Earth Lab : Exploring the Earth Sciences

The perfect manual for the lab when studying Earth Science or Physical Geology! The experiments featured in this lab manual teach and reinforce the core skills that characterize the Earth Sciences and illustrate how the scientific method works. Full of engaging activities that are designed to help readers develop data-gathering skills, such as mineral and rock identification, and data-analysis skills, the manual uses clear and easy-to-understand graphs and simple calculations. The authors also introduce readers to the graphical analysis of data via maps and sections that are characteristic of the earth sciences, helping readers develop the skills they need to "read" topographic, geologic, and meteorological maps. Using this manual in conjunction with the interactive experience of a lab, readers learn to understand aerial and satellite images, and perceive the importance of stratigraphic columns, geologic sections, and seismic profiles.

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION.

1. Representation of the Earth.

SECTION 2: THE SOLID EARTH.

2. Mineral Properties.
3. Mineral Identification.
4. Igneous Rocks.
5. Sedimentary Rocks.
6. Metamorphic Rocks.
7. Occurrence of Rocks.
8. Geologic Time.
9. Earthquakes and Seismology.
10. Earth's Structure and Plate Tectonics.

SECTION 3: EARTH'S SURFACE AND THE FLUID EARTH.

11. Topographic Maps and Aerial Photos.
12. Oceans.
13. Groundwater.
14. Streams.
15. Atmosphere, Climate, Weather.

SECTION 4: RESOURCES.

16. Geologic Maps.
17. Resources.