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ESCI 0055E - Weekend Geology and Volcanoes of Northeastern California

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/esci-0055e/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 18 lecture Description: Exploration of the natural history of the volcanoes and mountains of northeastern California. May include national parks (eg. Lassen, Lava Beds). Some hiking required. Camping and/or park entrance fees may be required. A 1 hour and 50 minute classroom pre-session is required. (CSU) Units 1 Lecture-Discussion 18 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 18 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe the Andean Plate Boundary and how it relates to the present convergent boundary in northeastern California. Explain the relationship between the present convergent boundary in northeaster California and the Jurassic Andean Boundary of the ancient Sierra Nevada. Course Content Outline I. Tectonic Settings a. Evolution of the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade Ranges focusing on accretionary events b. Evolution of the Andean type plate boundaries of the Mesozoic Sierra Nevada and present day Cascade Range II. Geology and Paleontology of the Northern Sierra Nevada a. Sedimentary depositional history in the Mesozoic Era b. Mesozoic reptiles and invertebrate paleontology III. Geology of the Salinian Block (a fragment of the Sierra Nevada) rafted north by the San Andreas a. Roof Pendant geology b. Granitic intrusions IV. Geology of Selected Cenozoic Formations (e.g. Montgomery Creek Formation, Mehrten Formation, Tuscan Formation) a. Rock types of Cenozoic units b. Selected paleontology of Cenozoic fossils of the region c. Evolution of the Andean type plate boundary II. Volcanic history of the Cascade volcanoes in NE California a. Medicine Lake Volcanoes b. Mount Shasta c. Mount Lassen III. Subjacent Geology of the Sierra Nevada a. Roof Pendant geology b. Granitic intrusions IV. Geology of Selected Cenozoic Formations (e.g. Montgomery Creek Formation, Mehrten Formation, Tuscan Formation) a. Rock types of Cenozoic units of NE California b. Selected paleontology of Cenozoic fossils of the region Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Relate rock types to the different formations of northeastern California. 2. Compare and contrast tectonic feature of northeastern California. 3. Interpret the geologic history of northeastern California. 4. Analyze the geomorphic processes that sculpted the area, emphasizing the Sierra Nevada mountains, river valleys (e.g. Feather River) fault features, and volcanoes. 5. Relate the physical and biological environments of northeastern California. Methods of Evaluation Reports Other Reading Assignments 1. Read handouts on basic geological settings, the geologic time scale, rock types and be prepared for discussion. 2. Read handouts on the Cascade Volcanoes and Andean Type Plate boundaries and be prepared for discussion. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Using oral and written guidelines, create accurate field notes. 2. Complete a 2-4 page research paper based on a topic identified by the student and approved by the instructor, such as a paper on the plate tectonics of the northern Sierra Nevada or southern Cascade Range. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.