Rock / Landform Investigations
Rock / Landform Investigations
© 2002 American Geological Institute http://www.agiweb.org
Contents: All Activities and
Investigations
Investigation 1
Investigation 2
Investigation 3
Investigation 4
Investigation 5
Investigation 6
Investigation 7
Investigation 8
Throughout this module, students use hands-on, inquiry based investigations to explore:
- the different types of rocks
- how rocks are formed and how they aredifferent types of landforms created by the removal and the deposition of rock and soil
- the effect of glaciers on landforms
Investigation 1 -- Different Types of Rock
-
To learn more about different types of rocks, visit the following web
sites:
- What are the basic types of rock?, Rogue Community College
- Sedimentary Rocks, Tulane University
- Sedimentary Rocks, U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service
- Sedimentary Rocks, University of British Columbia
- Image Gallery for Geology, University of North Carolina
- Sedimentary Rocks Laboratory, Georgia Perimeter College
- Textures and Structures of Sedimentary Rocks, Duke University
- Igneous Rocks, U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service
- Magmas, Igneous Rocks, Volcanoes, and Plutons, Tulane University
- Igneous Rocks, University of British Columbia
- Igneous Rock Tour, California State University Long Beach
- Igneous Rock Classification, James Madison University
- The Rock Cycle and Igneous Rocks, Caleb J. Pollock
- Metamorphic Rocks, U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service
- Lecture Slides on Metamorphic Rocks, University of British Columbia
- Metamorphic Rocks-Physical Geology, College of William and Mary
- Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks, Tulane University
- The Rock Cycle: A Traditional Diagram and Description, Georgia Perimeter College
- Cycles: The Rock Cycle, Classroom of the Future/NASA
- The Story of Rocks and Soil, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Biospheric Sciences Division
This site lists the basic descriptions of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks. Detailed information on each type of rock is also available.
(http://www.jersey.uoregon.edu/~mstrick/AskGeoMan/geoQuerry13.html)
Learn about clastic, chemical, and biogenic rocks. Also provides information on sedimentary structures and facies.
(http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/geol111/sedrx.htm)
An introduction of the types of sedimentary rocks.
(http://www.aqd.nps.gov/grd/usgsnps/rxmin/rock2.html)
Learn about carbonate and siliciclastic rocks.
(http://www.science.ubc.ca/~geol202/sed/gsedin.html)
See more examples of sedimentary rocks.
(http://www.geosci.unc.edu/faculty/glazner/Images/SedRocks/SedRocks.html
Read a thorough discussion of clastic, chemical, and organic sedimentary rocks. Illustrations accompany each description.
(http://www.gpc.peachnet.edu/~pgore/geology/historical_lab/sedrockslab.php
View a collection of slides of different sedimentary rocks as either outcrops or thin sections viewed through a microscope.
(http://www.geo.duke.edu/geo41/seds.htm)
An introduction to igneous rocks.
(http://www.aqd.nps.gov/grd/usgsnps/rxmin/rock.html)
Learn about the kinds of igneous rocks, volcanoes, and magmas.
(http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/geol111/igneous.htm)
Information provided on extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks.
(http://www.science.ubc.ca/~geol202/igneous/igneous.html)
A self guided tour of igneous rock photographs, showing hand samples and outcrops. Page also includes quiz with answer key.
(http://seis.natsci.csulb.edu/basicgeo/IGNEOUS_TOUR.html)
Read an advanced discussion of igneous rock classification. Site includes a table with some of the information in a more condensed form.
(http://geollab.jmu.edu/Fichter/IgnRx/igclass.html)
A brief yet thorough discussion of basic information on igneous rocks.
(http://www.geosci.unc.edu/classes/Geo11Labs/geonote/igneous.html)
An introduction to metamorphic rocks.
(http://www.aqd.nps.gov/grd/usgsnps/rxmin/rock3.html)
Learn about metamorphic settings, facies concept, rock names, and textures.
(http://www.science.ubc.ca/~geol202/meta/metamorphic.html)
Provides an overview of how metamorphic rocks form.
