SDSU - Department of Geological Sciences

Highlights

2007

December
October
May
February
January

2006

December
November
October
September
August
June
May
April
March
January

2005

December
November
October
September
August
June
May
April
March
February
January

2004

December
November
October

A Blended Geology Course and its Assessment

An online blended geology course was developed and offered at SDSU for the first time during the 05/06 academic year. The constraints in its development were (1) flexibility in fitting a student's schedule, (2) flexibility for a student to select a preferred method of learning, and (3) clear and concise goals. To meet these constraints students are provided an online textbook written by the first author with many interactive illustrations, an online syllabus containing specific learning outcomes goals, a set of practice exams (study guides), and video lectures (screencasts) covering material in each of the 13 chapters covered during the semester. In addition, students are allowed to attend the first author's lectures that are given to a standard weekly based introductory geology class that covers the same material. From a CD of the online textbook students can print out each chapter along with colored illustrations. In order to maintain academic standards all exams take place at SDSU on Saturday morning, and follow standard class room exam format. During Fall 07 students enrolled in the course were given the GCI developed by J.C. Labarkin and colleagues. The GCI is a multiple-choice assessment instrument developed specifically for use in entry-level Earth Science courses. It has gone through rigorous reliability and validation studies. The GCI was given during the first and last week of the Fall 07 course. Demographic data indicate that about 5% of the students enrolled in the class were science majors while the largest groups were represented by business (34%) and professional studies (21%) majors. The majority (78%) of students were freshmen and sophomores. The Rasch Model Score for the pre-course GCI (n = 66) was 39 ± 15 (1 σ) and for the post-course GCI (n = 117) was 52 ± 13. This result represents a gain of 13%, a value that is significantly higher than the national average of a 4% gain in the post-course Rasch Model Score. These results are broadly similar to those obtained from the Summer 07 online course which had a significantly smaller enrollment (pre: n = 28; post n = 24), and consisted mostly of juniors and seniors (69%). We interpret these data within the context described above to indicate that online learning can be an effective means for developing knowledge of key concepts about planet Earth in learners in non-science fields.

GCI Score for Blended Course

Notes on Planet Earth Website

December 2007

AAPG Online Subscription Data Available to Students and Faculty

This online subscription is provided through the AAPG Foundation
Digital Products Fund, through an endowment by San Diego State alumnus
Len Eisenberg
in honor of
Dr. Don Ptacek
Professor Emeritus of Geological Sciences

The Subscription includes all of the collections below

AAPG Bulletin
AAPG Special Publications
Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin (CSPG)
Journal Sedimentary Research (SEPM)
Palaios (SEPM)
Environmental Geosciences (AAPG)
Gulf Coast Association Geological Societies Transactions (GCAGS)
Lafayette Geological Society (LGS)
New Orleans Geological Society (NOGS)
East Texas Geological Society (ETGS)
Ardmore Geological Society (AGS)
Panhandle (Amarillo) Geological Society (PGS)
Oklahoma City Geological Society (OCGS)
Others to follow

Don Ptacek- 2007

The AAPG Datapages
Subcription only available on SDSU Campus

October 2007

Show Me Geology

From its modest beginnings in 1993 when it was initiated by students in SDSU's Department of Geological Sciences, Show Me Geology has grown into a major, innovative science-education program reaching thousands of K-8 students. With funding from the National Science Foundation, it has evolved into a partnership between the Geological Sciences and the pre-service teacher education program at the University. Show Me Geology has been presented in local school classrooms and at science fairs, but the main emphasis is on bringing children to campus for a series of workshops during half-day visits where they receive hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences on such topics as earthquakes, volcanoes, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics and San Diego county geology.

Show Me Geology is a flexible alliance between the SDSU pre-service teacher education program and K-8 in-service teachers and students from local districts. It provides earth science instruction for children, allows for "real-time" interactive development of new curricula based on student and in-service teacher assessments, provides a training ground for pre-service teachers, allows for evaluation of teacher capabilities in presenting new material, and provides new curricula for incorporation into the SDSU teacher training program. New pathways for curriculum development such as this are especially necessary in light of the strong reform movement for standards-based curricula which calls for significantly enhanced science content at the K-12 level.

Since 1999 over 4,000 students from more than 100 local schools have participated in the department program.

