Optional Geology ReportGradeThis assignment is worth the replacement of your lowest test grade. The final does not count. Be careful, though. The grading on this assignment will be rigorous, so doing a quick, careless job on the report will not necessarily guarantee an A or B. ContentWrite a
~4
page paper (2000 words) about the geology of a particular area of
California. This area may be a major national or state park, or perhaps
a particular
county where you grew up. Your paper should have four important
sections. The
first
part describes the geologic features (rocks, structures -- faults,
landforms)
of the area. Explain any geologic terms in your own words. Example:
"Gneisses
outcrop in the northeastern and central area. Gneisses are foliated
metamorphic
rocks with layering between micas and feldspars. The layering forms
synclines
and anticlines through out the area. Synclines are folds that open
upward, and anticlines open downward." Also explain any spatial
relationships
between the features. What is the sequence of layering? Which rocks are
next
to each other, which rocks intrude others, what rocks do the faults
cut,
which is/are older/younger. Second,
explain
the geologic history of the area. Refer to geologic time periods or
dates.
What kind of plate tectonic activity was going on? Third,
include
a map of the area of interest. Please include appropriate map
scale
and citation. Fourth,
include
an overall bibliography of sources used in your report. Please
use
MLA format. StyleThis is to be written in an informative and technical style (hopefully in a style somewhat similar to your textbook). Please be clear and to the point. Avoid poetic metaphors and philosophical statements that are not related to science or geology. Use correct spelling and grammar. Use Times or Palatino font in a 12 point size, one inch margins, double spaced, on standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. All outside references must be appropriately cited. Research StrategiesYou may research this paper by either participating in a scheduled field trip and examining the rocks for yourself (with instructor guidance), or you may carry out your own library research. You may find it useful to consult the physical science section of the libraries at the other Los Rios Community College District campuses, Sac State University, or UC Davis in addition to CRC's library. Some local public libraries may also have useful books. ReferencesThe following are references that you may find useful. You may use other appropriate references not listed here. If you choose to do most of your research on a field trip, you must use at least one library/book reference. If you do a library report instead of a field trip report, you must use at least three references, and two of those references must be a book or magazine.
The CRC Library also has a growing collection of field guidebooks and books on the geology of particular areas of California. If you choose to do this assignment as a library report, I ask that you okay a topic with me in advance.Turning
it In
This paper
is
to be submitted electronically on Canvas.
Please know that this site will scan for instances of plagiarism. |