(http://www.wm.edu/geology/geo101/Lecture11/)
Find out what happens when temperature and pressure deform a rock. Includes clear black and white diagrams to support each explanation.
(http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/geol111/metamorphic.htm)
Basic rock cycle diagram that targets middle school students and teachers.
(http://www.gpc.peachnet.edu/~pgore/Earth&Space/rock-cycle.html)
A simple description of the rock cycle.
(http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/rock.html)
Reviews how soil is formed from the weathering and erosion of rocks exposed at the Earth's surface. Click on the terms to be linked to a new page which relates to the term.
(http://ltpwww.gsfc.nasa.gov/globe/soilform/parmat.htm)
Investigation 2 -- Rocks and Landforms in Your Region
-
To learn more about topographic and geologic maps, visit the following
web sites:
- Topographic Map Symbols, USGS
- What do Maps Show?, USGS
- What is a geologic map and how is it used?, Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM)
- Reading Geologic Maps, About.com
- Geologic Maps, USGS
- MapFinder, USGS
- Map Dealers, USGS
- Topographic Maps Online, Microsoft
- How to find topographic maps, USGS
- TopoZone
- MapServer
This site has information on reading topographic maps.
(http://mapping.usgs.gov/mac/isb/pubs/booklets/symbols/reading.html)
A USGS site for kids and teachers. Describes map types and features, including how to interpret them.
(http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/mapsshow.htm)
Use this sample lesson plan to understand geologic maps.
(http://www.beloit.edu/~SEPM/Maps/geologic_maps.html)
Follow this tutorial on how to read and use geologic maps.
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm)
Explanation of how geologic features and rock units are shown on geologic maps.
(http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/parks/gmap/gmap1.html)
To complete Investigate Step 2, you will need a topographic map of your area.
Search for maps by zip code or city and state. Allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $6.00 per map plus $5.00 s/h per order.
(http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE)
The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of map dealers. Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/)
Courtesy of the Microsoft Corporation, 57,000 U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps were digitized and are now available on the Web.
(http://terraserver.microsoft.com/default.asp)
Provides helpful links for finding geologic maps.
(http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html)
Find topographic maps by place name, latitude and longitude, or UTM coordinates under the Get A Map section. Allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).
(http://www.topozone.com/)
Enter place name or zip code and state at the top to view maps. Offers free online viewing of topo, nautical and aeronautical charts plus high altitude digital ortho quads (nav photos).
(www.mapserver.maptech.com)
-
To complete
Investigate Step 4, you will need a geologic map of your area.
- National Geologic Map Database, USGS
- State Geologic Maps, USGS
- Association of American State Geologists
- Geologic Maps of States Online, About.com
- Reading Geologic Maps
Contains information on how and where to obtain geologic maps.
(http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/)
Provides descriptions and availability information for state geologic maps.
(http://geology.er.usgs.gov/eastern/stgeomap.html)
Obtain materials from your state geological survey.
(http://www.kgs.ukans.edu/AASG/AASG.html)
Download state geologic maps from About.com.
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/)
Informative review on how to read and interpret geologic maps.
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm)
Investigation 3 -- Rocks and Weathering
-
To learn more about weathering, visit the following web
sites:
- Weathering, Greg Anderson, USGS
- Photographs of Weathering Processes, Duke University
- Introduction to Weathering and Soils, University of Akron
- Physical and Chemical Weathering, Georgia Perimeter College
Notes on types of weathering.
(http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/office/ganderson/es10/lectures/lecture11/lecture11.html)
Duke University's This Dynamic Earth undergraduate geology course.
(http://www.geo.duke.edu/geo41/wea.htm)
Explore this professor's online lecture on the processes that occur during weathering and soils.
(http://enterprise.cc.uakron.edu/geology/natscigeo/Lectures/weath/weath.pdf)
Georgia Perimeter College's Dr. Pamela Gore explains weathering.
