1999 County OR the metasedimentary and rnetavolcanic rocks found in southern Ashe County?
19. The Geologic Time Scale for North Carolina gives the age of the oldest dated rock in North Carolina. What is it in millions of years? Hint: Look toward the bottom of the chart.
20. During which geologic PERIOD did the Atlantic Ocean form and erosion of the Piedmont and Appalachian Mountains occur? How many millions of years ago did this happen?
21. What is the approximate age of the Earth in millions of years?
49 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.8 March 1999 Belting It Out Answer Sheet
Student Name:
(Use Geologic Belts From West to East for questions1 .through 5) 1. North Carolina is divided into 1.0 geologic belts that trend northeast-southwest.List their names.
Blue Ridge Belt Charlotte Belt Raleigh Belt Inner Piedmont Belt Carolina Slate Belt Eastern Slate Belt Kings Mountain Belt Triassic Basins Coastal Plain Milton Belt
2. Which geologic belt is the largest? Coastal Plain
3. The eastern half of the Piedmont is divided into four geologic belts. List their names. Eastern Slate Belt, Raleigh Belt, Triassic Basins, Carolina Slate Belt
4. List the remaining four geologic belts in the western Piedmont, inany order: Inner Piedmont, Kings Mountain, Milton. Charlotte
5. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area (Ashe County) is located in which geologic belt? Blue Ridge
6. In which geologic belt is your school located?answers will vary
(Use the Principal Mineral-Producing Areas map for questions 7- 9) 7. Name two economic materials mined in the Coastal Plain: phosphateand peat
8. What materials are mined in the Charlotte Belt in Mecklenburg County?crushed stone, sand &-gravel
9. Gemstones are mined in which two counties? Macon andAlexander
10. Mica and kaolin are mined in what two geologic belts? Blue Ridge and Inner Piedmont
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.9 5n March 1999 (Use the Generalized Geologic Map of North Carolina for questions 10 - 15) 11. What four rock formations occurred during the Cretaceous Period, 66 - 138 million years ago? Peedee Formation, Black Creek Formation.' Middendorf Formation. Cape Fear Formation
12. Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area (southern Ashe County) has metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of the Ashe Metamorphic Suite, which includes rocks such as gneiss, schist, metagraywacke, amphibolite, and calc-silicate granofels..
13. How many counties, other than Ashe County, have rocks that are similar in age and composition to the rocks at Mt. Jefferson? Hint: Look for the "green. zone." 17List the counties below: (Surry, Alleghany, Wilkes, VVatauga, Caldwell-a tiny strip, Avery, Burke, McDowell, Mitchell, Yancey, Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Transylvania, Jackson, Macon, Madison- a tiny strip)
14. The dark burgundy (deep red) color on the map indicates what type of rock? Metamorphosed granitic rock
15. The lavender (light purple) color on the map indicates what type of rock? Metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of the Kings Mountain Belt
16. Using the map scale and a ruler, determine the distance between Charlotte and Cape Lookout, in a straight line. Hint: 1.5 inches = 50 miles 242 miles (7.25 inches= 1.5. inches = 4.83; 4.83 x 50 miles = 242 miles)
Now find the straight-line distance between Winston-Salem and Asheville: 134 miles (4 inches + 1.5 inches = 2.67; 2.67 x 50 miles = 133.5 miles)
(Use the Generalized Geologic Map of North Carolina and Geologic Time Scale for North Carolina for questions 17 - 21) 17. How old are the rocks in Ashe County? Express your answer as a range in millions of years. 570 to 1600 million years old
51 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.10 March 1999 18. What rocks in Ashe County are olderthe felsic gneiss found in northern Ashe County OR the metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks found in southern Ashe County? the felsic gneiss found in northern Ashe is older
19. The Geologic Time Scale for North. Carolina gives the age of the oldest dated rock in North Carolina. What is it in millions of years? Hint: Look toward the bottom of the chart. 1.800 million years old
20. During which geologic PERIOD did the Atlantic Ocean form and erosion of the Piedmont and Appalachian Mountains occur? Triassic Period How many millions of years ago did this happen? 220- 240 million years ago (estimated)
21. What is the approximate age of the Earth in millions of years? About 4.500 millions years old
52
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.2.11 March 1999 Pre-Visit Activity 43- Mt. Jefferson's Crystals_
Major Concepts: Credits: Adapted from the Educator's Information: Mineral properties "More About Crystal Shape" n this activity, students Crystal shape activity found in the North Iwill grow and observe Learning Skills: Carolina Geological Survey's crystals of halite (salt). They Observing and classifying Mineral and Rock Kit. will learn that minerals have Making models of 3-D Objectives: unique crystal shapes that geometric shapes can be used for identification. Following directions to Participate in a group The students will observe the create a product demonstration to grow crystal shapes of rock- Subject Areas: large crystals of salt Science (halite) and describe the forming minerals found at Mathematics (Geometry) crystal shape and growth Mt. Jefferson: biotite, English Language Arts pattern. muscovite, hornblende, See Activity Summary for Define mineral and list at feldspar and quartz. They a Correlation with DPI will make mobiles of the five objectives in these subject least five characteristics areas. that geologists use to shapes and build three- identify minerals. dimensional models of the Location: Classroom two most common minerals, Group Size: 20 - 30 students Observe and describe the crystal shapes of five quartz and feldspar. Estimated Time: One class minerals found in the In conjunction with this period rocks at Mt. Jefferson activity, teachers may wish to Materials: State Natural Area. use the Student's Information FIRST DAY and Rock and Mineral Provided by the educator: Create three-dimensional Per Group: 3 tablespoons of models of quartz and Classification Fact Sheet soil, 2 tablespoons of table feldspar crystals. provided in On-Site Activity salt, 1/2 cup of water, #1. These materials address saucer, glass, tablespoon, the difference between rocks magnifying glass SECOND DAY and minerals and detail the Per Class: large crystals (or characteristics that geologists photographs of crystals) of use when classifying rocks quartz, mica, feldspar, and minerals. hornblende or other crystals of the teacher's choice; rock specimens with obvious mineral grains; several dissecting scopes Per Student: one copy of Student's Information, Two- Dimensional Cutouts and Three-Dimensional Cutouts sheets, coat hanger, five pieces of yarn or string,, crayons or colored markers, scissors, glue or tape, hand lens
, MountJefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.3.1 March 1999 Instructions-: cling together and grow into identifying characteristics of FIRST DAY larger crystals. The slower minerals. Distribute the the evaporation, the larger Two-Dimensional Cutouts 1. Divide the class into the crystals. page. groups of three to five. Distribute the materials to Ask students to describe 4. Show the students a each group. or sketch the salt crystals. quartz crystal and ask them (The crystals should be to count the number of sides 2. Ask each group to spread cube-shaped. The minerals on the crystal. (There will about three tablespoons of pyrite and galena also have be six sides.) What kind of soil out in their saucer. cubic crystal shapes.) geometric shape is this? 3. Ask them to fill their (Hexagonal) It may remind glass about half full with them of the six-sided shape warm water, add two THIRD DAY that many pencils have. tablespoons of salt, and stir Reinforce that this crystal for several minutes until 1. Obtain samples of the formed naturally; it was not most of the salt has following crystals: mica, cut or broken into this dissolved. quartz, feldspar and shape. Have Students locate 4. Tell the groups to set their hornblende. Teachers living the quartz crystal shape on saucers in a warm place. near Mt. Jefferson State the Two-Dimensional Then, a member of each Natural Area are invited to Cutout sheet. group should pour the salt borrow specimens from the park office. Call for 5. Show the 'students the water over the soil very other four minerals, one at a slowly. Once this is done do availability. Note that quartz and mica crystals can be time, asking them to find not disturb the, soil for at each crystal shape on the least one day. found in the NC Rocks Kit given to each school by. the Two-Dimensional Cutout NC Geological Survey. sheet. Use dissecting SECOND DAY Other sources of crystals are scopes to view the smaller crystals. Discuss: 1. When the water in all the scientific supply catalogs or saucers has evaporated and your local gem and mineral Why do crystals of the soil is dry, ask the groups club. muscovite and biotite look to retrieve their saucer and 2. Photocopy the Student's identical? examine the soil under a Information, Two- (They are both in the mica magnifying glass. Explain Dimensional Cutouts, and group and have similar to them that the soil has Three-Dimensional Cutouts chemical formulas; i.e., are been topped by large crystals for each student. Note: You composed of nearly the of salt called rock salt. Rock may want to enlarge the same elements.) salt is formed when minerals cutouts to 129 percent on 11 How can you tell them are dissolved in water. The x 17 paper for larger crystal apart in the field? salt water is drawn up shapes. Make samples of the (By the colorbiotite is through small openings in crystals on the Three- black.) the soil and rocks by Dimensional Cutouts. If you are examining small capillary action. The water 3. Read and/or discuss the then evaporates into the air crystals of feldspar and Student's Information with hornblende that make up a leaving the salt behind. As the class. Make sure that the water evaporates, the metamorphic rock, it may students can define mineral be difficult to see a good molecules in the salt start to and list at least five 54 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.3.2 March 1999 crystal shape. Why is that? 7. Distribute the Three- Extension: (The crystals formed in a Dimensional Cutouts pages. Use the dissecting scopes very tightly-packed, Ask students to color, cut, or hand lenses to study rocks restrictive environment. fold, and then tape the sides found in the'NC Rocks Kit. Compare these crystals with of each model together. Can students recognize any crystals that grow inside a Display the models that you of the minerals? Use the pocket or cavity in a rock have prepared so that Mineral and Rock Kit Guide and so had lots of space to students will have a visual or other resource materials grow. A geode would be a picture of how the crystals to find out what minerals are good example of a situation should look when finished. contained in each rock where crystals can grow in Assessment: specimen. Note that some an unrestricted space.) rocks, such as slate, are so Ask the students to write fine-grained that you may Both hornblende and the answers to the following feldspar crystals are not be able to see any questions: prismatic, columnar or minerals at all. tabular crystals. How can 1. What is a mineral? you tell them apart? 2. List at least five (Hornblende crystals are characteristics of minerals generally stubby,;and are that are used in identification. longer than feldspar cystals; 3. Name a mineral that has a hornblende is black or dark hexagonal crystal shape. green in color while feldspar 4. Name a mineral that has a is white or gray.) flat crystal resembling a 6. Distribute scissors, sheet of paper. crayons, glue, yarn or string, 5. Name two dark-colored and coat hanger to each minerals that can be found student. Ask students to in the rocks at Mt. Jefferson color the minerals the State Natural Area. appropriate color. (Note that most of these minerals come in a variety of colors. Use resource materials or page 4.1.10 of this EELE to help decide on possible colors for each mineral.) Next have the students cut out the crystal shapes and make mobiles, with them.
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.3.3 March 1999 Student's Information
You have just grown and particular sample. angles. For example the faces observed crystals of the In this activity, you will on a salt crystal always meet at mineral halite (salt). Now focus on one identifying a 90 degree angle. In the six- let's learn about crystal shape characteristic of mineralss; sided quartz crystal, the angle as an identifying property of crystal shape. You will observebetween the faces is 120 rocks and minerals and models of the crystal shapes of degrees. The faces in a quartz identify the crystal shapes five rock-forming minerals crystal also meet at the top found in some of the rocks of found at Mt. Jefferson State forming a characteristic Mt. Jefferson. Natural Area. Of course, the pyramidal point. A mineral is a naturally- actual mineral crystals in the Other minerals also found in occurring, inorganic rocks at Mt. Jefferson are reallythe rocks at Mt. Jefferson substance that is found in the very. tiny. You may not be able include feldspar, hornblende, Earth's crust. Each mineral to see the crystal shapes very muscovite and biotite. Both has its own special chemical well. Remember that the feldspar and hornblende form make-up, crystal shape, metamorphic rocks in the park prism-shaped columnar or luster, hardness and cleavage. formed under great tabular crystals. However, Geologists use these temperatures and pressures. hornblende crystals are characteristics to help them There wasn't a lot of room for typically stubby, longer, and identify minerals. For large crystals to form. much darker (blackish green) .example, the mineral quartz You have already learned than feldspar crystals (white to always has a chemical that each mineral has its own gray). Both muscovite and formula of Si02, silicon chemical formula. Because ofbiotite are in the mica group. dioxide. It has a hexagonal this formula, the atoms (tiny They have similar chemical crystal shape, a glassy luster, abuilding blocks of matter) formulas and therefore similar hardness of 7 on the Mohs within a mineral are joined crystal shapes. The crystals Scale, and no cleavage (it together in orderly, repeating are tabular (look like sheets of fractures like glass when hit patterns. These repeating paper stacked on top of one with a hammer). Quartz patterns result in a beautiful another) and often have a six- specimens found all around geometric shape that we call a sided outline. You can tell the the world, or even on the crystal. Sometimes the crystal two micas apart primarily by Moon, have these same has enough space and the right color biotite is black,while characteristics. No mineral conditions to grow very large. muscovite is.clear to greenish except quartz has this same setBut more often, the crystal is in color. of characteristics. small and we will need a hand Studying Mt. Jefferson's Sometimes color is an aid lens or dissecting scope to viewcrystals is only the beginning to identifying minerals. For it. In some cases, the crystals of a fascinating look into the example, the mineral biotite is are so tiny that geologists must world of minerals. There are always black unless it has use a special instrument called six basic crystal systems. been chemically changed by a petrographic microscope to When you make the Crystal weathering to a golden yellow study them. models in this activity, you color. Quartz, however, Individual mineral crystals will have explored only a few comes in many different are bounded by smooth, flat examples of two of the crystal colors, depending on the surfaces called faces. The systems. impurities present in a faces meet at characteristic
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.3.4 56 March 1999 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.3.5 57 March 1999 Three-Dimensional Cutouts
Quartz Crystal
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.3.6 58 March 1999 Three-Dimensional Cutouts continued
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 3.3.7 March 1999 53 On-Site Activity Geo-Trek
Curriculum Objectives: Location: Major Concepts: Grade 5 Part I: Part I Communication Skills: lis- Summit picnic area Rock formation tening, reading, vocabulary Part II: Rock characteristics and, viewing comprehension Starting point for the hike will Sedimentary, metamor- Guidance: competency and be the second overlook park- skill for interacting with ing area. The hike will end at phic and igneous rocks others the outlook tower located at Healthful Living: recre- Mount Jefferson's summit. Part II ational safety Weathering Science: Earth science, envi- Group Size: Erosion ronment 30 or less; for Part I, divided Rock cycle Social Science: organize and into seven groups of about analyze information, draw four students each Objectives: conclusions, participate Part I effectively in groups Estimated Time: Identify three major rocks Part I: 50 minutes Grade 6 Part 1 to 2 hours and five major minerals Communication Skills: lis- found at Mount Jefferson tening, reading, vocabulary Appropriate Season: State Park by listing their and, viewing comprehension Spring and summer months distinguishing characteris- Guidance: competency and are recommended, weather tics. skill for interacting with pezmitting others List five characteristics Healthful Living: recre- Materials: that geologists use to ational safety Part I: help identify rocks and Science: Earth science envi- Provided by the park: 1 large minerals. ronment rock identification work sheet. Social Studies: organize and Per group: pencil, index card, Part II analyze information, draw rock hammer, safety goggles, Describe three factors that conclusions, locate and streak plate, penny, steel file, cause rocks to weather. gather needed information hand lens, Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals, rock Describe how metamor- Grade 7 and mineral set to include phic rock is formed and Communication Skills: lis- the following rocks: schist, name one common to this tening, reading, vocabulary amphibolite, metagraywacke; area. and, viewing comprehension:. and the following minerals: Describe how sedimentary Guidance: being responsible feldspar, hornblende, musco- in a group vite, biotite, quartz rocks are formed and how Science: soils, scope of Earth Provided by the educator: they are layered. science, Earth forms and Per student: "Rock and Mineral Explain why rocks found natural phenomena Identification" Fact Sheet in this area are no longer Social Studies: organize and analyze information, draw Part in a horizontal plane. conclusions, locate and Provided by the students: gather needed information pencil and paper for drawing geological features
metagraywacke (3
Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 4.1.1 July, 1994 Educator's Information: Suggested Extensions: answers on the large identifi- This activity is divided into 1. Have the students bring cation worksheet. To help in two parts: rocks to class and try to iden- this process, encourage the students to use the "Rock and In Part I, "Rock ID," the stu-tify them using the "Rock and Mineral Identification" fact dents will identify five differ- Mineral Identification" fact sheet and "Rock and Mineral ent types of minerals and threesheet and worksheet. Classification" fact sheet. different types of rocks. Each 2. If time allows, take the one is a common mineral or group on the Rhododendron 3. Have the students repeat the rock found at Mount Jefferson Trail to examine amphibolite identification steps for each State Park and some can prob- and metagraywacke outcrops of the other four minerals and ably be found around the more closely. A self-guided three rocks at their station. students' homes and school. trail brochure is available to 4. After each group has com- Students will be required to help you identify the mountain pleted their worksheet, place fill-in a rock and mineral iden- vegetation growing in this the large identification work- iron-rich soil. tification worksheet in which, sheet where everyone can see for a mineral, they will deter- it and, as a class, finish filling mine color, streak color, luster, in the answers. cleavage, hardness and name. For the rock identification, the students will determine color, major and minor minerals, texture, foliation, what it was formed from and name. In Part II, 'Talking Rocks," the students will hike through the park and observe the effects of geologic processes on the landscape. Part I: Rock ID NOTE: Before arriving at Instructions: 5. Have the groups discuss the park for the on-site activi- how they came to their con- 1. Divide the students into ties, teachers and students clusions. Also, lead them in a should read through this seven groups, one group discussion on how geologists placed at each station. Have "Rock ID" activity-and the key out minerals and rocks. "Introduction to the Geology the students put on their goggles for this activity. of Mount Jefferson State Special Considerations: Park," found in the Introduc- 2. Using the mineral quartz tions. (M1), lead the groups through During part of this activity, the tests on the "Rock and students will break rocks apart to determine the rock's color. Mineral Identification" work- Rock fragments can be very sheet. Make sure each group sharp and may fly off and hit understands how to do each the student who is breaking test and describe their results the rocks or other students. It before moving on to the next is important for all students to test. When all the groups wear safety goggles during have finished a test, write the this activity.