To find out more about Show Me Geology visit the Show Me Geology web site

May 2007

Teaching Suite of the El Cajon 30' x 60' Quadrangle

El Cajon Rock Set

Rocks of El Cajon, part of Peninsular Ranges Teaching Suite. This set was developed to accompany the preliminary Geologic Map of the El Cajon 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Southern California, compiled by Victoria R. Todd. The El Cajon quadrangle is one of about 20 1:100,000-scale topographic quadrangles in southwestern California being mapped and compiled by geologists of the U.S. Geological Survey and California Geological Survey as part of the Southern California Areal Mapping Project (SCAMP) and STATEMAP. The rock set contains representative hand samples from the batholith's geologic units.

El Cajon Geologic Map

Too many geology departments suffer from lack of high quality laboratory materials as instructional aids in introductory undergraduate petrology and geochemistry courses. Laboratory exercises that utilize rock suites particular to specific modern geologic environments are an important approach in geoscience education that helps to overcome the fragmentary spatial/temporal perspective typically afforded by the geologic record. The goal of this student-based project is to establish a reference suite of rocks and teaching materials for the Peninsular Ranges batholith, a classic circum-Pacific continental margin batholith segment, which will be made available to other geology departments by purchase or trade. The PRB suite is based on a transect across the northern part of the batholith in the San Diego region where the structure, petrology, and geophysical characteristics of the batholith are particularly well-documented. It is being designed as a flexible vehicle that can be used in introductory or upper division undergraduate courses, as well as in local middle school and high school programs for place-based earth science education.

Peninsular Range Teaching Suite Website

Preliminary Geologic Map of the El Cajon 30' x 60' Quadrangle Data and Printing Files

To get more information on obtaining a set, contact
David L. Kimbrough
email web

February 2007

New General Education Course
OCEAN PLANET

Ocean Planet (OCEAN 100) is a new lower division general education course that focuses on the global ocean system. This course illustrates fundamental physical,chemical, geological, and biological principles via oceanography - a particularly powerful and relevant approach given our coastal location.

The overall intellectual development of each student is the central focus of San Diego State University’s general education program. The intent of the program is to provide students with multiple sets of skills, perspectives, and knowledge that will enable them to approach intellectual, cultural, and ethical issues in a flexible and balanced fashion. This breadth of understanding is the basis for effective citizenship, effective contribution to society through a profession, and lifelong enjoyment of artistic and intellectual activities. The General Education program is expected to provide the motive and foundation for lifelong learning, and help students develop their personal world views, identities, and sense of purpose.

Ocean Planet will examine the transformations of matter and energy within the hydrosphere and, by extension, the hydrosphere's interactions to the atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. This endeavor integrates fundamental principles from chemistry, physics, biology, and geology to develop a quantitative, scientific perspective for examining and understanding local to global phenomena within the ocean system. Ocean Planet will explore technological developments that continue to improve this understanding and issues in global population and industrialization that continue to modify the ocean system in myriad ways. The latter human impact issues will be examined from a quantitative scientific perspective and compared to other perspectives (e.g., economic, aesthetic, ethical). In essence, Ocean Planet will develop a scientific appreciation of the ocean's impact upon individuals and society and, conversely, individuals1a nd society's impact upon the ocean. Uncertainties about the global ocean system will be stressed and on-going scientific approaches to these issues discussed

This new 4 unit Oceanography 100 level course was developed by Stephen Schellenberg and Clive Dorman. It consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

January 2007

How Volcanoes Work

This website for as an educational resource that describes the science behind volcanoes and volcanic processes. The site is sponsored by NASA under the auspices of Project ALERT (Augmented Learning Environment and Renewable Teaching). It is intended for the education of university students of geology and volcanology and teachers of earth science. Each section in the menu builds upon previous sections. For users who lack fundamental knowledge of volcanological principles and terms, it is best to proceed through the website in a progressive manner. More advanced users will find each section self-contained and can navigate through the website as their interest dictates. The website contains over 400 images and Quicktime animations.

Awards
Linksgiving Site of the week
CPSnet Web Awards
GAAA Reference Site of the Year
New ScientistWeb Links
The School Page Excellence in Web Education
National Science Teachers Association sciLINKS
Science Magazine NetWatch
Medaille d'Or in Earth Science Education
USA TODAY Education 'Best Bet' Web site
Knowledge Network Site of the Week
U.S. Department of Education GEM Project
Physics Today Web Watch
lightOS 5 Gold Award

The website was constructed by Dr. Vic Camp (copyright), Department of Geological Sciences, San Diego State University. Dr. Camp maintains and updates the site on a regular basis.

How Volcanoes Work Web Site

December 2006


The San Diego Trolley and Geology

The 70th Street Trolley Station in La Mesa was designed around a mixture of science and art. More than just a station, the Artist, Nina Karavasiles, has infused the station with many visual components that amuse riders during their wait. She strongly influenced the material choices for the station and has steered it in a way that is environmentally conscious. You will see recycled glass pavement, plaques that educate the rider about the landscape and stonework from the original Alvarado Creek, recycled lumber benches, and light pole base quotes that animate the platform.