(http://www.dc.peachnet.edu/~pgore/geology/historical_lab/weathering.php)
Investigation 4 -- Rock Abrasion
-
To learn more about rock abrasionsit the following
web sites:
http://www.earthsciweek.org/classroom-activities/rock-abrasion
Back to top
Investigation 5 -- Erosional Landforms
-
To learn more
about erosional landforms, visit the following web sites:
- Water: Erosion and Erosional Features, South Shore Educational Collaborative
- Earth's Water: Rivers and the Landscape, USGS
-
Earth's
Water: Rivers and Sediment, USGS
Field
Exercise:
Stream Flow Dynamics and Sedimentation, Society
for Sedimentary Geology
Streams
and
Drainage
Systems, Tulane University -
Floodplains,
River Murray Urban Users Committee
Overview
of Flooding, The Flood plain Management Web
Site
Earth's
Water:
Rivers and the Landscape, USGS
Floods
and Flood plains, USGS
Chesapeake
Bay Flooding, USGS -
Deltas,
University of Oregon
Deltas,
University of British Columbia
Environments
and
Processes Observed in the Mississippi Delta,
University of Texas at Arlington -
MapFinder,
USGS
Map
Dealers, USGS
Topographic
Maps Online, Microsoft
How
to find topographic maps, USGS
TopoZone
MapServer
-
Warnings
from the Ice, NOVA
Glacier,
Rice University
All about Glaciers,
NSIDC
Glaciers
on Antarctica and Sea Level Rise and Fall
Glacier
Satellite Imagery
The
Antarctic Shop: Videos, International Antartic
Centre
Glacier
Videos, Amazon.com -
Landforms,
Dr. Sharon Johnson
Landforms,
Colorado Springs District 11 Schools
Landforms,
Southern Kings Consolidated School -
MapFinder,
USGS
Map
Dealers, USGS
Topographic
Maps Online, Microsoft
How
to find topographic maps, USGS
TopoZone
MapServer
-
National Geologic Map
Database, USGS
State
Geologic Maps, USGS
Association
of American State Geologists -
Geologic
Maps
of States Online, About.com
Reading
Geologic
Maps -
United States Geological
Survey home page (http://www.usgs.gov)
-
Science
for Everyone
(http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyone.html)
-
Geologic
Maps
of States Online (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/)
-
Image
Gallery
of Geology - UNC Department of Geology
(http://www.geosci.unc.edu/faculty/glazner/Images/gallery.html)
-
USGS - Water Resources
home page (http://water.usgs.gov/)
-
American Water Resources
Association home page (http://www.awra.org/)
-
EPA's Office of Water home
page (http://www.epa.gov/ow/)
-
Global Hydrology
and Climate Center home page - NASA Goddard Space
Flight Center (http://wwwghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/)
-
http://science.nasa.gov/
home page - NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
(http://science.nasa.gov)
-
Soil and Water
Conservation Society home page
(http://www.swcs.org/)
-
National Park
Service Water Resources Division
(http://www1.nature.nps.gov/wrd/)
-
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) home page (http://www.epa.gov/)
-
-
National Geologic Map
Database, USGS
State
Geologic Maps, USGS
Association
of American State Geologists -
Geologic
Maps
of States Online, About.com
Reading
Geologic
Maps -
-
-
MapFinder,
USGS
Map
Dealers, USGS
Topographic
Maps Online, Microsoft -
How
to find topographic maps, USGS
TopoZone
MapServer
-
General Map Resources:
-
Resources
for Earth Science and Geography Instruction,
Central Michigan University
"Maps" -
USGS Earth Science Information Center
National
Geographic
"Maps
of the United States", USGS
"Maps
of
the World", USGS
"National
Atlas Maps", USGS -
The
Antarctic Shop: Videos, International Antartic Centre
Glacier
Videos, Amazon.com -
Geotimes, AGI
National
Geographic
Science News
Discusses erosion by water.
(http://www.ssec.org/braintre/south/fallano/Rivers2/water2.htm)
Review of some basic concepts regarding the effect of rivers on shaping landforms.
(http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthriverslandscape.html)
Rivers and the Rock Cycle
All Along a River, Thinkquest
Includes discussion on physical aspects of rivers, river case studies, and rivers of the world.
(http://library.thinkquest.org/28022/body.html)
Fluvial Environments-Past and Present, University of Utah
Read a general overview about the structure and formation of rivers, including braided and meandering.