Mount Jefferson State Park. NC 4.1.2 p July 1994 u Student's Information
OCkS with shale being more com- Metamorphic Rock mon than sandstone and sand- Types at Mount Jefferson There are three basic rock stone being more common State Park classifications: eous, se than limestone. men ry and metamorphic. All the major rock types at Metamorphic rock is formedMount Jefferson State Park are Igneous rocks are formed when either igneous or sedi- metamorphic. These rocks and when molten magma cools mentary rocks are put under their component minerals are: under the Earth's surface or enough heat and pressure over when the magma flows out on Amphibolite: a long period of time to change the Earth's surface as lava and 1. Major Minerals the rock both physically and cools. Ninety-five percent of a. Hornblende chemically. The tremendous the Earth's crust, to a depth b. Feldspar amount of pressure brought of ten miles, is made up of 2. Minor Minerals about with the collision of igneous rock. a. Epidote continental tectonic plates is b. Biotite Sedimentary rock is formed one of the major forces that c. Garnet when loose mineral particles, creates metamorphic rock. III.Metagraywacke: or sediments, are deposited This type of metamorphic' 1. Major Minerals on land or in the water. With process changes shale to schist a. Quartz enough pressure from the (sometimes referred to as mica b. Feldspar weight of the sediments and schist or muscovite/biotite water above, the lower sedi- 2. Minor Minerals schist), limestone to marble, a. Biotite ment particles get pressed and sandstone to quartzite. into sedimentary rock. For b. Muscovite Geologists have identified example, if large amounts of c. Garnet about 2,000 rocks, each with volcanic ash built up on the HI Schist: their own characteristics. To bottom of a lake or ocean, (Mica-schist, Muscovite/ identify rocks, geologists look the ash would eventually be biotite schist) at fresh color, texture, foliation, pressed into a type of rock 1. Major Minerals composition and many other called shale. Sedimentary rock a. Muscovite characteristics. is always formed in layers, b. Biotite which is the easiest way to 2. Minor Minerals identify this type of rock. a. Quartz About 75% of the exposed b. Feldspar surface rocks of the Earth are c. Garnet sedimentary. However, these sedimentary rocks are only a relativ'ely thin covering over the underlying igneous rocks. Shale, sandstone and lime- stone make up almost 99% of the sedimentary rocks,
Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 4.1.362 July 1994.: Minerals and has a chemical formula these elements with a percent- of Si02. Quartz is a common age figure indicating their A rock is made up of one mineral in the park and in abundance in the Earth's crust, or more minerals, so one North Carolina. Gold is a and hence their approximate characteristic geologists look mineral of just one element abundance in the rocks and for is the type of minerals with the chemical formula soil around Us. found in a rock, and the ratio (and symbol) of Au. Gold has of minerals to one another. The relationship between been found in several locations Each mineral always has the a rock and its minerals can in Avery, Watauga and Ashe same chemical composition be compared to a fruitcake's counties, as well as in the Ore and its own particular crystal- relationship to its ingredients. Knob Mine, but not in quanti- line structure. A mineral is a If the rock were the fruitcake, ties sufficient for mining. combination of one or more the minerals would be the elements. Quartz, for ex- Most minerals are made up raisins, nuts, cherries, candied ample, is a combination of twoof a combination of only eight fruit, sugar, flour, eggs, etc. elements, silicon and oxygen, elements. Below is a list of
Percentage Element Symbol by Weight Oxygen 0 46.7% Silicon Si 27.7% Aluminum Al 8.1% Iron Fe 5.1% Calcium Ca 3.7% Sodium Na 2.8% Potassium K 2.6% Magnesium Mg 2.1% TOTAL 98.8%
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
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Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 4.1.4 July 1994 1. 1
Rocks are identified by Quartz has no cleavage, their component minerals. but does have conchoidal fracture. This means when Minerals: quartz breaks, you can observe round, shell-like fracture lines (Ex: Nearly everyone has seen the conchoidal fractures in broken glass.) Feldspar: The common quartz of Feldspars form the most Mount Jefferson State Natural abundant group of minerals Area formed most likely in the Earth's crust. If this during metamorphism. Water group were considered a Quartz: is driven out off' super-heated single mineral it would be the Quartz is a common rocks. Quartz, a mineral withmost common mineral by far mineral, found in many a relatively low melting five times as common as different types of rocks. In temperature, dissolves in this quartz. Feldspars are found its pure form, quartz will water and moves into and in nearly all igneous rocks be clear, but it usually through cracks and other and rocks formed from them. contains impurities which openings where it is later Feldspars usually show two give it a variety of colors, deposited in ribbons (veins) good cleavage faces, which including white, red, pink, and pods. During weathering,are at right angles or nearly smoky black, black, yellow, quartz is both chemically and so. The hardness of feldspar green and gray. Its chemical physically resistant. Therefore,is 6; you should be able to formula is SiO2, silicon much of a quartz vein is left scratch it with a good steel dioxide. behind while less resistant, file. This mineral group will Quartz has a hardness of surrounding rocks are eroded usually have a smooth,-glassy 7.0 and can NOT be away. or pearly luster. Some scratched by a file. (A good In an outcrop, a natural feldspars (orthoclase) steel file has a hardness of exposure of rock, quartz is produce a white streak, but nearly 6.5. In contrast, usually elevated slightly above not all of them. Depending feldspar has a hardness of other minerals. This on the hardness of the streak 6.06.5 and can, just barely, phenomena is referred to as plate used, feldspar may be scratched by a file.) differential weathering. produce a white powder. Feldspar is the secondmost Quartz has the same, Quartz veins can be seen in the abundant mineral found in an hardness as the traditional amphibolite outcrop located at amphibolite at Mount streak plate (unglazed the second overlook on Mount Jefferson. When closely porcelain tile). Thus, if you Jefferson. examined, amphibolite has see any white powder after Early European settlers in small white specks embedded rubbing quartz on the plate, this area used quartz-based in it; these specks are small this is probably due to the rock to build walls and fences. feldspar grains.. quartz scratching the plate. Some of these structures still Its luster is greasy to glassy. exist and can be seen from the Feldspar is mined almost park's second overlook. entirely froml5odies of
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.1-5 6 4 March 1999 pegmatite, a special kind of rock containing large crystals of feldspar, as well as quartz. Three large feldspar mining operations are located at Spruce Pine, in Mitchell County. Muscovite: Hornblende: Muscovite is a type of Biotite: (See Amphibolite) mica which contains Biotite is one of the dark- Hornblende is a lustrous aluminum, oxygen, potassium, colored micas, consisting of green, brown or black silicon and water. It is a light aluminum, hydrogen, iron mineral. It is a silicate and colored mica that may be magnesium, oxygen, contains aluminum and other colorless, yellow, light brown potassium and silicon. It has elements. Hornblende can_ or light green. Its luster a hardness of 2.5 to 3 and .a occur in crystals or in other varies from glassy to pearly. pearly luster. Biotite cleaves forms, such as fibers and It has a hardness of 2 to 2.5 strongly in one direction and granules. Hornblende has a and its cleavage is strong in leaves a colorless streak glassy luster and a hardness one direction. All micas will when rubbed on a streak of 5-6. It has two cleavage cleaVe in one direction into plate. It is abundant in some planes meeting at oblique very thin sheets. One sheet granites and is also common angles of approximately 60 can be as thin as 1/10,000 of in schists and gneisses. degrees. (This is sometimes an inch.. Biotite may occur with called prismatic cleavage.) Most muscovite is very muscovite in metamorphic It usually occurs in metamor- clear and leaves a colorless rocks. Thin sheets often phosed igneous rock, such as_ streak when rubbed on a amphibolite. show light spots and rings. streak plate. It is so named Biotite and muscovite can be Its name is of Germanic because in Russia, the poorer seen together throughout the origin. Horn refers to its Muscovites used it instead ofpark. dark color, which reminded glass. Muscovite is found in people of an animal's horn, highly metamorphosed, and blende in German refers_ shaley sediments, which can to being false. This is be seen scattered through the because the mineral looks park. like it could be melted down into a metal, which it can not. Hornblende can be found in and around amphibolite' outcrops located on Mount Jefferson.
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.1.6 March 1999 Rocks:
Metagraywacke: Schist: Amphibolite: Metagraywacke is a Schist is a thinly foliated metamorphic rock which metamorphic rock that can Amphibolite is a formed from gray, coarse- be readily split into thin metamorphic rock consisting grained impure sandstone: It flakes or slabs. Schist is a mainly of an amphibole consists of poorly sorted, less abundant rock type at mineral (hornblende) and angular to sub-angular grains Mt. Jefferson that is found feldspar (plagioclase). It is of quartz with variable interlayered primarily with weakly foliated, meaning it amounts of feldspar, metagraywackes. It will split into layers, but with muscovite, biotite and rare originated as a sedimentary difficulty. The amphibolite rock fragments. This rock rock, most likely a shale was originally a mafic (dark) can be non-foliated to very layer composed principally volcanic rock either from coarsely foliated. Foliated or of clay minerals. Its fresh lava flows or materials foliation refers to the parallelcolor is medium to dark ejected by a volcano and arrangement of mineral gray. It is made up of the deposited in layers. grains, giving a layered minerals muscovite, biotite, Arnphibolite's fresh color is appearance to .a metamorphicquartz and garnet. The black. It is commonly rock. Layers are usually not texture of this rock is fine to medium-grained in texture. as obvious, in metagraywacke. medium-grained. During metamorphism, the quartz grains in the rock enlarged and interlocked, g&ing it a more uniform appearance.
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.1.7 March 1999 I
Characteristics Used to Identify Characteristics Used to Identify Minerals: Rocks: Luster Luster is the way a mineral reflects TextureTexture is the size and shape of the light. Classify the luster as pearly, glassy, mineral crystals present in the rock and their dull or metallic. spatial relationships with each other. Hardness - Hardness is based on what Texture Classifications: material is able to scratch a mineral's surface. fine-grained: individual minerals in the The Mohs hardness scale ramies from one to rock can only be seen if using a hand lens. ten, with one being the softest mineral and medium-grained: individual minerals can ten being the hardest. You can use ordinary be seen with the naked eye, but are about objects to help you estimate a mineral's the size of sand grains (less than 2 mm in hardness. For example, a fingernail can size). scratch minerals with a hardness of 2.5 or less. Try to scratch the unknown mineral coarse-grained: individual minerals in with these objects to help establish its the rock are greater than 2 mm in size. hardness. Use the hand lens to see if any of Foliation - The development of wavy or these things made a scratch on the mineral's contorted layers under intense metamorphism surface. is called foliation. Does the rock split easily Hardness of Ordinary Objects: into layers? If so, it is well-foliated. If diffi- cult to split into layers, it is weakly foliated. 2.5 (very soft) fingernail If the rock does not break or split into layers, 3.5 (soft) penny it is nonfoliated. 5.5 (hard) steel nail Major/Minor Minerals The minerals that 6.5 (very hard)steel file combine to make up a rock. Cleavage - Cleavage is the tendency of a Formed From Every rock is formed from mineral to break or split along a defined a previous stage in the rock cycle. Use the plane surface. Observe whether the mineral information on page 4.1.7 to try to determine has cleavage or not, and describe it. a rock's origin only AFTER you have StreakStreak is the color a mineral leaves identified the rock. You are not expected to behind when it is scratched across a streak determine the parent rock by simply plate or unglazed porcelain. Write down the observing the rock out of its environmental streak's color. (Note: A streak plate will context. In fact, geologists do not always NOT be helpful in separating quartz, agree on the parent rock, or there may be feldspar, mica and hornblende. Use hardness, more than one possible origin for a given color and cleavage as the main clues to rock type. identification.)
Color - Color is the identifiable color of the rock or mineral when it is freshly broken. To deter- mine the rock or mineral's overall color, use the rock hammer to break it so you can see the color inside. This is important, as the outside color may have been altered due to weathering factors. (Quartz may be colorless; white, if it has water vapor trapped inside; pink; smoky; black; yellow; or purple if it has impurities within it, depending on the impurities.)
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. NC 4.1.8 6 7 March 1999 Rockand MineralIdentification Worksheet Minerals MineralColor.LusterHardness Cleavage Streak Name Sample
1
2
5
I ( 0 , Rocks Rock ColorTextureFoliationMajor/MinorFormed Name Sample Minerals From
1
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.1.9 March 1999 Rock and MineralIdentification_Worksheet:, Minerals MineralColor LusterHardness Cleavage Streak Name Sample
colorless glassy to colored to 7 none colorless* quartz 1 varieties greasy
white, two directions pink or glassy 6+ nearly always atcolorless* feldspar 2 gray right angles
black to glassy 56 two varying colorless hornblendern 3 greenish directions
glassy colorless to 22.5 strong in colorless muscovite 4 pearly one direction
5 black pearly 2.53 strong in colorless biotite one direction
* The white streaks_eft by quartzand feldsparare due to scratchingthe streak plate, not due to the mineral.
