ESCI 145: Geology of National Parks
Citrus College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2025 |
| Credits: | 2 |
| Total Contact Hours: | 36 |
| Lecture Hours : | 36 |
| Lab Hours: | 0 |
| Hours Arranged: | 0 |
| Outside of Class Hours: | 72 |
| Total Student Learning Hours: | 108 |
| District General Education: | B2. Natural Sciences - Physical Sciences |
| Transferable to CSU: | Yes |
| Transferable to UC: | No |
| Grading Method: | Standard Letter |
Catalog Course Description
A study of the geologic materials and processes of national parks. The primary emphasis is on the unique geomorphology and tectonic history of various terranes within the western US. Course also includes the study of regional minerals and rocks, glacial processes, and faulting. Includes a weekend trip to a national park. A transportation/activities fee may be charged. 36 lecture hours.
Course Objectives
- Learn geologic mapping techniques using topographic and geologic maps
- Develop field skills - learn how to interpret and identify rocks in the field
- Analyze geologic data using online software and field experiences, and combining both methods to communicate regional tectonic hypotheses
- Establish ethical practices for conservation using National Parks as an example
Major Course Content
- Identification of Igneous Rocks, Metamorphic Rocks, and Minerals
- Topographic and Geologic Maps used in conjunction with Google Earth
- Plate Tectonics and its effect on the landscape of National Parks
- Environmental stressors and methods for conservation
- Extrusive and Intrusive Volcanic Processes
- Erosional and Depositional Environments
- Geomorphology of Arid Landscapes
- Geologic History of National Parks
Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook
Geology of National Parks
Author(s): David A. Foster , David Hacker , Ann G Harris
Edition: 8
Copyright: 2022
Edition: 8
Copyright: 2022
Examples of Required Writing Assignments
Essay
Give a brief geologic history of the San Andreas Fault. How has tectonic movement along this fault line contributed to the complex mountain building and terrane rotation in the Transverse Range and Sierra Nevada?
As movement along the fault line is ongoing, please describe how this affects the complex geomorphology of the national park
Give a brief geologic history of the San Andreas Fault. How has tectonic movement along this fault line contributed to the complex mountain building and terrane rotation in the Transverse Range and Sierra Nevada?
As movement along the fault line is ongoing, please describe how this affects the complex geomorphology of the national park
Examples of Outside Assignments
Rock Report
Please identify your chosen rock sample and give a brief report on its mineralogy, age, and geologic history.
How does this relate to the geologic history of the national park? Where would you expect this rock to be forming in the ancient tectonic environment and how is that reflected today in the visited outcrops?
Please identify your chosen rock sample and give a brief report on its mineralogy, age, and geologic history.
How does this relate to the geologic history of the national park? Where would you expect this rock to be forming in the ancient tectonic environment and how is that reflected today in the visited outcrops?
Instruction Type(s)
Lecture