Exposed Eocene Stadium Conglomerate

The striking geology surrounding the 70th Street Station did not escape her attention. Along its river banks the Alvarado Creek has exposed Stadim Conglomerate. The Eocene age Stadium Conglomerate is a terrestrial-derived conglomerate with many well-rounded cobbles in a sandstone matrix. Among the cobbles are distinctive purplish-pink rhyolite clasts. The source area for these is believed to have been in Mexico. The cobbles were deposited at a time when San Diego County was well to the south of its current location, before the right-lateral strike-slip movement of the San Andreas Fault zone.
Together with SDAG and SDSU geologists, the geologic history can be enjoyed by hundreds of San Diego travelers each day.

This Rock Tells a Story.... (excerpt)

The pinkish purple rock in this photo is from Alvarado Creek. It was saved and used from the landscaping. Alvarado Creek still exists now channeled under the station. The rock is rounded by tumbling in a stream. Look closely. The rock is made of many tiny individual minerals whose shape and composition indicate a volcanic rock called rhyolite. The fine-grained equivalent of a granite, rhyolite is normally light colored. The pinkish-purple color is unusual. The cliff across the station parking lot is filled with cobbles of this distinctive rhyolite, suggesting that it came from a distant source area.

November 2006

The Department was showcased to thousands of future Aztecs and their parents at the 7th annual SDSU Compact for Success Informational Fair.
The Compact for Success is a partnership between the Sweetwater District and SDSU. The Campus Visit brings 7th graders and a parent to campus for a welcoming ceremony in Cox Arena, an info fair, entertainment and an optional campus tour. The goal is to increase the number of college-bound students from the district, one of the most diverse in California.

Dr. Clive Dorman and Graduate Student Jenny Duncan gave a warm welcome to all campus visitors, handing out informational material, and promoting the Department to parents and students. 2006 represents the first class of students to reach college enrolled in the program. All visiting 7th grade students leave SDSU with a comprehensive packet of information from College: Making It Happen, EOP, Financial Aid and CSU Mentor as well as an agenda for their visit to SDSU.

Visitors also make valuable connections to academic departments that may one day be their choice of a major. Individual schools usually hold a raffle of SDSU logo items for students and parents on the return bus ride. SDSU-Sweetwater Partnership Received the State School Boards Association's ‘Golden Bell’ in 2004 for Improving Student Performance in South Bay District’s Schools.
The Department has been represented in the Compact for Success for several years thanks to the outreach efforts of Dr. Clive Dorman.

Photo Gallery of the Event

Compact for Success Website

October 2006

Explore The Local Geology with Google Earth

Experience San Diego's Local Geology with Google Earth.

Google Earth has recently brought interactive 3D visualization of earth’s features to millions of users. - Explore, Search and Discover, Google Earth puts a planet's worth of imagery right on your desktop.

Geologic information can be "draped" over the Google Earth imagery and topography to produce a series of interactive 3D views. This provides a powerful way to illustrate geologic relationships to geologist, students, and the general public.

Examples:

Preliminary Geologic Map of the San Diego 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Southern California

Preliminary Geologic Map of the El Cajon 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Southern California

Picacho State Recreational Park

More can be found at the Departments Local Geology page...

Download Google Earth - Mac or PC or Linux

September 2006

L.A.'s Future Quake

"L.A.'s Future Quake" documentary features current SCEC research

A new documentary featuring cutting-edge visualizations of large earthquakes in Southern California will be shown, September 6, at 5pm and 8pm (PDT) on the National Geographic Channel. It will also be shown on September 9th at 4 pm (PDT).

The program will feature a sophisticated simulation of a magnitude 7.7 earthquake at the south end of the San Andreas fault, beginning near the Salton Sea and rupturing towards San Bernardino. While more than 100 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the simulation shows that the seismic waves created would be amplified and guided into the Los Angeles area by the sedimentary basins south of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The intensity of the ground shaking in the sedimentary basins would be greater than estimated by previous models, according to Thomas Jordan, director of the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) and professor of earth sciences at the University of Southern California.

SCEC conducted the study as part of its ongoing TeraShake simulation project, funded by the National Science Foundation. Kim Olsen of San Diego State University led the research team, and the simulations and visualizations were computed at the San Diego Supercomputer Center at the University of California in San Diego. The study was published in the April 16 issue of Geophysical Research Letters. Maps and animations are available at http://www.scec.org/sanandreas.