Rock Rock ColorTextureFoliationMajor/MinorFormed Name Sample Minerals From
weakly hornblende, mafic 1 black medium foliated feldspar volcanic amphibolite (igneous)
medium foliated or muscovite, 2 silvery to well- biotite, shale schist gray coarse- foliated quartz, garnet(sedimentary) grained
mediummedium non- muscovite, dirty to to foliated feldspar, sandstonemetagraywacke dark graycoarse- quartz,biotite(sedimentary) grained 6n Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. NC 4.1.10 March 1999 p
AMP
colored mica, are also present in the amphibolite. Amphibo- lite is an example of a meta- morphic rock. The amphibolite here at the second overlook was atone time actually molten, igneous Instructions: rock from volcanoes. After Stop #1: the eruptions, the volcanoes eroded away, their debris and Have the students look out across the surrounding terrain. sediments washing into the sea for thousands of years. Ask them to imagine asea in place of the mountains and The weight of the layers began valleys. In past geologic times to place great heat and pressure an ancient sea covered this on the lower layers, producing area. The materials for the sedimentary rock. This sedi- mentary rock was put under such intense heat and pressure from the collision of the North American and African conti- black rock, amphibolite, nental plates that the sedimen- tary rocks were metamor- were deposited in a basin on Special Considerations: the floor of the ancient sea phosed, eventually changing This is a one mile hike of some 600 to 800 million years to the black amphibolite found moderate difficulty. Sturdy ago. Some of the materials in in the park today. The newly footwear is recommended. the basin were washed in from formed metamorphic rocks were put under continuing Mount Jefferson State surrounding land areas, but Park contains many high other materials were deposited pressure from the collisions rock outcrops. Students will as volcanic debris from now when the rocks were still very visit some of these outcrops extinct volcanoes. hot and pliable, resulting in the during the geology hike. amphibolite being folded and Teachers, please make sure At this stop there is a large curved. When the rocks the students understand that outcrop of black rock. This cooled, they retained their horseplay will not be toler- black rock, amphibolite, is folded and bent shapes. ated and that serious injury or the most common rock found death could result from a fall. in the park. Amphibolite is Have the students note the physical characteristics of the made up of an aggregateor Part of this hike will be soil around the amphibolite along the park road. Please combination of minerals. outcrop. This soil is being be alert for vehicular traffic Hornblende and feldspar are along this road. the two primary minerals that produced by the rock's weath- ering. Some characteristics make up the amphiboliticon Mount Jefferson. Epidote, the students should notice a yellowish-green, pistachio- include fine particles, reddish- green. or blackish-green orange particles, small green- mineral and biotite, a black- ish particles and small shiny
Mount Jefferson State Park. NC 4.1.11 TO July 1994 flakes. Have the students try stop, have the students notice forces, thus causing much to find examples of horn- veins of white quartz running more breakdown of the amphi- blende, epidote, feldspar, through the amphibolite. bolite. When water seeps into quartz, garnet, biotite, musco- Quartz is much more resistant these joints and freezes, it vite and vermiculite. Have to weathering than amphibo- causes the rock to break apart them refer to their "Rock and lite, which is why the white in a process called ice wedg- Mineral Identification" fact quartz veins are usually 1-2 ing. Wheft the pieces of rock sheet to help identify the inches above the less resistant break away from the main minerals. amphibolite layers. This pro- outcrop, gravity takes over, causing the rock to tumble and What do these soil charac- cess of weathering is called fall, crashing and bumping teristics tell us? differential weathering. Dif- ferential weathering has oc- into other rocks along the 1. Fine particles settled curred where some minerals way. This process is known here because there is no steep are visibly weathering faster as mechanical weathering. slope at the base of the out- than other minerals. Examine the ditch line at crop. Water running downhill the base of the amphibolite from the top of the mountain outcrop. Small rocks at the during storms or snow melts base of the outcrop were slowed here, allowing the deposited there as the result fine particles to settle. of the breakdown of the 2. Reddish-orange col- rocks forming the outcrop. ored particles are nothing These rocks were deposited more than weathered pieces here as the result of gravity; of amphibolite. Amphibolite they were not water trans- commonly breaks down to Stop #2: ported as were the small par- clay-rich, reddish-orange soil. ticles of rock located at the This stop is just up the road 3. The small greenish first stop. particles are small pieces of from the second overlook parking area, approximately Students might also notice the mineral epidote which is pyrite, known as fool's gold, sometimes present in amphi- 50 yards on the left. This stop is located at the base of a large and garnets embedded in this bolite. outcrop of amphibolite. Have outcrop of amphibolite. 4. The small, shiny flakes the students describe the size Stop #3: are mica. These particles of the rocks here and compare would indicate the breakdown Located at the south end them to the size of the rocks of the summit area parking lot, of another primary rock type at the last stop. of the park, schist, commonly this rock outcrop contains called mica schist because of This outcrop of amphibolite some metagraywacke, butthe the high proportion of mica in is somewhat larger and more primary rock type here is schist the rock: Black mica flakes exposed than the section of (mica schist). Schists are rela- are called biotite. White-clear outcrop just examined at the tively soft and have many thin, mica flakes are called musco- second overlook. Notice the flaky layers. Schists are con- vite. Gold-colored flakes are many cracks and fractures sidered metamorphic rock and called vermiculite. Vermicu- all over this outcrop. These are not usually seen asan out- lite is chemically weathered cracks and fractures are called crop in the park. Mostoften biotite, and is commonly joints. These joints allow they are buried beneath valley mistaken for flakes of gold. more of the amphibolite out- floors. Here, the schist has crop to be exposed to erosive been exposed by the erosive Before going on to the next
Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 4.1.12 7 1 July 1994 forces of weather and the road Summation: construction project to develop Mount Jeffeson's height this parking lot. Schists prob- and soils are a result of the ably surrounded the metagray- rocks that formed this region wacke and amphibolite bodies amphibolite, schist and meta- which form Mount Jefferson graywacke. The mountain was before millions of years of shaped by the north and south erosion wore away the softer This outcrop is an example forks of the New River. As schists, exposing the metagray-of metamorphosed sandstone you look out over the moun- wacke and amphibolite we know as metagraywacke. tains and valleys that surround see in the park today. Note the Metagraywacke was once Mount Jefferson today, try to single black vein of amphibo- sedimentary rock before it was imagine the valleys filled in, lite to the left of the schist changed by intense heat and so you would be standing on outcrop. pressure. Ask students what a rolling plain several million this process is called (answer: years ago: With the passing metamorphism). of time, the rivers and streams Metagraywacke is some- have cut out the valleys, wash- times called "dirty sandstone" ing the material north into the because of the abundance of Ohio River valley and later on clay in the original sediment. down the Mississippi River. The main minerals found in Sediments from the Appala- metagraywacke include quartz,chian Mountains filled in the (which makes it more resistant shallow sea that once stretched than amphibolite), feldspar andinto the middle of what we Stop #4: mica'flakes. The mica flakes now call the North American are primarily biotite and mus- continent. Walk -up the service road, covite. Since metagraywacke through the picnic area to the The park was formed in is the primary rock found at next stop. It is located at the 1958, as a result of local citi- Mount Jefferson's summit, it Rhododendron Trail head. Just, zens petitioning the state legis- is a good possibility that this to the left of the trail head sign lature to make the mountains quartz-rich rock is the reason is what appears to be a cave. a state park. North Carolina why this area of the mountain This is not a true cave, but is State Parks are sanctuaries for has eroded more slowly than known as a fissure cave caused wildlife. On Mount Jefferson, others. The elevation of this by a crack in the amphibolite. everything is protected by law. area is 4,683 feet. The rock .Notice the small trees growing You cannot disturb the plants outcrop where the elevation out of the cracks and fractures or animals. Even the rocks sign is posted is an excellent on this outcrop. This is another you see have to be left in the example of differential weath- form of mechanical weather- park. The role of state parks is ering. ing. to preserve and to protect the This is the end of the hike. beauty, the rocks and signifi- Stop #5: cant features you see around This stop is located at Mount you, as well as to educate our Jefferson's summit. A rock citizens about the significance outcrop is located beside the of these resources, so people lookout tower. will use the park, and all the world's resources, wisely.
72 Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 4.1.13 July 1994 On-Site Activity #27 ExploringMetamorphieMountain
Major Concepts: Provided by the park: The purpose of this Metamorphic rocks Per Group: compass, magnifying activity is to allow students Geologic formations glass, clinometer, chalk. to study first-hand examples Mountain-building processes cardboard sheet, "hardness" of the geology of Mt. Weathering and erosion tools - steel file, steel nail. Learning Skills: penny Jefferson. They will Observing, classifying, examine folds and faults, communicating, inferring dipping rock strata, Collecting, analyzing and Objectives: weathering, erosion and evaluating information Describe how foliation. A brief overview Measuring angles metamorphic rocks are Subject Areas: of the hike follows: formed and name two Science Stop A Students observe English Language Arts common to Mt. Jefferson. a freshly-broken piece of MathematicS Explain the presence of amphibolite with a See Activity Summary for vein quartz on the surface magnifying glass to identify a Correlation with DPI and in the soil throughout objectives in these subject at least two minerals in the the park. areas. rock. They also look for Location: Summit and Explain how horizontal evidence of chemical Rhododendron trails beds or sheets of rock are weathering. Group Size: 30 or less, folded and tilted. preferably in groups of 10 or Identify rocks and Stop B Students learn less with a minimum of one about plate tectonics as adult leader per group minerals along the trail. Time: 1 hour Describe three factors that they study folded rocks. Appropriate season: spring, cause rocks to weather Stop C Students observe summer, fall and erode. a quartz vein and learn how Special Considerations: quartz is deposited in ribbons It is strongly recommended that leaders scout the trail Educator's Information: (veins) and pods. They ahead of time to become his activity is a hike perform a hardness test on the familiar with recommended which takes place on the quartz found along the trail. stops and to recognize po- T tential hazards (i.e.. slippery Summit and Rhododendron Stop DStudents look rocks, poison ivy, etc.) trails. The moderately closely at a large, tilted Leaders should carry a first difficult hike originates in theoutcrop of metagraywacke aid kit and water. picnic area and ascends to that is interlayered with mica Materials: schist and identify individual Provided by the school: Luther Rock. It levels off Per adult leader: one copy of once students reach the minerals present in the rock. Exploring Metamorphic ridgeline of the mountain, They learn about the unique Mountain Geology Field and loops around, leading, formation of rocks geologists Notebook students back down to the call the Ashe Metamorphic Per class: one first aid kit and Suite. water bottle picnic area. At 11 lettered Per student: one copy of stops, the students will study Stop E Students explore Exploring Metamorphic. and answer corresponding a large rock that contains a Mountain Geology Field questions in their Exploring cave-like feature. They Notebook, pencil, clipboard Metamorphic Mountain learn about joints and their Geology Field Notebook. role in weathering.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC March 1999 Stop F Students look forInstructions: the first aid kit and water the point where the 1. Before bringing students bottle. Make sure everyone metagraywacke layer ends to Mt. Jefferson State Naturalknows which group has the and the amphibolite layer area, study the Exploring first aid kit and water bottle begins again. They also Metamorphic Mountain in case of emergency. Each observe the process of Geology Field Notebook in student should have a "buddy" mechanical weathering. this EELE. Visit the natural in his/her group. Each leader Stop G The students area to scout the trail will be given a small litter learn that Mt. Jefferson yourself. Ideally, this should bag at the natural area to help could have been part of a be done at least one week with trail clean up. mighty mountain range prior to your class' visit and 6. Begin the hike with brief possibly as tall as the. at the same time of day. Thisintroduction during which Himalayan Mountains over will help you become you cover topic, trail 250 million years ago. familiar, with the exact distance, time, difficulty and Stop H Students again locations of the stops special rules. Here are some observe dipping strata and described in the field special rules to teach your measure the strike and dip notebook and potential trail students: of the rock using a compass hazards such as slippery or a. Stay .on the trail until and a homemade clinometer. steep areas, etc. told otherwise. Stop IStudents observe 2. Copy the Exploring b. Watch for roots, stumps, lichens on the rocks. They Metamorphic Mountain sloped walking areas and learn the role lichens play in Geology Field Notebook for other hazards. Running is the chemical weathering of each student and adult leader. not allowed on the trail. rocks and how to classify 3. Take the students to the c. Rock climbing is not lichens by shape. They picnic area where the hike permitted. No rocks- are to sketch an example of each will begin. Divide the class be removed from the park. into smaller groups of ten type of lichen. d. All plants and animals students or less. Provide one Stop J Students within the park are, protected. adult leader per small group. examine the steep bare rock Injuring and removing plants surfaces of Luther Rock and 4. Distribute an Exploring or animals are prohibited in observe the New River in Metamorphic Mountain all state parks. This allows the valley below. Geology Field Notebook to future visitors the same Stop K Students each adult leader and a field opportunity to enjoy our observe the sharp points and notebook, clipboard and natural resources. pencil to each student. Each ridges of the steeply dipping e. Being quiet will help you adult leader should also get layers of amphibolite at see more wildlife. Luther Rock caused by the following items from f. The adult leader should differential weathering. park staff: compass, always be at the front of the They study a small clinometer, chalk, cardboard group. indentation in the rock, sheet, steel file, steel nail, Called a weathering pit, and penny. You will need these g. Do not litter. When discuss what may have items to do a hardness test at picking up litter along the formed the pit. They also Stop C and measure strike trail, do not touch broken observe and draw the and dip at Stop H. glass or other sharp objects. chevron folds in the rock. 5. D-uring the hike, one of the 7. When conducting the hike, group leaders should carry start each small group at 5- 7 4 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.2.2 March 1999 minute intervals so the (Hornblende, feldspar, 6. Give an example of groups do not get too close quartz and epidote) chemical weathering to one another. Make sure 3. How old is the occurring at Mt. Jefferson. all the leaders know the amphibolite at Mt. Jefferson (Oxidation of amphibolite; amount of time they have to and how did it form? lichens "eating" rock conduct the hike and visit all (The amphibolite is 600-800 surfaces) the stops. All groups should million years old. It 7. Give an example of have a designated meeting originated from volcanic mechanical weathering at place to meet at the end of activity in an ancient ocean. Mt. Jefferson. this activity. Later, the lava rock, basalt, (Water freezing in joints in Before the groups split up was metamorphosed to . the rocks, tree roots pushing and hit the trail, the ranger create the amphibolite.) rocks apart) or classroom teacher should 4. What evidence did you 8. Describe in two or three demonstrate how to measure find that the rocks at Mt. strike and dip. Or, if the sentences your favorite Jefferson have been placed geologic. feature at Mt. classroom teacher, who under great stress and Jefferson. Or, which was knows how to take strike pressure in the past? your favorite trail stop and and dip, begins with her group, the ranger can then (Dipping rock strata, why? demonstrate to other groups displaced rock units, (Answers will vary.) crenulations or folds in the while they are waiting their Extensions: turn to begin the hike. The rocks) other groups can practice 5. What is differential 1. Complete-the other two while, they wait. weathering? on-site activities in this EELE to learn more about Remind leaders that when (Some minerals in a rock rock identification and the pausing for discussion or to weather faster than others. cultural history of the area. view an interesting object Layers' of more resistant along the trail, they should minerals stand a few inches 2. Create your own geology lead their group halfway above the less resistant trail at your school. beyond the object so all will layers.) have a good view. Assessment: After you return to the classroom, ask the students to write the answers to the following questions: 1. In addition to amphibolite, what other two rock types make up the Ashe Metamorphic Suite? (Mica schist and metagraywacke) 2. Name at least two minerals found in amphibolite.
