GEO 107 - Geology of Maryland

3 credit hours - Three hours of lecture weekly; one term.
Learn the formation and evolution of the bedrock and landscapes of the main physiographic provinces of Maryland. Investigate the interactions of geologic processes through time that have produced Maryland’s diverse landforms, drainage patterns, soils, and water and mineral resources. Recognize the geologic hazards of Maryland’s past and present, and anticipate future hazards.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 101 /ENG 101A .

Crosslisted: Also offered as PHS 107 ; credit is not given for both GEO 107 and PHS 107 .

Note: This course does not satisfy the curricular requirements for a laboratory science course.

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Summarize the formation and evolution of the main physiographic provinces of Maryland
- Classify observed landscapes into physiographic provinces.
- Summarize the boundaries and major topographic and geologic features for physiographic provinces in Maryland.
- Describe continuity of physiography with adjoining States.
- Use and interpret topographic maps.
Characterize the minerals, fossils, rocks, and rock deformation in Maryland
- Explain the composition and structure of geologically and economically important minerals.
- Distinguish between hand samples of geologically and economically important minerals.
- Explain igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes and rock formations.
- Distinguish between hand samples of major igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
- Introduce geologically important fossil types and fossil collecting sites.
- Explain the process of dating the age of rocks, fossils, and geologic events
- Use the Geologic Time Scale to order geologic events.
- Interpret geologic structures as the result of forces that deform rock.
- Use and interpret geologic maps.
Study the formation and evolution of bedrock in Maryland.
- Summarize the theory of plate tectonics, and the origin and evolution of the ocean basins and continents.
- Describe the processes and products of weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and diagenesis
- Correlate the origin and distribution of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks to plate tectonics: Precambrian and Paleozoic Maryland.
- Correlate the origin and distribution of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks to plate tectonics: Mesozoic and Cenozoic Maryland.
- Correlate the origin and distribution of sedimentary rocks to plate tectonics: Pleistocene and Holocene Maryland.
Correlate geologic materials, structures, and processes with drainage patterns and topography in Maryland.
- Explain and recognize structural and compositional controls on surface and subsurface drainage.
- Explain and recognize structural and compositional controls on landforms.
- Examine the effects of sea level changes.
- Examine the effects of continental glaciation.
Characterize the water, soil, mineral, rock, and energy resources in Maryland.
- Describe the hydrologic cycle.
- Explain stream and groundwater processes.
- Study groundwater as a resource.
- Study soils as a resource.
- Study minerals as a resource.
- Study rock products as a resource.
- Examine conventional and nontraditional energy resources.
Recognize the geologic hazards (ancient, present, and future) in Maryland
- Explain mass movement processes and associated landscapes.
- Explain expanding soils and soil creep, and associated dangers.
- Explain collapse and subsidence processes and associated landscapes.
- Explain flash flooding and associated dangers.
- Explain coastal hazards and associated disasters.
- Describe ancient and probable future catastrophes in Maryland.
- Assess ways to predict, prevent, control, and/or avoid geologic hazards in Maryland.