|
The laboratory portion of this course will introduce you to some basic geologic principles, starting off with basic identification of geologic materials, map use and deformation of rock analogs. Then we will head outdoors to explore geologic and geophysical mapping techniques; and illustrate environmental, geologic and engineering topics through visits to local field sites. Attendance and participation at each lab is mandatory, and advance preparation is essential. For outdoor labs, keep an eye on the weather channel so you can be prepared, rain, shine or snow! Take a look below for the lab syllabus and recent photos of our field trip sites! |
Lab
Syllabus
Bring lab manual to all indoor labs!
 |
 |
||||
|
Date
|
Topic
|
In/Out
|
Comments
|
||
| Jan. 18 | "Planet Earth, Living Machine" |
I
|
Video: Geologic Principles & Processes |
 |
|
| Jan. 25 | Minerals and Rocks |
I
|
Identification Of common rocks and minerals | ||
| Feb. 1 | Maps &Compass |
I
|
Intro to topographic
and geologic maps; |
||
| Feb. 8 | Deformation of Rock Analogs |
I
|
Creating folds and faults using clay, sand and gelatin as analogs; don't wear your "Sunday Best!" | ||
| Feb. 15 | Structural Geology |
I/O
|
Field trip to Bear Valley strip mine to observe and measure and plot geologic structures using the silva compass and stereonet; Dress for the weather! | ||
| Feb. 22 | Groundwater |
I
|
Using lab apparatus to understand groundwater flow | ||
| Mar. 1 | Landfill & Sewage Treatment |
O
|
Field trip to Allenwood Landfill and Milton Wastewater treatment plant; Dress for the weather! | ||
| Mar. 8 | Flood Control |
O
|
Field trip to Lock Haven to study flood control structures along the Susquehanna River; side trip to a landslide site? |
 |
|
| Mar. 15 |
Spring
Break!
|
||||
| Mar. 22 | Meckley Limestone Quarry |
O
|
Tour of Meckley Quarry by Mr. Fred Meckley, Owner. Excellent discussion of Engineering applications | ||
| Mar. 29 | Coal Mining & Environment |
O
|
Field trip to Ashland Coal Mine ($4.50 entrance fee!) and a tour of Centralia, PA, a town wiped out by a (still active) underground mine fire. | ||
| Apr. 5 | Geophysical Surveys |
O
|
Demonstration of one or several geophysical techniques. Possibilities include seismic refraction, ground-penetrating radar. | ||
| Apr. 12 | Geologic Mapping I |
O
|
Learn geologic mapping techniques; how to construct a geologic map and cross section. Out of Vans for 2-3 hours...Dress for the weather! | ||
| Apr. 19 | Geologic Mapping II |
O
|
|||
| Apr. 26 | Karst Geology |
O
|
Field trip to Nippenose Valley to visit some excellent features associated with water interaction with carbonate bedrock. | ||
 |
|||||
 |
Back to Geology Derpartment Home Page |