7-5 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.2.3 March 1999 76 MT. JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA 77 shapedprovidethepast rocks,'clues geologic thisevidence in along metamorphicthe history. rocks with of powerful The thethat orientation mountainmineral help Asearth usyou composition- toforces over ofhike learn rock time.thatback about layers, have to-theof picnic area, think about Answers to questions at Stop H: Compass direction N 57 degrees W; Dip 41 degrees SW 13 79 Stop K - Differential, Weathering Welcome to Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area, ridgesmarker of #11. the steeply dipping layersItLOOK is ofhard amphiboliteFOR: not toAmphibolite notice the sharp outcrop points near and geologicconsistcanandan outdoor unlockalong mostlyhistory. the somemuseum Rhododendron of Today, of amphibolite the coveringThe mysteriesyou rocks will Trail800interlayered of beof Mt.million toMt.hiking Jefferson Jefferson. yearswith Stateof Natural see if you Areaup to fewweatheringweathering,here(containingfaster inches at Lutherthan above(containing where others.amphibole Rock. the some Layers lessThis epidoteand minerals resistant is offeldspar). due minerals and to arelayers quartz)differential weathering resistant stand toa formedasyearsoriginatedmicaother sediments schist.ago. metamorphicthe inLava parent Geologists ansuch oceanfrom rocks.as mud, ancientrocksbasin think Later, sand 600-800 volcanoesthat during and all millionthesegravel several as wellrocks metagraywacke and weathering,weathering.therock. result This of indentation, probablyFrostmechanical action, plays called and/or a typethe Noticea greatest chemicalweathering,of mechanical a smallrole in pit,depression is or indentation 'in the yearsrockserosionaschangedmountain-building they ago), you wereof by theseseeoverlying heat compressed in deeply-buried theand periods parkrocks pressure andtoday. gradually(300 folded.parent (metamorphosed) to 500 exposedrocks Uplift million were and the ofexpandswaterdisintegrating ironchemical freezes minerals and weathering breaks in rocksinsmall amphibolite, off herecracks issmall the at in Mt.oxidationpieces. whichthe Jefferson. rocks, Ancommonly (rusting) example it When worthforGeologistsrealizeenvironment clues a thousand that to arethisthe ofreally past.areawords," Mt. didThe detectivesJefferson notis old certainly always Assaying, Statewho you look truestudyNatural"Alook inthis aroundrocks Area, the mountainous picture is way. Whatdownbreaks else V-shaped down could to have afolds) clay-rich, caused exposed reddish-orangethisAlso behind weathering notice this the post. soil. pit?excellent chevron folds (upside Jefferson.hike.storynotebook,geology. of Mt. By you Jeffersonmaking will be sketches byable the to time piece in you together Goodfinish luckthe in unlocking the secrets of Mt. your field your Theseof nature small which folds havedemonstrate bent this the Drawrock. powerful these forcesfolds on the next page: 80 81. Stop A - Amphibolite 1=11111111M1 Stop J - Water Erosion and the New River magnesiumrockpicnic seen area. at andthis has location, a grainy, is Amphibolite,rich layeredLOOK in iron appearance.FOR: and the Dark-colored dark-colored rocks metamorphic in the markerdistantRock and, valley#9.) on abelow. clear day,(Look the directly NoticeLOOKNew River thebehindFOR: steep in Bare the bare rock rock surfaces surfaces at here Luther which temperaturesburiedcoloredfloor.It originated The in igneous thelava from Earth'sand cooled rock, pressureslava crust..which toflows form recrystallized wasHere,on basalt, an later highancient adeeply dark- thesea rains.soonaextend thin as layer downsoil offorms, slope. soil toit These is'accumulate washed steepIf away slopesyou lookby allow heavy closely only into the distant valley below, almost as exposedUpliftbasalt,examine, andresulting the theit amphibolitewith erosion in a amagnifying new of overlyingto rock surface calledglass.Find rocksconditions. amphibolite.a freshly-broken gradually piece of amphibolite and If you look Whileyouhadformationcourse may enough the issee areatypical of the force thewas New ofAppalachian beingto a River.cutriver uplifteddown on Its relatively Mountains, meanderinginto during the Earth,flatthe the land. river hornblendeEssentialPutclosely, a check it Minerals: has mark a "salt by andthe mineralspepper" appearance.you can see: shiny black to dark green needles or grains = Mouthrocksstayingwalking in of in the Wilsonalongits river original Luther arebed over riverto Rock the one valley. northeastto billion reach Some yearstrail before of marker old.the WARNING: Use extreme caution when Accessory Minerals: whiteclearlight grains greenOr glassy =grains feldspar grains = epidote = quartz #11, your next stop! oxidized.hornbleride)oxidation.evidence ofThe When a are typeiron exposed minerals ofchemically chemical to containing theAlso reacts weatheringair, look they with iron for become oxygen rustcalled(ex: stains on the rocks. This is in the air, forming iron oxide or rust. 82 , 11 83 LOOK FOR: More dipping rocks that are Chemical WeatheringStop I - Lichens & LOOK FOR: Wavy surface in large rock on Stop B - Folded Rocks ofstop.locatedcovered the trail. beforewith Lichens a markergreen, aren't moss-like #7 one,and inbutObserve growth;view two separateof the last lichens on the rocks in this area amphibolite.resultingplatetrail near tectonics, metamorphism restrooms. About caused 500 millionthe that deep createdGlobal-scale years burial thisago, and rock,- crustal movements, known as moist,photosynthesisTheprovidesLichensorganisms alga sheltered amanufactures secrete home -- a asand andfungusan long acidreceives absorbs food as andthat the for ansomewaterslowly environment bothalga. sunlight.)for dissolvesusing (The the alga.fungus is away theplastic.tremendousNorthgeologists foldedAfrican American Can appearancethink continent forcesyou Plate.thatsee bent the thebegan of As the evidenceothercrustal the rock moving plates rocks asplate here? if collided,towardsas it carrying youwere walk thesoft the 'Notice weatheringidentification:followingthe rock. This ofclassifications rocks. is another, are example usedLichens for of chemical are classified according to shape. The along the trail. Make a quick sketch of this folded rock: Fruticose:Foliose:Crustose: has looksgrows a flat, like uprightleaflike a crust andshape on is the withshaped rock free like a borders shrub below: 84Sketch an example of each type of lichen 85 Stop C - Quartz Stop H - Strike & Dip youthetion Rhododendron mayof the notice Summit white Trail.Trail "rocks" with scatteredInLOOK the this lower vicinity FOR: across loop White and the of elsewhere "rocks" nearalong the the junc- trail, away,clippingthe trail leaving strata.between a The pointed markers surrounding structure #6LOOK andOnce rock that #7. again wasFOR:dips eroded intowe Dipping see the here rock a textbook strata sticking example out of of quartz,ground.(Si02). a These mineralHow did"rocks" composed the quartz are actually of get siliconDuring here? pieces andmetamorphism, oxygenof water is driven out of imaginarythemountain inclined horizontal rock surface planeHold bytothea cardboard doing MeasureEarth's the sheetsurfacefollowing: the horizontalstrike and to the Earth's the intersection of the toquartzdepositedmovesmeltingsuper-heated weathering, isinto temperature, both in cracks ribbons rocks. chemically much and Quartz, (veins)ofdissolves other a andquarti aandopenings mineralphysically in veinpods. this is waterwherewithSince left resistant a anditlow is Recordlinebooksurface. is at the thethe strikeMark compassintersection aline. line direction: withPlace with chalk'along thethe compassrock outcrop. the parallel edge This of to the the line of strike. clockingredientandbehind minerals timing while in devices, makingareless eroded resistant, glass,high away. intensity semi-conductors,surroundingQuartz lights, is usedrocks as a commercial material or following:the outcrop rises fromPlace the ground the bottomMeasure edge the of dip the clinometer on the dip the angle in degrees at which by doing the Resultfindcomputer along of Test:. the chips, trail. and fiber optics.Perform a hardness test on the quartz that you willperpendicular point to the to degrees the strike of line.dip. RecordThe needle the dip: or arrow 86 4 Clinometer Stop G - Erosion of Large Stop D - Metagraywacke & trailthe (northeast).dip of the rocks This to outcropthe rightThisLOOK is(southwest) atamphibolite markerFOR: Ainto #6.rock outcrop outcrop again on demonstrates left side of Masses of Rock closely.trail; flakes of mica may be seenHowLOOK if does you FOR: this look rockLarge, compare tilted withoutcrop amphibolite, on left side the of Mica Schist crenulations.)(Referripplesthe mountain. toin Stopthis rock.NoticeB for Theseinformation the very areToday calledsmall on whatgeologists foldscrenulations. causes or consider Mt. Jefferson and the metamorphismpresentsedimentary(pronouncedUsedarker your in rock the magnifying yourock. meta-GRAY-wack).rock of havea Thisthatdirty glassseen containedrock or muddyatto is otherexamine called Itquartz sandstone, stopsresulted metagraywacke the alongon minerals fromthe a with trail? the Aboutmountainrivaledpartsurroundingabout of250 arrangetoday'sfive million in miles thearea Himalayanof Himalayas, years tomightyabove be ago,a sea high,peaks Mountains, Mt. Mt.level. broad Jefferson thatEverest The possibly plateau. which highest is was 29,028 are mica)variableindicates(silvery-white at amountscertain that micatoplaces of dark feldspar schist, inbrown this another and rockmica)You clay outcrop. andmetamorphicshould particles. biotite beThis able (black rock, to see flakes of muscovite drainageNewthanfeet inwhereRiver elevation. carried andyouAs theseother are the That's standing erodedmountainsrivers about in sediments right the 24,468 eroded Mississippi now. feet toslowly the higher Gulf over time, the schistshalealsois interlayered originated layer within composed the withas metagraywacke. a sedimentarythe of metagraywacke.clay.On rock, On a small amost larger Mica scale, likely scale,schist .you a can see interlayering of mica areof Mexico forming where today. new nicks and rock formations layerhike,withyou can amphibolitetryends observeto andfind the thethe as amphibolite locationinterlayeringyou hike where along beginsNote: of the thismetagraywacke Theagain.metagraywacke trail. amphibolite, As you along with the toMetamorphicformationmetagraywackealong 9.5 miles the (group) eastern (12 Suite. toand of 15flank Withmicarocks kilometers), of schist,anthat the average geologistsBlue make this Ridge thicknessformation up call afrom unique the of runsAshe 7.5 88 8 southwestern Virginia to northwestern North Carolina. 5 89 LOOK FOR: A large rock unit that is tilted. Stop E - Strata Orientation - LOOK FOR: Tree roots in rock next to Stop F - Root Destruction - theIt degreesisis tiltedRhododendron located isabout vertical.) behind 60 degrees However,Traitbegins.the brochure from the theNotice "parent" boxhorizontal. thatwhere rock this (90to large outcrop of metagraywacke layermetagraywackemarkerstop began and #4 yours on again? trail. layer last The stop. ended, location Hint: andAs Look theis you between amphibolite forwere the hiking, this did you notice where the foldedCansedimentsthis metagraywackeyou and picture thatdisplaced were how depositedformed toa horizontalthis newfrom inExplore orientation? horizontalsandrock andunit the clay couldlayers.cave-like be feature in this outcrop rockamphibolitetheexcellent trail. to break Thefolds and rootsoff in cansmallthe are amphiboliteput growingpieces. enough NowThis in pressureon cracks examineis the a typetrail in on theoffloor. the yellow birch tree from below year.Jointswheretheforceenters quartzSketch playtwo can the joints,a pushcrack,veins. rolethis theinoutcropor then weatheringcracksrock freezes apart,below in the and rocks.more berock, expands,sure and When intersect. to more include waterthe each mechanical weathering. Write your observations or make a sketch here: 90 91 On-Site Activity-43' Geology and Cultural History
Major Concepts: Objectives: Mt. Jefferson's geologic Identify and observe seven history peaks and two towns seen The.cultural history of the from Mt. Jefferson's Mt. Jefferson area second overlook. Learning Skills: Describe the difficulty Observing and communi- explorers had cating traveling through Listening for details the Mt. Jefferson Acquiring information area. Subject Areas: Identify the first Science explorers and English Language Arts the first Social Studies permanent See Activity Summary for a Correlation with DPI settlers in the Mt. objectives in these subject Jefferson area. areas. Identify the rock for which Mt. Jefferson Location: Overlook #2 was originally named. Group Size: 30 or less Write a story about life as a boy or girl in the Time: park visit 45 minutes; Mt. Jefferson area in the quiz 30 minutes 1800s. Appropriate season: spring, summer, fall. Educator's Information: From the second overlook rior to their visit to the at the natural area, students Special Considerations: For natural area, students will listen to a talk presented safety reasons, it is critical that P by the ranger describing the teachers make sure students do should read the Introduction not lean on the rail at the over- to the Geology of Mount geologic and cultural history look area and that they do not Jefferson State Natural Area of the Mt. Jefferson area. walk out onto the rocky area in this EELE. (This could The students will locate where no rail exists. be done in the context of landmarks and mountain peaks. Materials: one of the pre-visit activities Provided by the park: in this EELE.) The educator When the students return Geology and Natural History should become familiar with to their school they will be Presentation Text in this the Geology and Cultural given a Mt. Jefferson Quiz EELE Provided by the educator: History Presentation Text which will assess how much Per student: one copy of found in this activity, and information the students Introduction to the Geology prepare students for retained from the visit. of Mount Jefferson State listening and observing. Natural Area found on pages 1.6 - 1.8 of this EELE, one copy of Mt. Jefferson Quiz
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. NC 4.3.1 9 March 1999 Instructions: Assessment: Extension: Before visiting Mt. Following the visit to Mt. 1. Ask the studehts to write Jefferson State Natural Area Jefferson, distribute the "Mt. a story about a boy or girl for the ranger's presentation, Jefferson Quiz" to each who might have lived in the review the following rules student. When they have Mt. Jefferson area in the with the students: completed the quiz, review 1800s and the experiences 1. Students must stay the answefs with the class. he or she had in a time of with the group. Answers to quiz: 1)c; 2)a; few modern conveniences. 3)d; 4)b; 5)a; 6)c; 7)b; 8)a; How would his/her lifestyle 2. Students must remain 9)a; 10)a; 11)a. be different from the quiet and listen carefully lifestyle of a teenager living during the ranger's. in this area today? presentation. They will be quizzed on what they 2. Use a transportation map learned following the trip. or other maps to locate the towns and places mentioned 3. Students must not lean in the ranger talk: Blowing on the railing at the overlook Rock, Ashe County, and they will not be Wautaga County, Alleghany permitted to go out on the County, Yadkin River, rocky area where no rail Catawba River, Brushy exists. Mountains, Winston-Salem; etc.
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Mount Jeffersontate Natural Area, NC 4.3.2 March 1999 Geology and Cultural History Presentation Text
Mt. Jefferson was named more likely reason for the a written record of it were a after our third U.S. President, original name of the small party of Moravians led Thomas Jefferson, and was mountain is a rock known as by Bishop Augustus Gottlieb established as a state park in amphibolite. This rock is Spangenberg. Bishop 1956. In 1994 the official very dark in appearance and Spangenberg and his men name of the park was covers the slopes of the were looking for a large tract changed to. Mt. Jefferson mountain. Particularly of land suitable to establish a State Natural Area. during the winter months, Moravian settlement. In late The peak of Mt. Jefferson when there are no leaves on November 1752, they were in reaches 4,683 feet above sea the trees, the mountain camp near the Catawba River level in elevation and rises appears to be almost black. where the Bishop's diary more than 1,600 feet above The rocks underlying Mt. related: the surrounding valleys. Mt. Jefferson originated from "We are in a region that Jefferson contains a number, volcanic debris and other has perhaps been seldom of rare plant species as well sediments deposited in an visited since the creation of as a heath bald a treeless ancient sea approximately the world. We are some 70 or nearly treeless area 600-800 million years ago. to 80 miles from the last unique to the southern Therefore, this mountain is settlement in North Carolina Appalachian Mountains. much, much older than any and have come over terrible Prior to 1956 the known human habitation of mountains and through mountain was known as the area. In fact, aside-from dangerous ways." "Negro Mountain," a name Native Americans, there was At this point they local legend attributes to a little or no human presence encountered a lone hunter cave or caves on the here prior to the beginning of who volunteered to guide mountain that were the American Revolutionary them across the Brushy REPORTEDLY used to hide War in the mid-1770s, Mountains to the Yadkin runaway slaves enroute merely 200+ years ago. River. It developed that he north during the pre-Civil The first persons to did not know the way and War years. In actuality, the explore this area and to leave instead of leading them
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.3.3 94 March 1999 across the smaller Brushy saw mountains to the right, France, the Bishop's party Mountains to the Yadkin, he to the left, before and behind left the mountains. In led them in a frontal assault us, rising like great waves in January, 1753 they located on the Blue Ridge at one of a storm. We put up our tent and began establishment of its most inaccessible places. but had barely finished a Moravian settlement on a They reached the top in what when there came such a 100,000 acre tract of land was to be Ashe County windstorm that we could near present-day Winston- through Blowing Rock or hardly stand against it.I Salem, North Carolina. thereabouts. think I have never felt a The first permanent On December 5, 1752 the winter wind so strong and so settlers of the Mt. Jefferson Bishop wrote in his diary: cold. The ground was area were Virginians who covered with snow; water "We have reached here came in the early 1770s and froze by the fire. Then our were mostly English, after a hard journey over verymen lost heart! What should high, terrible mountains and German and Scottish we do? Our horses would descendants. By the year cliffs. A hunter whom we die and we with them. For had taken to show us the way 1799, when Ashe County the hunters had about and who once knew the path was created, there were less concluded that we were than 3,000 inhabitants in the to the [Y]atkin, missed the across the Blue [Ridge] trail and led us into a place entire county which then Mountains and on the where there was no way out included all of present-day Mississippi watershed." except by climbing an Alleghany and Watauga Indeed the hunters were indescribably steep mountain. counties. correct they had crossed Part of the way we climbed Because of the area's the Eastern Continental remoteness and inaccessibility on hands and knees, draggingDivide. The New River near after us the loads we had to and from the rest of the Mt. Jefferson eventually taken from the backs of the state of North Carolina, the empties into the great horses, for had we not later counties of Ashe, Mississippi which flows to unsaddled them they would Alleghany and Watauga the Gulf of Mexico. have fallen backward down became known as the Lost the mountain indeed this Unable to locate a Provinces. (Ranger: Use did happen once; part of the suitable tract of land for raised relief topographical way we led the horses which settlement, and determining map to illustrate natural were trembling like a leaf. that they were on lands migration routes from When we reached the top we claimed by the country of Virginia and the "wall" to
95 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.3.4 March 1999 migration created by the Passenger service ceased in 8. Whitetop Mountain, VA Blue Ridge escarpment.) the early 1960s and today (elevation 5,344 ft.- a The population of Ashe there is little sign of the unique grassy bald and County slowly grew to original railroad except for spruce/fir forest community 20,000+ people by 1950 the remaining portions of exists here) when an out-migration the roadbed itself. In the 9. Big Phoenix Mountain- during the 1950s and 1960s 1920s an "all-weather" road (elevation 4,690 ft.) actually reduced the (Highway 16) was finally 10. Mount Rogers, VA completed from North population back to 19,000, (elevation 5,729 ft.- highest the same as it had been in Wilkesboro to Jefferson. peak in VA - spruce/fir This was the beginning of the year 1900. This out- forest community) migration occurred as numerous road building Mt. Jefferson and all of people turned away from the projects in the county. No the mountain peaks you see farming work their families longer was Ashe COunty a today were here a long, long had traditionally done to "lost province." time before the arrival of seek the more lucrative jobs (Ranger: Point out the humans. Since our arrival a big industry offered locations of the various few thousand years ago, or elsewhere. Today the landmarks and peaks at this in the case of Europeans a county population is 23,000. point.) The landmarks mere 200+ years ago, we The local Chamber of visible from this location have made a number of Commerce predicts that as are: visible changes to the native-born Ashe County 1. Jefferson (county seat landscape which we can see residents continue to move established in 1803) in almost any direction we away and retirees continue look. Our challenge in the to move into the county, the 2. West Jefferson management of state parks population will level out at (established in 1915timber is to provide for the about 24,000 within the next town) appropriate use of parks and, five years. 3. Grandfather Mountain at the same time, protect The first two reliable (elevation 5,964 ft.profile resembles an old man) them for the use and "roads" into Ashe County enjoyment of future were a railroad and a 4. Beech Mountain (elevation 5,506 ft.) generations. We believe that highway. In 1914 the the same principle extends 5. Snake Motintain, NC & Norfolk and Western to the preservation and use TN (elevation 5,574 ft.) Railroad extended its of all lands and waters Virginia-Carolina line from 6. Bluff Mountain (elevation throughout these unique Abingdon, Virginia through 5,100 ft. - protected by the mountains we call the Ashe County, including Nature Conservancy and Appalachians. West Jefferson, to Todd, contains more than 30 rare North Carolina near or endangered plant/animal Watauga County. species) Primarily a timber- 7. Pond Mountain harvesting railroad, it also (elevation 4,982 ft. provided passenger service. nearby is where NC, However, when the timber VA and TN all have supply was exhausted the a common railroad company began boundary point) closing its operations.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.3.5 9.6 March 1999 Mt. Jefferson Quiz
Circle the letter next to the correct answer for each question. 1. The elevation at the summit of Mt. Jefferson is what? a. 6,645 ft. b. 1,600 ft. c. 4,683 ft. d. 5,000 ft.
2. The prominent rock type at Mt.: Jefferson that is very dark in appearance and covers the slopes of the mountain is known as: a. amphibolite b. granite c. quartz d. gneiss
3. The rocks underlying Mt. Jefferson originated from deposits in an ancient sea approximately how many million years ago? a. 300 - 400 b. 500 - 600 c. 800 900 d. 600 - 800.