(http://www.mines.utah.edu/geo/sedimentology/Siliciclastics/Bucky/fluvial.html)
Wave Erosion
Brief descriptions and pictures of wave erosion formations.
(http://cse.cosm.sc.edu/erth_sci/Coasts/Erode.htm)
Erosion of a Sea Stack, USGS
A series of photographs showing the history of rock erosion off the coast of Oregon. Clearly Illustrates the concept that rocks are eroded by waves.
(http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/pubinfo/jump.html) Back to top
Investigation 6 -- Deltas and Flood plains
To learn more about deltas and flood plains, visit the following web sites:
-
1. Movement of Sediment by Rivers
A brief discussion of sediment transport.
(http://wwwga.usgs.gov/edu/earthriverssed.html)
Provides a lab idea for helping students to understand stream flow.
(http://www.beloit.edu/~SEPM/Earth_Works/Stream_Flow.html)
Read an overview of many of the topics covered in this chapter, including particle size changes downstream (see the "Changes Downstream" section).
(http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/geol111/streams.htm)
Learn what floodplains are and why they are important.
(http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/floodplains.htm)
Read about the causes, variability, frequency of flooding and flood plains.
(http://www.floodplain.org/overview_of_floods.htm)
Review some basic concepts about the role of rivers in shaping rocks and landforms.
(http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthriverslandscape.html)
A USGS publication that gives very basic information on flooding and flood plains.
(http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/FS/OFR93-641/)
A USGS web site that details the effects of a 1996 flood on the Chesapeake Bay that resulted when temperatures rose and rain fell after a major blizzard on the east coast of the United States. This brief fact sheet emphasizes how different Earth systems interact during a flood - hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
(http://water.usgs.gov/wid/FS_140-96/index.html)
Includes a pictures of deltas.
(http://www.uoregon.edu/~millerm/delta.html)
Learn and see how deltas form the end of the river system.
(http://www.science.ubc.ca/~geol256/notes/ch12_facies_delta.html)
The Mississippi River is a fantastic example of how a delta can change overtime. (http://www.uta.edu/geology/geol1425earth_system/images/gaia_chapter_12/mississippi.htm)
Search for maps by zip code or city and state. Allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $6.00 per map plus $5.00 s/h per order.
(http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE)
The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of map dealers. Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/)
Courtesy of the Microsoft Corporation, 57,000 U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps were digitized and are now available on the Web.
(http://terraserver.microsoft.com/default.asp)
Provides helpful links for finding geologic maps.
(http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html)
Find topographic maps by place name, latitude and longitude, or UTM coordinates under the Get A Map section. Allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).
(http://www.topozone.com/)
Enter place name or zip code and state at the top to view maps. Offers free online viewing of topo, nautical and aeronautical charts plus high altitude digital ortho quads (nav photos).
(www.mapserver.maptech.com)
Investigation 7 -- Glaciers, Erosion and Deposition
-
To learn more about glaciers, visit the following web
sites:
The companion site to the NOVA program about the Antarctic glaciers.
(http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/warnings/)
Provides general information on glaciers as well as more detailed information on Antarctica.
(http://www.glacier.rice.edu)
A glacier site suitable for people of all ages.
(http://nsidc.org/glaciers)
Climate change and effects on glaciers as seen on Antarctica. Uses Landsat imagery.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/factsheet/fs50-98/)
Site that contains glacier satellite imagery.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/factsheet/fs133-99/)
Provides descriptions and ordering information fro videos on glaciers and Antartica.
(http://www.iceberg.co.nz/shopl.asp?Category=19)
On the homepage, select VHS with the topic as glaciers to see rdering information for two glacier related videos: Physical Geography: Glaciers that shape our Earth, and Rocky Mountain Glaciers.
(http://www.amazon.com)
Investigation 8 -- Rocks, Landforms and Human Activity
-
To learn more about rocks and landforms, visit the
following sites:
Includes a variety of landform pictures.
(http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImages/Johnson/Landforms/Landforms.html)
A list of web links about landforms.
(http://www.cssd11.k12.co.us/science/5land/links.htm)
Learn about valleys, plateaus, mountains, plains, hills, loess, glaciers.