4. Who were the first persons to explore this area and to leave a written record of it? a. A group of explorers led by Christopher Columbus b. A small party of Moravians led by Bishop Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg c. A group of explorers led by Captain John Smith
5. True or False. In his diary entry on December 5, 1752, Bishop Spangenberg said that part of the way up the steep mountain they climbed on hands and knees, dragging the loads they had taken off their horses. a. True b. False
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.3.6 March 1999 6. The original group of explorers led by the bishop left the mountains and established a settlement on a tract of land near present-day:. a. Charlotte b. Asheville c. Winston-Salem d. Wilkesboro
7. Because of the-Mt. Jefferson area's remoteness and steep terrain, the later counties of Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga became known as: a. The Forbidden Land b. The Lost Provinces c. The Highlands
8. The unique grassy bald area you saw from the overlook area is known as: a. Whitetop Mountain b. Pond Mountain c. Grandfather Mountain
9. The mountain you saw from the overlook area that has a profile that resembles an old man is called: a. Grandfather Mountain b. Snake Mountain c. Bluff Mountain
10. The town you saw from the overlook that was established in 1915 as a timber town is: a. West Jefferson b. Jefferson c. Boone
11. True or False. The first permanent settlers of the Mt. Jefferson area were Virginians and were mostly English, German, and Scottish descendents. a. True b. False
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 4.3.7 March 1999 A I aI
Major Concepts: shingle, piece of fabric, Mining sheet of paper, paint can, Raw materials Christmas-tree "snow.- Uses of rocks and minerals plastic bottle, rubber band, lipstick, cold cream, Learning Skills: vitamins. Observing,classifying, inferring * You do not have to have Noting important details every object in this list for and drawing conclusions the activity to work Educator's Information: Gathering and organizing effectively. Use the objects In this activity, the students information you can conveniently locate. will learn that many of the Subject Areas: Credits: Adapted from the things we use in our daily Science "Uses of Minerals and Rocks lives come from rocks and English Language Arts Mined In North Carolina" and minerals. First the students Social Studies "Your House Comes From a will examine various See Activity Summary for Mine!" activities found in the household items, or other a Correlation with DPI North Carolina Geological objectives in these subject Survey's Mineral and Rock Kit common items provided by areas. Guide-. Facts and statistics in the teacher. They will group Student's. Information items by the primary Location: Classroom and home provided by NCGS. mineral used to create each Group Size: 30 or less Optional: Teachers can item. Note that three contact the North Carolina common minerals, found in Estimated Time: Part I 30 Geological Survery (NCGS) at Mt. Jefferson's rocks, are to 45 minutes; Part II 45 P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC used in this introductory minutes 27611-7687, (919) 733-2423 activity. Later, students will to get a free rock kit containing Appropriate Season: Any the minerals listed in the take a Geo-Scavenger Hunt materials list. list home. They will try to Materials: locate as many items as Provided by the park upon possible from the list and request: Objectives: Per class: quartz, feldspar and Use reference materials to identify the rocks or mica specimens match household objects, minerals used to create Provided by educator: or pictures of these them. The Student's Per student: Geo-Scavenger objects, to the mineral(s) Information should provide Hunt sheet students with most of the Per class:*quartz watch, used to make them. amethyst ring or necklace, Explain the importance of background information pressure gauge, camera, Earth resources in our they need to complete the eyeglasses, sandpaper, daily live worksheet and scavenger polishing compound (car hunt, but some additional wax), computer chip (or research may be required. picture of computer), calculator, sand, fertilizer, Note that mining issues are drinking glass, ceramic addressed in Post-Visit dish, soap, abrasive cleanser Activity #3. or scouring powder, roofing 99 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.1.1 March 1999 Instructions: 3. When all the items are Assessment: 1. Place pieces of quartz, placed, ask if everyone Create your own feldspar, and mica agrees with the placement. matching quiz by listing 10 (muscovite would be Move items to another products mentioned in the preferable) in three different mineral's location if good Student's Information on locations in the classroom. arguments can be made for one side of the page, and the Samples of these minerals doing so.Note that some rocks or minerals used to are available in the NC items are made from more create each one on the other Rocks Kit from NC than one mineral-- there side of the page. Can Geological Survey. Place could be more than one students'correctly match at the items listed in the correct answer. Use the least 8 items? Or, use the Materials section in a large Student's Information to worksheet found on page 16 box in the front of the room. check for accuracy and to of the North Carolina Photocopy the Student's discuss how each of the Geological Survey's Information and Geo- three minerals is used to Mineral and Rock Kit Scavenger Hunt worksheet produce specific items. Guide. for each student. 4. Give each student a copy 2. Ask students to read the of the Geo-Scavenger Hunt Student's Information, worksheet. For homework, carefully underlining or they should check off each noting important ideas. of the items they are able to Then have students come, locate in their homes. Then one at a time, to take an item referring to the Student's from the box and physically Information, they should place it next to the main choose ten items that have mineral used to create it. been checked and list the Students should do this rocks or minerals used to quickly without talking to make each item. others.
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.1.2 March 1999 Student's Information:
Tife has always depended follow procedures to reduce QUARTZ on minerals. The first environmental problems that Quartz displays piezo- life, primitive microbes, could result from mining, electricity. Pressure on a depended on minerals for such as runoff into nearby quartz crystal causes nutrients to live and grow. streams. Once the ore electrical charges to be Today, plants, animals and or rocks have produced across the people still get essential been removed crystal. An electrical nutrients-from minerals and from the earth, charge placed on the their building blocks, the mining companies crystal will cause it elements. For example, all are required to reclaim to vibrate. This animals living on land need the land. A large property makes quartz the salt to maintain the right percentage of land once main component in watches, balance of fluid in their mined has already been computer chips, transistors for bodies. Animals that have restored as wildlife habitats, radios and calculators, solar backbones or shells could public parks and housing cells, and other precision not exist developments. instruments including pressure without Our nation gauges, oscillators, resonators calcium or consumes large and wave stabilizers. the minerals amounts of Earth Because of its transparency that provide it materials, about 2.3 and ability to affect the in their diets. billion metric tons transmission of light rays, More than 3,000 annually. Each year, quartz is used to make the different minerals exist miners produce 10 metric glass in many optical on our planet. About 2,000 tons that's about a dump instruments. Examples are of them are so useful that we truck loadof rocks and camera lenses, telescope mine and process them to minerals for each person in mirrors, eyeglasses and heat- create cars, buildings, the United States! Even ray lamps. High-quality, appliances and many other though you are surrounded North Carolina quartz was essential items. An ore is a by mineral products in your used to make the mirror in the concentrated deposit of home and school, you may famous telescope at the Mt. minerals, including metallic not recognize the raw Palomar Observatory in minerals such as iron, coppermaterial from which they California. and gold, that can be mined came. For example, did you Silica sand and quartz for profit. Many ores come know that refined quartz mined in North Carolina are from underground mines, but and feldspar components are used in the manufacture of some are extracted from used in television picture glass. Refined silica sand is open pit or surface mines. In tubes? Feldspar is also also used in the glass screens North Carolina, companies used in bath tiles, abrasives of televisions and computers must apply for permits to in cleaners, and roofing and in electronic chips. mine. They must go through tiles. Let's learn more about a public review process the three common minerals Quartz is a semi-precious before mining can begin. you found in Mt. Jefferson's stone. Amethyst jewelry is Then, government officials rocks. made from purple quartz. Many ensure that mine operators other fine gem specimens of quartz found in North Carolina 101 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.1.3 March 1999 include citrine or yellow soaps; abrasive cleaners; Kaolin clay is used in the quartz, smoky or gray bond for abrasive wheels; manufacture of dinnerware, quartz, rutilated quartz cements and fine porcelain and as a paper (needle-like crystals of concretes; coating. rutile are imbedded in insulation; Furnaces used to bake the quartz), and fertilizer; bricks are lined with olivine. adventurine or green poultry grit; Olivine is used as a heat- quartz. roofing resistant liner in kilns and Ground-up quartz materials heating furnaces. Olivine is is used in industry to (shingles); and filler in mined in Yancey County. textiles and papers. create ceramics, hydraulic Peat is mixed with soil Fiberglass insulation is, cements, water filtratioh around plants and flowers. made from fused quartz and units, sandpaper, polishing Peat is also used as an feldspar. compounds and scouring insulation for packing fruits powder. It is also used as a MICA and vegetables and as a filler in cosmetics (lipstick Large, thin translucent protein additive in cattle and cold cream), food. pharmaceuticals (vitamins sheets of muscovite were Phosphate is used in plant and minerals), and rubber once used to make heat- food, fertilizers, animal (rubber bands). resistant windows in ovens, toasters, and furnaces. feed, pesticides, FELDSPAR our state, muscovite is ceramics and photographic Feldspar is mined from mined from chemicals. pegmatite and other intrusive pegmatites and igneous rocks at Spruce alaskite in Avery, Lithium is produced Pine, North Carolina in Mitchell and from spodumene. Mitchell County: North Cleveland counties. Lithium is used in Carolina provides about 70 North Carolina supersonic aircraft, percent of the world's mines produce about spacecraft, paints, feldspar. 65,000 metric tons batteries, grease, of scrap mica (ground-up lubricants and medicine. Many of the more than 70 mica) per year valued at over varieties of feldspar can be Talc is used in paints, $3.5 million. The mica is insecticides, rubber cut into gems or rounded intoused in many products beads. Varieties found in products, ceramics, paper including paints, plastics, coatings and dinner ware. North Carolina are plasterboard, wallboard joint moonstone with a pearly cement, well-drilling Pyrophyllite is used hi luster, amazonite (blue- muds, roofing, soap bleaching powders and green feldspar), and welding rods, electric insulators. The most sunstone which rubber, familiar use for both talc and displays flashes cosmetics pyrophyllite minerals is in of color. (lipstick and talcum powder. Feldspar is an, cold cream) and Brick manufacturing is important industrial cement. the third largest income mineral used in many Here are more examples producing mining industry products: glass and ceramics; of products that come from in North Carolina. Clay is pottery and enamel ware; mines in North Carolina: mined and made into bricks 102 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.1.4 March 1999 of all shapes, colors and varieties of gemstonescan large-scale gold production sizes. Bricks are also used be found in North Carolina. ended in the 1800s, gold for large buildings and in the Thousands of tourists and production continued until paving of walkways. rockhounds search for 194 New mining Some clays are gemstones in North technology has renewed made into Carolina each year. interest in commercial gold drain and North Carolina production. floor tiles. was once a major The crushed rock, said Many gold producing state. In and gravel used to build buildings, including the 1799, a 17-pound nugget roads comes from North State Capitol, are covered by was discovered in Cabarras Carolina's largest income- North Carolina dimension County. That discovery producing mining industry. stone. One of the most touched off the first true Without it, we could not popular is the Mt. Airy gold rush in the United build roads of concrete or Granite. Dimension stone is States. During the mid asphalt or construct bridges. also used to build 1800s, gold coins were Large stones, called riprap, monuments. minted at the privately are often used on steep Building stone is used to owned Bechtler Mint in slopes, in stream channels or face or veneer buildings, Rutherford County and a along shorelines to help hold walls and fireplaces. branch of the United States the soil in place, preventing Mint in Charlotte. Although erosion and sedimentation. Emeralds, rubies, garnets and more than 300 other
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.1.5 March 1999 Part II: Geo-ScavengerHunt Put a check mark next to each of theobjects you are able to locate in and around your home. Choose ten of the checked itemsand list the rocks or minerals used to make each.
Used to Build the Home: Rocks/Minerals Derived From: roofing shingles brick
wallboard . wall paper paint
door knobs, locks and hinges windows sandpaper plumbing
sinks and porcelain fixtures . . insulation ornamental flooring floor tile foundation
gravel driveway fertilizers Found in the Home: light bulb antacid tablet table salt paper clip personal computer or calculator soft drink can
pencil bug spray piece of glossy paper toothpaste baby powder piece of jewelry face powder (makeup)
104 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.1.6 MarCh 1999 Part II: Geo-Scavenger Hunt Answer Sheet
Put a check mark next to each of the objects you are able to locate in and around your home. Choose ten of the checked items and list the rocks or minerals used to make each. Used to Build the Home: Rocks/Minerals Derived From:-
roofing shingles talc, mica, quartz, feldspar , brick clays wallboard gypsum, mica wall paper clay paint pigments made from metal oxide minerals, also kaolin, limestone, talc and other fillers such as pyrophyllite door knobs, locks and hinges copper, zinc, iron (talconite) windows glass made from quartz, feldspar sandpaper ground minerals like quartz, garnet, aluminum oxide plumbing copper, zinc, steel (taconite), nickel, chrome sinks and porcelain fixtures clay, pyrophyllite insulation quartz and feldspar ornamental flooring marble or granite ' floor tile limestone, pyrophyllite, talc foundation concrete made from limestone, clay, gypsum iron, feldspar and crushed rock gravel driveway crushed rock fertilizers peat, phosphate,limestone, gypsum Found in the Home: light bulb tungston, quartz, copper antacid tablet calcium carbonate (calcite) fro_ m limestone, kaolin table salt mineral halite paper clip steel from iron ore (taconite) personal computer or calculator silicon in computer chips is made from quartz soft drink can aluminum from mineral bauxite; white paint on label from titanium dioxide pencil "lead" is mineral graphite mixed with clay bug spray pyrophyllite is used as inert "carrier" material
piece of glossy paper kaolin is used to make glossy paper , toothpaste calcium carbonate from limestone, sodium carbonate baby powder talc piece of jewelry metals, gemstones face powder (makeup) talc, mica, clays, iron oxide and titanium dioxide pigments
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.1.710 5 March 1999 A I A II
Major'Concepts: Objectives: They will accomplish this Geologic time Convert geological and by receiving a slip of paper Geologic history biological events, with an event in geologic Learning Skills: occurring millions of history described on it. Gathering, organizing and years ago, to a 24-hour They will calculate and analyzing information time clock by following a record when their event Calculating numbers and sample calculation. occurred during a special solving mathematical problems Identify and describe 24-hour cycle using the Interpreting data three important events in formula provided in the the geologic history of Student's Information. As Subject Areas: Mt. Jefferson. Science the instructor calls out each English Language Arts Use reference materials to hour on the 24-Hour Mathematics identify the period or Geologic Clock, the student See Activity Summary for epoch for a given event in with an event occurring at a Correlation with DPI geologic time. objectives in these subject that time will stand up and areas. Educator's Information: announce to the class what Location: Classroom their event was and when it n this activity, student's occurred in' real' time. Group Size: 20 - 30 students Iwill be introduced to They will then post their Estimated Time: One class geologic time (as scientists event in the appropriate period see it) and get a quick location on the geologic Materials: review of various events that clock. Provided by the educator: have occurred since the Per Class: Geologic Clock Earth formed. Illustration, Geologic Events Cards Per Student: Student's Information, Geologic Time Illustration, Geologic Clock Worksheet, pencil, calculator (optional)
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. NC March 1999 Instructions: Cards. Following the When the teacher calls out 1. Using the 24-Hour sample calculation in the the time of their event, they Geologic Clock as your Student's Information, they should stand up and model, create a giant clock should be able to calculate announce it. All the other on a poster or as a bulletin the compressed time for, students should enter this board dispay. each event. event on their charts. 2. Cut out and laminate each 5. For further study of Assessment: of the Geologic Events geologic time with older Ask the students to Cards. students: Assign an event or identify three geologic geologic time period to each 3. Use the Student's events that are especially student. Ask the students to Information to assist you in important for Mt. Jefferson. use the information provided explaining how to convert in the Geologic Time Answer: 1) 800 million an event in geologic time to Reference Section, along years old the original the 24-hour geologic time with reference materials in rocks (sedimentary & clock. Provide further the school library, to write a igneous rocks) were laid guided practice as needed. report on their event or time down in the Iapetus Sea, an 4a. Younger students: period. You might also use ancient ocean; 2) 500 Provide a geologic event the 24-Hour Geologic Clock million years ago card for each student, or illustration as a worksheet mountain building begins each team of two students. that students can label with (Appalachian Mountains); The students should follow the geologic time periods. the parent rocks are the sample calculation given Note: Students should first metamorphosed to create the in the Student's Information find the beginning and rocks we see on Mt. to convert their event to ending times for each of the Jefferson today; 3) After 220 compressed time on the periods in the Geologic million years ago special geologic clock. Time Reference Section. mountain building period is They should write their time Then they should convert over and erosion and on the Geologic Clock these times to compressed weathering dominate the Worksheet under the column time in order to mark the geological scene at Mt. labelled "Compressed Time" appropriate lengths of each Jefferson. next to their assigned event. period on the 24-Hour Ask the students to list When you call out their time Geologic Clock. three other geologic events on the 24-hour geologic that have occurred since the clock, each student or team Modification: Earth formed. should stand up and If you want to avoid the Extension: announce their event and calculations and focus merely tape the event card to the on sequencing of geological Using reference books, clock illustration on the events, use the Geologic encyclopedias, field guides, board. Students should fill Events Cards and the etc., search for other Earth in the worksheet as their Geologic Clock Modified history events not listed on classmates stand up to Version of the worksheet. the Geologic Events Cards announce each event. Students should find the and include them on the 24- 4b. Older students: Provide "approximate real time" givenHour Geologic Clock. older students with the. on their geological event card, worksheet; they will not then write their event in the need the Geologic Events -proper place on the chart.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.2 107 March 1999 Student's Information
Using Your Geologic Clock Geologists think the Earth is about 4.5 billion years old. Or, anotherway to say that is 4,500 million years old. However you say it, that's old! In this activityyou will compress or squeeze 4.5 billion years of geologic time into a 24-hour cycle. Pretend that the Earth formed at midnight (the beginning of the 24-hour cycle) and that the following midnight represents today, right now. On this scale, one second equals 52,083 years; one minute equals 3,125,000 years; and one hour equals 187,500,000 years, or 187.5 million years. Your teacher will give you a card or slip of paper with an event in geologic history. Example: Cockroaches appeared (in the fossil record) approximately 320 millionyears ago 320,000,000. Calculate when your event occurred during our special 24-hour cycle. Sample calculation: 1. Remember that one hour = 187.5 million years on our scale. Usea calculator to divide the actual years given on your Geologic Event card by 187.5 millionyears. Example: 320 = 187.5 = 1.71 hours 2. To find your time on the 24-hour Geologic Clock, subtract the number of hours instep #1 from 24 hours. Example: 24.001.71 = 22.29 hours 3. Round the number from step #2 to the nearest tenth ofan hour. Example: 22.29 = 22.3 4. Look at the conversion chart on this page to convert the tenth ofan hour to minutes. Example: .3 of an hour = 18 minutes 5. Now round your time off to the nearest 5 minutes, be it forwardor back Example: 22 hours and 18 minutes becomes 22 hours and 20 minutes 6. Change from military time to regular time. Example: 22 hours = 10 p.m., so 22 hours and 20 minutes= 10:20 p.m.
When the leader calls out your time, stand up andannounce your event. Example: When the clock says 22:20 p.m., you stand up and say something like, "22:20 hoursmilitary time or 10:20 p.m. Cockroaches appeared; in 'real' time that was 320 millionyears ago." Tape your slip of paper on the clock at 22:20 hours.
Conversion Chart: .1 of an hour = 6 minutes .6 of an hour.= 36 minutes.
.2 of an hour = 12 minutes .7 of an hour = 42. minutes .3 of an hour = 18 minutes .8 of an hour = 48 minutes .4 of an hour = 24 minutes .9 of an hour = 54 minutes
.5 of an hour = 30 minutes .99 of an hour = 59 minutes
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.310R March 1999 Geologic Events Cards
The earliest life forms (bacteria) Hi-d-shelled sea creatures (such as the appeared in the fossil 'record about 3,300 trilobites & horseshoe crabs) appeared in the million years ago. fossil record about 550 million years ago. 3,300,000,000 550,000,000
Mountain building begins in North Carolina about 500 million years ago when the crustal Blue-green algae appeared in the fossil plate carrying Africa moved toward the plate record around 2,600 million years ago. carrying North America; dinoflagellates Photosynthesis began on planet Earth! appear 2,600,000,000 500,000,000 L Earliest known fossils of fish date back to Oldest known rock in North Carolina about 450 million years ago. dates back to 1,800 million years ago. 450,000,000 1,800,000,000
L -I Eucaryotic cells (cells with distinct FirSt land plants (mosses) and land animals nuclei) appeared in the fossil record about 1,600 million years ago. Up until (millipedes) appeared in the fossil record about 400 million years ago. this time, -all the cells were procaryotic cells .(bacteria and blue-green algae) 400,000,000 1,600,000,000 L Earliest multi-cellular organisms appeared Amphibians appeared in the fossil record 800 million years ago (fossils of worm about 400 million years ago. tracks). This is also the time when parent 400,000,000 rocks of today's Mt. Jefferson rocks were deposited in an ancient ocean basin. 800,000,000 L Soft-bodied sea creatures (jellyfish and Early reptiles and flying insects appeared in corals) appeared in the fossil record fossil record about 300 million years ago. about 700 million years ago. 300,000,000 700,000,000
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.4 March 1999 Geologic Events Cards continued
Dinosaurs appeared on Earth about 250 Early primates appeared in the fossil million years ago. record about 65 million'years ago. 250,000,000 65,000,000
1 1 The Atlantic Ocean formed about 220 The dinosaurs became extinct about 65 million years ago when the crustal plates million years ago. (Boo hoo) carrying North America and Africa moved 65,000,000 apart. Rippp! Weathering and erosion become the dominant forces acting on Mt. Jefferson rocks. 220,000,000
Small, marsupial mammals (vertebrates with The earliest known whales appeared in hair and pouches like opossums) appeared the fossil record about 38 million years about 220 million years ago. ago. 220,000,000 38,000,000
The earliest birds got the worms (ha, ha) and Humans arrived about 1 million years appeared 195 million years ago in the fossil ago or less. record.. 1,000,000 195,000,000 Note: Please round this "time" off to the nearest minute rather than the nearest 5 minutes. Hint: Use conversion chart provided BUT don't round off (skip Step 5 in steps in sample calculation. L
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.5 March 1999 Geologic Clock Worksheet
Compressed Event Approximate Time Real Time 12:00 Midnight - The Earth is born 4,500 million years ago "day" begins Earliest life forms appear-(bacteria) 3,300 million years ago Blue-green algae appear & 2,600 million years ago photosynthesis begins 12:00 p.m. (noon) Nothing big happening here 2,250 million years ago Oldest known rock in North Carolina 1,800 million yearg ago dates back to this time Eucaryotic cells appear (cells with 1,600 million years ago distinct nuclei) Earliest multicellular organisms 800 million years ago (fossils of worm tracks); Mt. Jefferson's parent rocks deposited in ancient sea Soft-bodied sea creatures appear 700 million years ago Hard-shelled sea creatures appear 550 million years ago Mountain building begins in NC when 500 million years ago Africa moves toward N. America ; dinoflagellates appear
Fishes 'appear -450 million years ago First land plants and animals appear; 400 million years ago earliest amphibians 10:20 p.m. Cockroaches Appear gross! 320 million years ago Early reptiles and flying insects appear300 million years ago Dinosaurs appear 250 million years ago _Atlantic Ocean forms;-weathering and 220 million years ago
erosion occur; small, marsupial _ mammals appear Birds appear 195 million years ago Early primates appear; dinosaurs 65 million years ago become extinct Earliest known whales 38 million years ago Humans arrive seconds before 1 million years ago or less * round to nearest minutemidnight _ 12:00 Midnight Today, like RIGHT NOW 00:00:00 "day" ends 1 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.6 March 1999 Geolooicit. Clock Answer Sheet Compressed Event Approximate - Time Real Time 12:00 Midnight - The Earth is born 4,500 million years ago "day" begins 6:25 a.m. Earliest life forms appear (bacteria) 3,300 million years ago 10:05 a.m. Blue-green algae appear & 2,600 million years ago
photosynthesis begins . 12:00 p.m. (noon) Nothing big happening here 2,250 million years ago 2:25 p.m. Oldest known rock in North Carolina 1,800,million years ago dates back to this time 3:30 p.m. Eucaryotic cells appear (cells with 1,600 million years ago distinct nuclei) 7:40 p.m. Earliest multicellular organisms 800 million years ago (fossils of worm tracks); Mt. Jefferson's parent rocks deposited in ancient sea 8:20 p.m. Soft-bodied sea creatures appear 700 million years ago 9:05 p.m. Hard-shelled sea creatures appear 550 million years ago 9:20 p.m. , Mountain building begins in NC when 500 million years ago Africa moves toward North America; dinoflagellates appear 9:35 p.m. Fishes appear 450 million years ago 9:55 p.m. First land plants and animals appear; 400 million years ago earliest amphibians
10:20 p.m. Cockroaches Appear gross! 320 milliori years ago . 10:25 p.m. Early reptiles and flying insects appear300 million years ago 10:40 p.m. Dinosaurs appear 250 million years ago 10:50 p.m: Atlantic Ocean forms; weathering and 220 million years ago erosion occur; small, marsupial mammals appear- 11:00 p.m. Birds appear 195 million years ago 11:40 p.m. Early primates appear; dinosaurs 65 million years.ago become extinct 11:50 p.m. Earliest known whales 38 million years ago 11:59 p.m. Humans arrive seconds before 1 million years ago or less * round to nearest minutemidnight 12:00 Midnight - Today, like RIGHT NOW 00:00:00 "d" ends
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.7 March 1999 112. 24-Hour Geologic Clock
24..m. midnight ,-
23,. 13p.m. 1.2p.m. noon 11a m 1a.m.'
5a:m. 6a.m.- 19 17p.m.
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
113 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.8 March 1999 Geologic Clock Modified Version
Compressed Event Approximate Time Real Time 12:00 Midnight - The Earth is born 4,500 million years ago "day" begins 6:25 a.m. 3,300 million years ago 10:05 a.m. 2,600 million years ago
12:00 p.m. (noon) Nothing big happening here 2,250 million years ago 2:25 p.m. 1,800 million years ago
3:30 p.m. 1,600 million years ago
7:40 p.m. 800 million years ago
8:20 p.m. 700 milliop years ago , 9:05 p.m. 550 million years ago
9:20 p.m. , 500 million years ago-
9:35 p.m. 450'million years ago 9:55 p.m. 400 million years ago
10:20 p.m. Cockroaches Appear gross! 320 million years ago 10:25 p.m. .. 300 million years ago 10:40 p.m. 250 million years ago 10:50 p.m. 220 million years ago
11:00 p.m. 195 million years ago 11:40 p.m. 65 million years ago
11:50 p.m. 38 million years ago 11:59 p.m. 1 million years ago or less * round to nearest minute 12:00 Midnight - Today, like RIGHT NOW 00:00:00 "d" ends
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.9 Maich.1999 1 1 4 $ I I Epochs Holocene Quaternary Pleistocene Cenozoic 65present Pliocene 1.8 Miocene, Tertiary 265 65 -2 Olt ocene
Eocene 5437.5 Palaeocene 6554 Mesozoic \i0 22565 li -/,' , .,,. Cretaceous 13665
Jurassic 190136
Triassic 225190 Permian Paleozoic 280225 570225 Pennsylvanian 325280
: 0 Cambrian 570500 Figures indicate recarnbriEon millions of years ago 1.15 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.10 March 1999 Time is an extremely continents. The very first, mass extinction of 75% of all important concept in geology. extremely simple forms of life the trilobite families, 50% of Geologic time includes all the started to evolve about 3.4 the sponge families and many, time that has occurred since billion years ago. Life on Earthof the brachiopods and the formation of the Earthan began as simple, one-celled gastropods. No one knows estimated 4.5 billion years ago.organisms, like blue-green what caused this extinction. These 4.5 billion years have algae. This algae used carbon been broken down into dioxide and sunlight as energy Ordovician Period different eons, eras, periods sources. However, its waste and epochs based on the life product, oxygen, enabled the 500 to 430 million years ago forms that were inhabiting the evolution of more complex life. A few very primitive plants Earth at the time. All of time Sponges, soft corals, jellyfish evolved to live on land during is divided into two eons: and annelid worms also this period. However, most Precambrian and Phanerozoic. -evolved during the life forms were still evolving The Precambrian Eon lasted Precambrian Eon. in the oceans. Bivalves, like from the formation of the clams and oysters, developed Earth until the time when Phanerozoic Eon during the Ordovician Period, fossils became abundant in the along with most of the other rocks. The Phanerozoic Eon 570 million years ago to the invertebrate (without a present has been divided into three , backbone) animals. Starfish, eras. Each of the eras is further brittle stars, hard corals and subdivided into periods. Each Paleozoic Era crinoids were some of these invertebrates. Very primitive, of the periods is further "Age of Ancient Life" subdivided into epochs. Each jawless fishes also developed of the units of geologic time is 570 million to 225 million during this period. Fish are characterized by different years ago one kind of vertebrate, or environmental conditions and animal with a backbone. specific kinds of life that Cambrian Period There was a mass extinction at the end of this period. Many flourished. Often, the 570 to 500 million years ago boundaries between the geologic of the remaining trilobites and time periods was marked by This period marks the first some of the sponges and early mass extinctions. Scientists are appearance of fossil shells. fish went extinct. using records that am preserved- The most common shelled in rocks to put together a animal of this time was the Silurian Period history of our planet. trilobite. Trilobites were probably scavengers on the 430 to 395 million years ago floor of the ocean. All life This period is marked by Precanibrian Eon lived in the ocean during this the development of extensive 4.5 billion years ago to 570 period, because the Earth's coral reefs. No new major million years ago atmosphere had not yet forms of life developed This is the longest division developed to protect the land during this period. All of the of Earth's history, representing from the ultraviolet radiation oflife that had already evolved about 87% of the 4.5 billion the sun. Along with the continued to flourish with the years that the Earth has trilobites, there were sponges, exception of the trilobite existed. The rocks laid down brachiopods and gastropods which continued to become during the Precambrian Eon (one-shelled mollusks like rarer. There may have been form the cores of today's whelks). At the end of the millipedes and scorpions Cambrian Period, there was a beginning to live on the land. 11.6 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.11 March 1999 Devonian Period marine species declined. Triassic Period, there was very 395 to 345 million years ago However, the first insects and little 'marine life left after the This period is called the Agereptiles evolved. In fact, the mass extinction that ended the largest insect that ever lived, a of Fishes because the early, Permian Period. The first primitive forms of fish really dragonfly with a wingspan modern corals developed. The of 29 inches lived during this multiplied and diversified. entire Mesozoic Era is known Sharks, rays and bony fishes time. Most of the land was as the Age of Reptiles because developed during this period. covered with swampy forests. the reptiles developed to One was the giant, 30 foot longConifers first developed dominate the air, land and sea. during the Pennsylvanian fish called the Dunkleosteus. The first dinosaurs appeared It did not have any teeth, but Period. near the end of the Triassic. the bones in its jaw were as These dinosaurs were the sharp as knives. Other Permian Period: .saurichians which walked on two feet and had stabbing invertebrates began to live in 280 to 225 million years ago fresh water during this period. teeth. Crocodiles also The first amphibians, animals During the 55 million years appeared in the end of of the Permian Period, the that live part of their life in the Triassic Period. Lizards, water and part on land, marine invertebrates turtles and marine reptiles, like evolved. The first forests, with specialized into many different the plesiosaurs, also evolved in giant horsetails and tree ferns, forms. The ginkgo tree first the Triassic. Finally, the first were formed during the appeared. Reptiles and mammal, a small mouse-like Devonian Period. The first amphibians continued to animal that ate insects, seed-bearing plants also develop. One of the most evolved. The Triassic ended , evolved then. Mass extinction important groups of reptiles with a mass extinction in marked the end of this period. from this period was the which 25% of all species went About 25% of all species went pelycosaurs. They had tall, extinct. extinct. sail-like projections from their backs that were supported by Jurassic Period: Mississippian Period: spines out of their backbone. 345 to 325 million years ago The pelycosaur probably used 190 to 136 million years ago During this period almost allits sail to help heat and cool Oysters, crabs, lobsters, sea of North America was covered its body. The pelycosaurs urchins and shrimps developed by oceans. Crinoids, feather were the ancient forerunners in the oceans. The stars and sea lilies flourished inof mammals. The Permian stegosaurous and the the oceans during this period. Period ended with the most pterosaurs, flying reptiles, The trilobites continued to severe of all mass extinctions appeared during this time. The decline. 96% of all species were lost. mammals were still quite small, but more diverse. The Mesozoic Era: Jurassic Period marks the Pennsylvanian Period: evolution of the first bird. "Time of Middle Life" Insects continued to become 325 to 280 million years ago 225 to 65 million years ago more diverse. The 45 million years of the Pennsylvanian period were a time of mountain building and Triassic Period: the loss of many of the shallow 225 to 193 million years ago seas. As a result, many of the At the beginning of the 11 7 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.12 March 1999 Cretaceous Period: the period. Along with the the ancestors of humans, 136 to 65 million years ago development of hoofed evolved during the Pliocene. _mammals, rodents' and The mammals that had evolved The Cretaceous Period squirrel-like primates on land, during the other epochs was one of the longest periods, sharks were very abundant in continued to lasting 70 million years. Much the oceans. multiply and spread throughout of the land was covered by the Earth. shallow seas. Pterosaurs, the Eocene Epoch: flying reptiles, became more 54 to 38 million years ago Quaternary Period: specialized. Soine of the Eocene means the dawn of 2 million years ago to .the Cretaceous Period dinosaurs recent life. Mammals present include tyrannosaurs, continued to diversify giving ankylosaurs and the duck- Pleistocene Epoch: rise to whales, sea cows, bats, billed dinosaurs. Flowering 2 million to 10,000 years ago early horses, tapirs and plants, bees and butterflies rhinoceroses. There were at least four also evolved during this time. glacial advances during the The end of the Cretaceous Oligocene Epoch: Pleistocene Epoch, or Ice Period was also the end of the 38 to 26 million years ago Ages. Most notably during this Mesozoic Era and was marked Oligocene means "few epoch, Homo sapiens, or by a mass extinction, second recent (kin& of life)." Dogs, humans, evolvedprobably in. only to the extinction that rats, camels, cats and pigs all Africa. During the Ice Ages, marked the end of the Permian multiplied during this time. wooly mammoths, mastodons Period. All of the dinosaurs Sloths, armadillos and guinea and wooly rhinoceroses were went extinct, along with pigs also evolved. common. During the warmer marine reptiles, pterosaurs, periods, giant ground sloths, many corals, sponges and otherMiocene Epoch: saber-toothed cats, lions, wolves, marine invertebrates. 26 to 5 million years ago bison, camels, cattle and horses The "less recent" epoch were common. Many of the Cenozoic Era: lasted for 19 million years. large mammals went extinct at the end of this epoch. Some "Time of Recent Life" Saber-toothed cats, elephants, apes, monkeys, giraffes and scientists think that it may have 65 million years to present cattle are some of the been due to hunting by the early mammals that evolved and humans, but no one knows for Tertiary Period: multiplied during this epoch. sure. 65 to 2 million years ago Holocene Epoch: Paleocene Epoch: 10,000 years ago to the present 65 to 54 million years ago. The climate of the present epoch is much warmer than Much more dry land was the climate of the Ice Ages. exposed as the seas dried up Humans are playing a greater during the Paleocene or "old role in causing extinctions, recent life" epoch. The entire particularly in the rain forest,. Tertiary Period is known as thePliocene Epoch: regions of the world. Some Age of Mammals because of 5 to 2 million years ago scientists feel that another ice the development of many The vegetation of the age will likely start within a few different kinds of mammals Pliocene was much like thousand years. during the 63 million years of today's. Australopithecines, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.2.13 1 3 March 1999 Post-Visit Activity 43 honing it Out Major Concepts: Mining Environmental issues Conservation of natural resources Learning Skills: Predicting, communicating, inferring Participating effectively in groups, problem-solving Using language for personal response Evaluating the accuracy and value of information and ideas Subject Areas: Science English Language Arts Social Studies See Activity Summary for a Correlation with DPI objectives in these subject areas. Objectives: Location: Classroom Educator's Information: Write an essay supporting In this activity, students Group Size: 30 students, or opposing a proposed will explore many class size mining operation near a viewpoints surrounding a state natural area. Provideproposed mining operation Time: 90 minutes (at least two at least three logical 45-minute periods over a two near a state natural area. or three day period would be reasons to support the Each student will choose, or preferable) position. be assigned, a viewpoint to Listen critically to oral represent. The purpose of Appropriate season: Any presentations and write this activity is to help Materials: notes of key points. students become aware of Provided by educator: Demonstrate a willingness environmental issues Per student: one copy of the to acknowledge other related to Earth resources, Student's Information, Map points of view and work appreciate different points of of Black Ridge State Natural toward a group solution to Area. Unusual Plant & view, and develop skills in Animal Species of. Black a natural resources issue. problem solving. Ridge, Iron Ore Fact Sheet A scenario is provided and a Possible Arguments page that either supports or that centers on an imaginary opposes the mining project state natural area in a fictitious state. Students are asked to pretend that Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3.1 119 March 1999 geological engineers have Depending on public supporting viewpoints. determined an economical- interest in the proposed Assign, or ask them to choose -way to extract iron from project and the potential a viewpoint from their sheet amphibolite the environmental impacts, and write an essay explaining metamorphic rock which DENR may schedule and this position. This could also they studied during their conduct a public hearing. At be done in 'the form of a letter field trip to Mt. Jefferson. the hearing, private citizens to the State Mining Board. This imaginary extraction and groups may present Each student should have at technology makes the rocky their views and learn more least three key points to back outcrops surrounding the about the proposed mining up their argument. If desired state natural area a very project. DENR staff give students time to research' valuable commodity. A evaluates the technical their viewpoint, their interest fictitious mining company is issues concerning the project group, or more about mining buying the land surrounding as well as the public operations in general. the state natural area in ordercomments provided, then 3. Ask several students on to mine the amphibolite in makes a recommendation to each side of the debate to the future. the Director of DENR's read their essays or letters to The process for citizen Division of Land Resources. the class. The students participation in a mining The Director ultimately should make notes of the key issue presented in this makes the final decision on points presented. Then, as a activity roughly parallels the the application. If mining is class or in small groups, process followed in North allowed, the company is brainstorm solutions to the Carolina. The North given a permit that details problem; the goal should be Carolina Department of the procedures and to list as many solutions as Environment and Natural precautions they must possible.' Next, have -students Resources' (DENR) receives follow to minimize suggest criteria that could be and reviews applications environmental impacts from used to evaluate the solutions. from individuals and the project. Finally, use the criteria to companies that would like to Instructions: rank the solutions. If this is conduct mining activities done in small groups, ask here. (The actual agency 1. Give each student a copy each group to report on its within DENR that is of the Student's Information, top-ranked solutions. responsible for this review is Map of Black Ridge State Discuss ways that the Land Quality Section of Natural Area, Unusual Plant environmental issues are the Division of Land & Animal Species of Black resolved in a democratic Resources.) The applicant Ridge, and Iron Ore Fact society. must notify adjacent Sheet. Discuss the proposed mining project near Black Explain to the students landowners, local how the process for citizen government officials, and Ridge State Natural Area. List pros and.cons of the participation in a mining other interested parties that issue actually works in North it has filed a mining permit mining project on the chalk- board or overhead. Also, list Carolina. See the Educator's application with DENR. All Information in this activity parties have 30 days to all possible stakeholders in this issue. for a simple explanation. See prepare written comments also the Reference Section and request a public hearing 2. Divide the class in half; for more resources. in the application. give one half the opposing viewpoints and the other, the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3.2 120 March 1999 _Assessment: Modification: Extention: Have each student write a Do this activity as a Have students do research second essay representing a simulated public hearing on a real environmental issue different viewpoint. For where student teams are in their state or county. example, if the student's assigned interest groups to Identify alll the interest groups first essay was opposed to represent at the hearing. Each and their positions. Who the mining project, their team should orally present its made the final decision on second essay, should be-in position to a group of students how the issue was to be support of the project. role playing the State Mining resolved? What agency-or Board. After listening to-all group of people carried out the interest groups, the,State the solution? What was the Mining Board should make a outcome? recommendation, explaining their reasons to the class. 121 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3.3 March 1999 Geologists and the iron-extracting process, many of the rocky cliffs on mining industry have known wants to mine the the north side of Black for years about the large amphibolite. It has already Ridge and disturb land outcrops of amphibolite that purchased 250 acres of land where large populations of give Black Ridge its name. adjacent to the park along Bigtooth Aspen are currently Amphibolite is a black the northern slopes of Black growing near Looking Rock. metamorphic rock Ridge and has applied for a (See map on following composed of hornblende (or mining permit with the State page.) another amphibole mineral) Mining Board. The State Mining Board and plagioclase (a feldspar The land now owned by has set up a public hearing mineral). The hornblende is Smith Mining is the same to listen to all sides of the an iron-bearing'silicate land that the State Parks issue. They will decide mineral that gives the Department was hoping to whether the mining amphibolite its dark color. buy to enlarge the Black company should be allowed Although amphibolite is Ridge State Natural Area. to mine so close to a state rich in iron, the mining Currently, only the higher natural area. If they allow companies believed that it elevations of Black Ridge the mining activity, they will was too difficult and too are within the state naiural outline, in a permit, what expensive to extract the iron area. The State Parks types of mining activities from the rock. However, in Department wants to protect are allowed or not allowed. this activity, we will pretend rare plant populations and If they decide against the that geologists, chemists, valuable wildlife habitat mining- activity, state and mineral processing that extend outside the geologists may help engineers have developed a current boundaries of the determine a fair price for the new, economical extraction natural area. Their goal is to land if the state process. This new process have the entire ridge set legislature should agree to allows mining companies to aside as a nature preserve. purchase the 250-acre tract. mine the amphibolite aid The proposed mining extract the iron at a profit. operation would certainly The large outcrops of create jobs and bring a great amphibolite that underlie deal of money to rural most of Black Ridge have Black Ridge County. now become a very valuable However, the open-pit commodity! mining would eliminate In this simulation, Smith Mining Company, which pioneered the imaginary 122 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3.4 March-1999 Black Ridge State Natural Area Map r,777.r°- Py 100' Buffer . Around Mining Area ,o; Overlook OVerlook S.R. 1177 1"-1250' MIN NM ISM M1111111=11111=111 0250 750 1250 Map provided by Martin Marietta Aggregates, Raleigh, NC MOunt Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3.5 12j' March 1999 Unusual Plant & Animal Species of Black Ridge Land use in and around Black Ridge State Natural Area is very important because it affects the plants and animals living in the natural area. Listed below are some unusual or special species living within the natural area. American Chestnut Castanea dentata The chestnut blight (caused Ruffed Grouse by a fungus, Endothia Bonasa umbellus parasitica) practically destroyed the American The ruffed grouse, a chestnut throughout its range. thicken-like bird with a fan- The blight was accidentally shaped tail, lives in brushy introduced in 1904 and within woodlands. The male a few decades covered the announces his territory and entire range of the chestnut. attracts a mate in an unusual The trees were fast-growing, way. Bracing his tail against a long-lived and sprouted Bigtooth Aspen fallen log, he makes a series ofprofusely from the stump strong wing beats to create a when cut. During the past 70 Populus grandidentata. loud drumming noise. years, many of the old stumps Bigtooth aspen, a tree During the winter, the repeatedly have grown species found primarily from ruffed grouse grows sprouts. West Virginia northward, "snowshoes" tiny, scaly At Black Ridge and other exists on the northerly slopes projections grow out from the areas within its native range, of Black Ridge. This small sides of each toe that help the the sprouts grow to 15 or 20 to medium-sized tree has grouse walk in deep snow. feet and produce a few fruits, large leaves and flattened During the spring, the but the blight kills the sprouts leafstalks. It is found in only grouse nests on the ground, repeatedly. It is hoped the one other location and is on making it vulnerable to species eventually may the watch list of the state's predators like cats and dogs. become immune to-the blight. Plant Conservation Program. Black Ridge Natural Area However, most pathologists provides a protected nesting believe the chestnut is habitat for this species, as well doomed and that the only as plenty of food (nuts, berries hope is to produce resistant and seeds). hybrids. 124 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3.6 March 1999 A a I Fir Clubmoss Lycopodium Selago Fir clubmoss has a status of significantly rare with the state's Natural Resources Program. It was reported at Black Ridge State Natural Area in 1991 near the upper overlook. Currently, the fir Common Raven clubmoss is known from Corvus corax only 10 mountain counties in the state. This native bird is listed as significantly rare with the state's Natural Resources. Program. Nesting sites are uncommon due to a lack of Rusty Cliff Fern remoteness and privacy Woodsia ilvensis which the ravens seem to require, but ravens are Rusty cliff fern is frequently seen in Black considered significantly rare Ridge State Natural Area. with the state's Natural Potential breeding habitat Resources Program. It is exists on the rock cliffs on currently known in only two the north side of Black counties in the state. At Ridge. However, nesting hasBlack Ridge, it lives in the Cooper's. Hawk crevices of amphibolite. not been confirmed in at least 4ccipithr cooperii 10 years. This species is susceptible to This short-winged, long- Because many of the othervisitor trampling at Black tailed hawk is listed as ridges in the area are Ridge. Special Concern with the becoming developed, state's Natural Resources biologists feel that Black Program. Cooper's hawks Ridge State Natural Area is are frequently observed at key to the raven's survival in Black Ridge. There are no the future. 125 confirmed sightings of nests. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3.7 March 1999 Iron Ore Fact Sheet Iron ore is a commodity top of the pool of iron and is hammers. From there it can be essential to life as we know it in drained off. Then the slag is used to make an endless array the United States. Why? poured into huge containers that of steel products. Because iron is a metal used to are carried on railroad cars. Try to imagine a world make magnets, auto parts, Some of the slag is used as without iron and steel. There cement, fireworks, paints, inks, aggregate in making concrete would be no steel railroad tracks plastics, cosmetics like eye and asphalt and in the or airplanes to transport goods shadow, artist colors and manufacture of glass, mineral and people, no steel appliances to pigments, polishing compounds, wool, and roofing materials. make our lives easier, and no inks and medicines. In addition, Other uses include using slag as steel cans to keep our foods we need iron in our bodies to a backfill, for soil conditioning, fresh. We wouldn't be able to keep our blood healthy and red. and sewage treatment. Of the build skyscrapers without the The biggest reason it so essential,estimated 10 to 15 million steel beams that support them, however, is because iron ore is metric tons of slag generated and our cars would be lack the used to make steel. Steel is yearly in the United States, strength and security provided by necessary for our civilization about 12 million metric tons steel frames. Think of all the to exist. are used yearly in these tools and machines that are Ninety-nine percent of the various applications. The rest made of steel. How would we iron ore mined in the United is discarded. manage without steel? There States is sold to the steel The hot, liquid iron that forms are no suitable substitutes for industry. Steel is an iron-base at the bottom of the furnace is steel in today's world. alloy containing up to about 2 rich in carbon. It then goes to a In 1997, the iron and steel percent carbon. Carbon is a different furnace where it is kept industry and ferrous foundries in chemical element common in hot. The heat in this furnace the United States produced $75 coal and organic materials. removes much of the carbon billion worth of goods. Ninety- Factories that convert iron to from the iron, and the iron turns two companies operating' 126 steel are called steel mills. At the into steel. Some steel is made steel mills across the county mills, workers mix coke, a fuel in an electric furnace. Other produced approximately 122 made by heating coal in large steel is made in a furnace that million tons of raw steel. At all ovens, with iron ore in a large is heated with oxygen. of these operations, furnace furnace. Then themorkers add The liquid steel is then poured gases are treated in order to limestone to the mix. Very hot into molds to cool. Blocks of meet air pollution standards. air is blasted into the bottom of molded steel are called ingots. World resources of iron ore the furnace. This hot air makes Ingots are used to make steel are estimated to exceed 800 the coke bum. Inside the furnace,slabs. First, the ingots must be billion tons of crude ore the temperature rises above 3,000heated again. Then special containing more than 230 billion degrees Fahrenheit (1,600 machines with. rollers flatten tons or iron. U.S. resources are degrees Celsius). The burning the steel into slabs. estimated to be about 110 billion coke melts the iron ore. A pool Liquid steel may also be tons of ore containing about 27 of hot, liquid iron forms at the shaped into long bars called billion tons of iron. If we don't bottom of the furnace. Impuritiesblooms. Hot blooms and slabs produce the iron we need here in within the ore melt and combine are cut into pieces with torches. the United States,we will have to with the limestone. This mixture Steel is then rolled into thin import it from other countries is called slag. The slag floats on sheets or shaped with powerful an expensive proposition. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3.8 126 March 1999 Some Possible Arguments for Supporting the Mining Project Smith Mining Company If you are allowed to mine the amphibolite, you could hire more employees and thus lower unemployment in the county. Also, the more money your company makes, the more taxes they pay. This would surely help the local economy. You will take every reasonable measure to protect the environment, as required by law. However, there would be some effects. You will have to blast the rock, cut it into smaller blocks, and transport it with heavy equipment to your nearby iron extraction plant. This plant will be located alongthe Rolling Ridge River and will require large volumes of water as part of the extraction process. You will have the latest technology to reduce air and water pollution that might result from this process. You have read the master plan for the Black Ridge State Natural Area. You know that the state would like to add more land to eventually include the entire Black Ridge in the natural area. You might be willing to sell the land to the state very cheaply after you removethe amphibolite. An old quarry is not just a hole in'the ground. It could be an interesting place for people to visit and it may even have recreational value as a swimming area. In your reclamation plan, you could also include replacement of rare plants like the fir clubmoss. Strong Steel Mill Yciu are eager to work with the Smith Mining Company to purchase the iron ore extracted from the amphibolite in the Black Ridge at a much lower cost than you have previously paid for iron. Your mill, located in a neighhboring state on the Rolling Ridge River, will convert the iron to steel. This steel will be used in making cars, appliances, buildings, cans, tools, farm and factory machinery, pipes, shovels, and more. Your company has always stayed below the air and water pollutant discharge limits outlined in your federal and state discharge permits. Chamber of Commerce You support this project, with some reservations. Your mission is to bring business and industry to Black Ridge County to create new jobs and provide the county with extra tax money. This project sounds as if it could create lots of new jobs and help your rural economy to grow. You are also a little worried about the project's effect on the state natural area. Some of the income in the county comes from tourists visiting the park. If the view from Looking Rock is destroyed as a result of the mining this could discourage tourists, therefore, some local businesses may suffer. Real Estate Development Company You are eager to begin construction of a new housing development in Black Ridge County so all of the new employees hired as a result of the local mining operation will have places to live. You think it is possible to minimize the impacts of mining and development. Besides, the loss of one or two unusual plants or animals is a small price to pay for progress. Millions of plant and animal species have become extinct throughout geologic time and life has continued to advance. Since you use the most advanced energy conservation techniques in the design of your houses, your development will help the environment in the long run. Finally, the taxes on the sale of your homes will bring enough money into the county to build a new library, modern schools, ball fields and other recreational areas which are very much needed in this rural setting. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3192 7 March 1999 State Parks Department Your mission is to protect and preserve the natural environment. Black Ridge State Natural Area and adjoining land are home to several rare and endangered, plant species. A mining operation could destroy plant communities and valuable wildlife habitat. Trees would be removed, the ground would be bulldozed,_and the resulting erosion and sedimentation might damage the water quality in the Rolling River 'watershed, if not properly controlled. (The Bureau of Natural Resources recognizes the Rolling Riveras one of the cleanest rivers in the state and you want to keep it that way.) Youare also concerned about visitor safety in and around a mining operation. Park rangers arevery busy with park duties. Ensuring that park visitors do not wander into the proposed miningarea would add to their workload. Also, what happens when the mining operation ends? Old rock quarries fillup with water and are very dangerous places. This area would not be suitable foruse by the typical park visitor. A Hiking or Wilderness Club You are a large group of environmentalists including anglers, rock climbers, hikers, bird watchers and campers. You would like to see the land, now proposed for mining, become part of the state natural area. A mining operation would destroy the breathtaking scenic views as well as the beautiful and rare plant communities. The noise from the trucks and the blasting is offensive to those people who come to the area forpeace and quiet. It will disrupt possible nesting activity of the ravens and Cooper's hawks. If not properly controlled, the erosion and sedimentation ..resulting from the mining operation could damagewater quality, killing trout and other gamefish that need clean water. Also,what about the reduction inwater flow that will result when the iron extraction factory needs lots of water? This would disrupt canoeing activities and surely hurt gamefish. Preserving the environment is muchmore important than increasing tax revenues. Local Residents You are a group oflocal residents who live near the proposed mining operation. You do not want to hear blasting or to have heavy truck traffic in your neighborhood. When the mining operation is over, you are concerned that the abandonedquarry will become a dangerous place for your children. You want to know what kind of land reclamationthe mining company plans to do. You moved here because of the beautifulscenery and abundant wildlife. An open-pit mine is an ugly eyesore and would certainly lower the valueof your property. You'd much rather see the land become part of the state naturalarea. Local Ecotourism Businesses You are a group of small businesses who cater to the tourists thatcome to the state natural area and the nearby Rolling River State Park to go fishing, hiking, swimming, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Many ofyou own sporting goods stores and rent outdoor recreational equipment to the tourists. Some ofyou run concessions in Rolling River State Park. You are opposed to the mining operationas you feel it would negatively impact your business by scaring away the tourists and lowering thewater flow in the Rolling River. 