(http://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/landforms.htm)
Search for maps by zip code or city and state. Allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $6.00 per map plus $5.00 s/h per order.
(http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE)
The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of map dealers. Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/)
Courtesy of the Microsoft Corporation, 57,000 U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps were digitized and are now available on the Web.
(http://terraserver.microsoft.com/default.asp)
Provides helpful links for finding geologic maps.
(http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html)
Find topographic maps by place name, latitude and longitude, or UTM coordinates under the Get A Map section. Allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).
(http://www.topozone.com/)
Enter place name or zip code and state at the top to view maps. Offers free online viewing of topo, nautical and aeronautical charts plus high altitude digital ortho quads (nav photos).
(www.mapserver.maptech.com)
-
To complete Investigate, you will need a geologic map of
your area.
Contains information on how and where to obtain geologic maps.
(http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/)
Provides descriptions and availability information for state geologic maps.
(http://geology.er.usgs.gov/eastern/stgeomap.html)
Obtain materials from your state geological survey.
(http://www.kgs.ukans.edu/AASG/AASG.html)
Download state geologic maps from About.com.
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/)
Informative review on how to read and interpret geologic maps.
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm)
Resources
> Web Sites:
Maps:
Geologic maps: State and local
-
<
Contains information on how and where to obtain geologic maps.
(http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/)
Provides descriptions and availability information for state geologic maps.
(http://geology.er.usgs.gov/eastern/stgeomap.html)
Obtain materials from your state geological survey.
(http://www.kgs.ukans.edu/AASG/AASG.html)
Download state geologic maps from About.com.
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/)
Informative review on how to read and interpret geologic maps.
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm)
Geologic maps: Regional
Topographic maps: Local
Search for maps by zip code or city and state. Allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $6.00 per map plus $5.00 s/h per order.
(http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE)
The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of map dealers. Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/)
Courtesy of the Microsoft Corporation, 57,000 U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps were digitized and are now available on the Web.
(http://terraserver.microsoft.com/default.asp)
Provides helpful links for finding geologic maps.
(http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html)
Find topographic maps by place name, latitude and longitude, or UTM coordinates under the Get A Map section. Allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).
(http://www.topozone.com/)
Enter place name or zip code and state at the top to view maps. Offers free online viewing of topo, nautical and aeronautical charts plus high altitude digital ortho quads (nav photos).
(www.mapserver.maptech.com)
An excellent list of map resources available online at this web site. Included are links to sites to make maps, as well as links to free downloadable outline maps, satellite imagery, GPS, and GIS databases.
(http://personal.cmich.edu/~franc1m/locamap.htm)
Includes general map information, from how to read maps to how to obtain them. Also includes links to further information regarding topographic, thematic, planetary maps, and more.
(http://ask.usgs.gov/maps.html)
Includes resources for maps and videos. For more information, contact 1-800-962-1643
(http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/index.html)
A USGS fact sheet, contains a series of depictions of the United States, along with information on how to obtain additional US maps.
(http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-us/index.html)
USGS fact sheet, contains a series of world maps, including outline maps, seismicity maps, and political maps. Also contains information for ordering more specific world maps.
(http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-world/maps-world.html)
USGS site of a variety of US maps that are available online, including shaded relief maps, aquifer maps, and further information on how to order maps not available online.
(http://www-atlas.usgs.gov/atlasmap.html?)
Videos:
Provides descriptions and ordering information fro videos on glaciers and Antartica.
(http://www.iceberg.co.nz/shop1.asp?Category=19)
Video information for two glacier related videos.
(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/104-5897004-1192712)
Published by the American Geological Institute, this magazine reviews current issues in the Earth Sciences and can serve as a valuable supplemental resource for teachers and students alike. Visit the web site for online articles and information about obtaining a one year subscription (40% discount for AGI Member Society members; 65% discount for students).
(http://www.geotimes.org/current/)
Excellent source of articles. Often includes helpful maps.
(http://www.nationalgeographic.com/)
Excellent source of articles describing the most recent and interesting events in scientific research.
(http://www.sciencenews.org/)