126 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 5.3.10 March 1999 VOCABULARY Aggregate - Composed of a mixture of Crustal plate A large rigid section of the minerals separated by mechanical means. Earth's lithosphere that floats upon the Earth's mantle according to the theory of Alga - Simple, one-celled or many-celled plate tectonics. plant, capable of photosynthesis. It is usually aquatic and has no true root, stem or Crystal A regular polyhedral form, leaf. bounded by.symmetrically-arranged plane surfaces, formed by solidification of a AtoM The smallest unit of an element. chemical element or compound under Atoms are composed of prbtons, neutrons, favorable conditions. and electrons. Differential weathering - Variation in the Basin - A bowl-shaped depression in the rate of erosion of different minerals in a surface of the land or ocean floor. rock. Capillary action The rise of water along Dip The angle in degrees at which a rock narrow passages, facilitated and caused by outcrop rises from the ground. surface tension. Earth's crust - A rigid shell only about 30 Chemical formula - A symbolic miles thick, less than one hundredth of the representation of the composition of a distance to the center. Eight elements chemical compound. account for almost 99 % of the Earth's crust )Chemical make-up See chemical formula. - oxygen (46.7%), silicone (27.7%), aluminum (8.1%), iron (5.1%), calcium Chemical weathering - Process that (3.7%), sodium (2.8%), potassium (2,6%) chemically changes the minerals in rocks, and magnesium (2.1%). resulting in a weakening of the rocks. ex: oxidation. Element - A substance, such as oxygen, silicon and carbon, that can not be split into Chevron fold A V-shaped bend, or flexure, smaller chemical substances. in a rock., Environmental issue A matter of public Cleavage A tendency in rocks to split concern over how something will affect our along definite, parallel, or crystal planes natural world. An environmental problem characteristic of the mineral. becomes an environmental issue when Clinometer An instrument for measuring people do not agree on how to solve it. the angle of an incline, as of a rock outcrop. Erosion The movement of bits of Composition - A putting together of parts or weathered rock by wind, water, gravity and elements to form a whole; a combining. glacial action. CoreThe innermost or most important Extrusive igneous rocks -. Rocks formed on part of anything; heart; center; essence. the Earth's surface by the cooling of molten magma material originating from within the Crenulations - Small folds or scalloped Earth's crust. projections in a rock. 129 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 6.1 March 1999 Face - The most significant or prominent Inorganic Involving neither organic life surface of an object. nor the products of 'organic life; not composed of organic matter. FaultingIn geology, a fracture on the Earth in which layers of rock slide up or Impurities Contaminants that render down along the'break. something else inconsistent or impure. Folding To bend over or double-up so that Intrusive igneous rock The type of one part lies on another part. igneous rock that forms when magna cools Foliation The directional property of some inside the Earth, usually resulting in course- grained mineral crystals. metamorphic rocks caused by the layering of minerals. This parallel alignment of mineral Joint - A fracture -in a rock along which no grains is generally caused by crystallization appreciable movement has occurred. under pressure. Foliation also refers to the Lava - 1. Molten rock that issues from a flat arrangement of features in any rock type. volcano or a fissure in the Earth's surface. Fungus Any of numerous plants lacking 2. The rock formed by the cooling and chlorophyll, ranging in forM from a single solidifying of this substance. cell to a body mass, that often produce Lichen Any of numerous plants consisting specialized fruiting bodies and include the of a fungus in close combination with certain yeasts,' molds, smuts, and mushrooms. of the green or blue-green algae, Gem - A rock, mineral or other substance characteristically forming a crustlike, scaly, that has economic value as jewelry, because or branching growth on rocks or tree trunks. it is beautiful. LusterThe way a mineral reflects light. Geologic belts - Areas with similar rock Can be glassy, metallic, pearly or dull. types and geologic history. Magma - Molten rock deep within the Earth Geologic time - The period of time covering from which igneous rock is formed. the Earth's geologic history. Mantle - In geology, the layer of the Earth Geologist A person who studies the between the crust and the core. materials, structure and history of the Earth. Mechanical weathering Type of Geology The study of the Earth, its origin, weathering which breaks rocks apart without composition, structure, history and nature of changing their mineral composition. ex: processes resulting in its present state. freezing and thawing Geometric- Using simple geometric forms Metamorphic rock- Rocks that have been in design and shape. altered chemically and/or physically by great Heath bald- An extensive tract of open, heat and pressure. Amphibolite is an example. uncultivated land covered with herbage and low shrubs. Metamorphosis- Meta means "change," _ Igneous rock Rock formed by the cooling morphe means "form.',' A transformation, a of molten rock on or under the surface of the marked change in appearance or condition. Earth. The crust of the Earth is Microbe - A very small (microscopic) life approximately 95% igneous rock. form; microorganism. 130 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 6.2 March 1999 Minerals Chemical compounds found in carried on by green plants in which the cells the Earth's crust. They are inorganic and that contain chlorophyll use light energy to occur naturally. Each mineral has its same produce glucose (a plant food) from carbon chemical make-up wherever found, as well as dioxide and water; oxygen is released as a its characteristic crystal shape, color, specific by-product. gravity and hardness. Quartz is a common Physiographic province A land area mineral found in the park. characterized by particular types of Molecule A stable configuration of atomic landforms. nuclei and electrons bound together by Physiography - The study of the physical electrostatic and electromagnetic forces. It is features of the Earth's surface, how they the simplest structural unit that displays the formed and how they have changed over characteristic physical and chemical time. properties of a compound. Piezoelectricity - Ability of some materials, Monadnock - A hill of more resistant rock, such as quartz, to generate a small amount of left as a residue of erosion, that stands above electricity when squeezed or put under the surrounding area. pressure. Moravian - A member of a Protestant Plate tectonics - A model of global tectonics denomination founded in Saxony in 1722 by that suggests that the outer layer of the Earth Hussite emigrants from Mdravia. known as the lithosphere is composed of Nutrient - Something that provides food or several large plates that move relative to one nourishment. another; continents and ocean basins are passive riders on these plates. Ore A source of minerals that can be mined for a profit. Ore refers to either metallic or Prism - A crystalline solid having three or nonmetallic deposits. more similar faces parallel to a single axis; a- polyhedron having parallel, congruent Oscillator - A device that swings back and polygons as bases and parallelograms as forth with a steady uninterrupted rhythm. sides. Outcrop An exposure of rock or sediment Pyramidal Having a rectangular base and at the Earth's surface as in road cuts, rock four triangular faces culminating in a single exposures on hillsides and stream bed apex. exposures. Quartz - A hard, crystalline mineral of Oxidation - The combination of a substance silicon dioxide, Si02. Quartz is among the with oxygen resulting in an oxide. hardest and most resistant of all minerals Petrographic microsope - An optical so it is often left behind where wind and rain instrument that uses a combination of lenses have worn away surrounding rock. to produce magnified images of the separate Raw material - Unprocessed natural minerals in a rock. products used in manufacture. Photosynthesis - The chemical process Resistant rock - Rock that weathers and erodes more slowly than other rock in the same area. 131 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 6.3 March 1999 Resonator - A hollow chamber or cavity Topography -The shape and form of the with dimensions chosen to permit internal Earth's surface. resonant oscillation of electromagnetic or Vent - The exit hole for the lava flow from a acoustical waves to specific frequencies. volcano. Rock Substances made up of one or more Volcanic rock Rocks produced by or minerals. Rocks are an important part of the discharged from a volcano: Earth's crust, mantle and core. They come in three forms: igneous, sedimentary and Volcano - 1. A vent in the Earth's crust metamorphic. through which molten lava and gases are Rock cycle The set of processes that ejected. 2. A mountain formed by the materials so ejected. describe how rocks change from one type to another. Watershed All of the land area that drains Sandstone Sedimentary rock composed directly or indirectly into a creek, river, lake or other body of water. primarily of quartz sand grains, deposited over millions of years, that are cemented Weathering Any of the chemical or more or less firmly together. mechanical processes by Which rocks Sediment Material that settles to the exposed' to the weather decay to soil. In the bottom. broadest sense, any of the destructive elements that wear down rocks, causing Sedimentary rock- Rock made by the them to fragment, crack or crumble. compaction and/or cementing of sediments. Examples include heat; chemicals, wind and Example: sandstone, shale. water. (Erosion loosens and carries away Sedimentation The,build up of sediment debris caused by weathering.) in a body of water. Weathering pit- An indentation in a rock that is the result of mechanical and/or Silicate --Any mineral containing silicon and oxygen. chemical weathering.. Xenolith SoilEarth material' so modified by Literally a "stranger" rock, which was surrounded during the movement biological, chemical, and physical processes that the material will support rooted plants. of magma to form an unrelated inclusion within the surrounding igneods rock. Strata - A formation containing a number of beds or layers of rock of the same kind of material. Strike -'The intersection of the imaginary horizontal plane to the Earth's surface and the inclinedrock surface. Tabular - Having a plane surface; flat. 132 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 6.4 March 1999 References Adams, George F. and Jerome Wyckoff. Ernst, W. D. 1969. Earth Materials. 1971. Landforms, A Golden Guide. Racine, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. WI: Western Publishing Co. Eves, Robert L. and Larry E. Davis. 1988. The American Forest Council., 1987. "Is the Rock Cycle an Outdated Idea, or a Project Learning Tree. For information, Unifying Concept?" Journal of Geological contact Jennifer Wiley, Project Learning Education, Vol. 36. Tree Coordinator, NC Forestry Association, Fletcher, Arthur L., Ashe County- A History, 1600 Glenwood Ave., Suite 1, Raleigh, NC Ashe County Research Association, Inc., 27608, (919) 834-3943. Jefferson, NC. 1963. Heritage Printers, Inc., Barnes-Svarney, L. Patricia. 1991. Born Charlotte, NC. of Heat and Pressure: Mountains and Flint, R., F. and Brian Skinner. 1974. Physi- Metamorphic Rocks. Hillside, NJ: Enslow cal Geology, (2nd Edition). New-York, NY: Publishers. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Bates, Robert L. and Julia A. Jackson. 1980. Foster, Robert J. 1983.. Physical Geology. Glossary of Geblogy. Falls Church, VA: (4th Edition). Columbus, OH: Charles E. American Geological Institute. Merrill Publishing Co. Beyer, Fred. 1991. North Carolina: The Gallant, Roy A. and Christopher J. Years Before Man: A Geologic History. Schuberth. 1967. Discovering Rocks and Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. Minerals. Garden City, NY: The Natural Birdd, Donald L. 1990. "COlor Me Meta- History Press. morphic." The Science Teacher; (April). Headstrom, Richard. 1985. Suburban Carpenter, P. A., III. (editor). 1989. A Geology. Englewood Cliff, NJ: Prentice Geological Guide to North Carolina State Hall. Parks. Bulletin 91. For information, con- tact NC Geological Survey Section, Division Hogg, John C., Judson B. Cross and Kenneth E. Vordenberg. 1959. Physical of Land Resources, PO Box 27687, Raleigh NC 27611. Science, A Basic Course. 'Princeton, NJ: D. Van Nostrand Co. Chesterman, Charles W. 1978. The Audu- bon Society Field Guide to North American Kurten, Bjorn. 1988. Before the Indians. New York, NY: Columbia University Press. Rocks and Minerals. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. Lambert, David and the Diagram Group. Crowders Mountain State Park. Park 1985. The Field Guide to Prehistoric Life. geology files. For more information, contact New York, NY: Facts on File, Inc. Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Levine, Harold L. (1978) 1983. The Earth Office Larie, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. Through Time, (2nd Edition). New York, Cvancare, Alan M. 1986. Field Manual NY: CBS College Publishing, W. B. Saunders Company., for the Amateur Geologist. New York, NY: Prentice Hall. 133 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 7.1 March 1999 Montgomery County Public Schools. Mine Operator. DENR, Land Quality "Activities for Studying Rocks and Soil." Section, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC Environmental Education Series, Bulletin 27611, (919) 733-4574. No. 247 E. For more information, contact North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 74, Montgomery County Public Schools, 850 Article 7. 1993. "The Mining Act of 1971." Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 28050. (1971, c. 545, s. 1.) Mottana, Annibale, Rodolfo Crespi and North Carolina Mining Commission. 1994. Giuseppe Liborio. 1978. Simon and North Carolina Administrative Code, Title Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals. 15 A, Department of Environment and New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. Natural Resources, Chapter 5, Mining. Mount Jefferson State Park files, various North Carolina Mining Commission, DENR, authors "Geology of Mount Jefferson State P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC 27611. Park." For information, contact Mount Pough, Fredrick H. 1960. A Field Guide Jefferson State Park, do New River State to Rocks and Minerals, The. Peterson Field Park, P.O. Box 48, Jefferson, NC 28640. Guide Series. Cambridge, MA: Riverside Museum Institute for Teaching Science. Press. 1988. Science is Elementary, Vol 3:1, Sund, Tillery and Trowbridge. 1973. Oct/Nov. For information, contact Boston Elementary Science Discovery Lesson Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston, The_Earth Sciences. Boston, MA: Allyn MA 02114. and Bacon. National Wildlife Federation. 1988. Tennissen, Anthony C. 1982. Nature of "Geology, The Active Earth," Ranger Earth Materials. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Rick's Nature Scope. For information, Prentice Hall. contact the National Wildlife Federation, 1400 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC Watson, Mary E., Dr. Joyce Blueford and 20036-2266. Susan Bumgarner. 1994. Mineral and Rock Kit Guide. North Carolina Geological North Carolina Department of ,Environment Survey, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC and Natural Resources, Division of Land 27611- 7687, (919) 733-2423. Resources, Land Quality Section. 1995. North Carolina Mining The North Carolina Mining Act and How It Affects the 134 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, NC 7.2 March 1999 SCHEDULING WORKSHEET For office use only: Date request received Request received by 1) Name of group (school) 2) Contact person name phone (work) (home) address 3)Day/date/time of requested program 4)Program desired and program length 5)Meeting place 6) Time of arrival at park Time of departure from park 7) Number of students Age range (grade) (Note: A maximum of 30 participants is recommended.) 8) Number of chaperones (Note: One adult for every 10 students is recommended.) 9) Areas of special emphasis 10) Special considerations of group (e.g. allergies, health concerns,physical limitatiOns) 11) Have you or your group participated in park programs before?If yes, please indicate previous programs attended:. 12) Are parental permission forms required? If yes, please use the Parental Permission form on page 8.2. ,have read the entire Environmental Education Learning Experience and understand and agree to all the conditionswithin it. Return to: Mount Jefferson State Park Fax: (910) 982-3943 P.O. Box 48 Jefferson, NC 28640 135 Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 8.1 July 1994 PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM Dear Parent: Your child will soon be involved in an exciting learning adventure an environmental education experience at Mount Jefferson State Park. Studies have shown that such "hands-on" learning programs improve children's attitudes and performance in a broad range of school subjects. In order to make your child's visit to "nature's. classroom" as safe as possible we ask that you provide the following information and sign at the bottom. Please note that insects, poison ivy and other potential risks are a natural part of any outdoor setting. We advise that children bring appropriate clothing (long pants, rain gear, sturdy shoes) for their planned activities. Child's name Does your child: Have an allergy to bee stings or-insect bites? If so, please have them bring their medication and stress that they, or the group leader, be able to administer it. Have other allergies? Have any other health problems we should be aware of? In case of an emergency, I give permission for my child to be treated by the attending physician. I understand that I would be notified as soon as possible. Parent's signature date Parent's name Home phone (please print) Work phone Family Physician's name phone Alternate Emergency Contact Name phone 136 Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 8.2 July 1994 NORTH CAROLINA PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAM EVALUATION Please take a few moments to evaluate the program(s) you received. This will help us improve our service to you in the future. 1. Program title(s) Date Program leader(s) 2. What part of the program(s) did you find the most interesting and useful? 3. What part(s) did you find the least interesting and useful? 4. What can we do to improve the program(s)? 5. General comments LEADERS OF SCHOOL GROUPS AND OTHER ORGANIZED YOUTH GROUPS PLEASE ANSWER THESE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS: 6. Group (school) name 7. Did the program(s) meet the stated objectives or curriculum needs? If not, why? Please return the completed form to park staff. Thank you,. Mount Jefferson State Park P.O. Box 48 Jefferson, NC 28640 Fax: (919) 982-3943 Mount Jefferson State Park, NC 8.3 137 July 1994 U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) National Library of Education (NLE) ERIC Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) NOTICE Reproduction Basis UirThis document is covered by a signed "Reproduction Release (Blanket)" form (on file within the ERIC system), encompassing all or classes of documents from its source organization and, therefore, does not require a "Specific Document" Release form. This document is Federally-funded, or carries its own permission to reproduce, or is otherwise in the public domain and, therefore, may be reproduced by ERIC without a signed Reproduction Release form (either "Specific Document" or "Blanket"). EFF-089 (3/2000)