The program also includes similar visualizations for an earthquake on the Puente Hills fault, beneath central Los Angeles and much of the San Gabriel valley.

Related links:

Distant Quake Could Hit Los Angeles Hard
http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/12471.html

TeraShake project webpage
http://epicenter.usc.edu/cmeportal/TeraShake.html

New Scripps Study Reveals San Andreas Fault Set for the 'Big One'
http://scrippsnews.ucsd.edu/article_detail.cfm?article_num=736

Major Losses of Up to $250 Billion Projected for Earthquakes on Puente Hills Fault
http://www.scec.org/research/050525puentehills.html

SDSU Project Leaders - Dr. Kim Bak Olsen, Dr. Steve Day

Media inquiries: Mark Benthien Director of Communication, Education and Outreach Southern California Earthquake Center, an NSF/USGS Center University of Southern California 3651 Trousdale Parkway, Ste. 169 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0742 web: www.scec.org e-mail: benthien@usc.edu phone: 213-740-0323 cell: 213-926-1683 fax: 213-740-0011

August 2006

Web-based Digital Processing of Geophysical Signals and Waves

This site was developed to use web based learning to integrate education and digital geophysical processing. The web site is entitled "Digital Processing of Geophysical Signals and Waves" and has been extensively used at the SAGE (Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience) REU site for student learning, evaluation, and assessment. It has also been used in three classes at San Diego State University and other schools. Assessment of the web site to date has revealed that quiz scores nearly double after brief exposure to the web site. The topics in the web site and those needed to complete it are best presented using simulations, visualizations, and action graphics. We have very successfully been working with the San Diego State University (SDSU) Instructional Technology Services (ITS) to develop the appropriate architecture, web site navigation, and engaging style.
Recent funding from NSF to finish development will help to continue these efforts.

Visit the Digital Geophysical Analysis Web Site

Web Site Developer - Dr. George Jiracek

June 2006

Dr. Michael Walawender and SDNHM Present:
Geologic History of San Diego County

A web page prepared by Dr. Michael J. Walawender, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Geological Sciences, San Diego State University; Research Associate, Department of Mineralogy, San Diego Natural History Museum. The article draws heavily from The Peninsular Ranges: A Geologic Guide to San Diego’s Back Country by Dr. Michael J. Walawender. Refer to that volume for additional details on the geologic processes discussed below.

Introduction
If we were to go back in time about 200 million years and view what is now all of southern California, a very different picture would emerge. Ocean waters would stretch eastward to Arizona and northern Mexico. There, ancient granites, as old as 1800 million years, and associated metamorphic rocks would form the western edge of the North American continent. A low rolling landscape with rivers that have long since disappeared would wash sediment weathered from those rocks into the shallow seas adjacent to the continent. These sediments would thin westward under the ocean waters. The landmass on which we all now live and work was yet to be created.
To understand the history of our area, we must first unravel the present geologic picture. Although earthquakes and active faults are now a very recognizable part of life in southern California, they are a very recent addition to a much longer and more complex pattern of geologic activity. Part of this picture is hidden by geologically young sedimentary rocks on which much of metropolitan San Diego is built. As we travel eastward, however, into the less populated mountain and desert areas, the exposed rocks record a long history of plate collisions, volcanic activity, and crustal uplift. From 250 million-year-old sedimentary rocks, through 100 million-year-old granites and 18 million-year-old volcanic eruptions, to the faults that shake us into today’s reality, the San Diego area has been a very active place indeed.

The SDNHM Geologic History of San Diego County Web Site

May 2006

The First Science Sampler

The Menu:
Oriented toward San Diego County High School Students
A series of short presentations, experiments and labs
Hands on, interactive activities demonstrating scientific principles
A sampler of the best of selected science fields
Visitor participation includes a write-up
Purpose for High School Students:
Expose High School Students to neat science stuff
Experience science in action
Take part in experimental science
Purpose for High School Science Teachers who are welcome:
Support local High School Science Teachers:
Provide a local field trip
Meet Selected State of California Science Standards
Science Areas:
Astronomy
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Geological Sciences
Mathematics & Statistics
Physics, Psychology

Science Sampler Web Site
Event Date: Saturday, October 7, 2006
Event Time: 11 AM – 2 PM

April 2006

Science For Educators

The Department of Geological Sciences and UCSD Extension’s Team up to provide and Overnight Science Excursion to expand the content knowledge, while learning fun and practical applications to teaching science in the classroom! for K-8 Educators .

Living in Earthquake Country: Perspectives from a Modern Day Fault Zone

Science Program Highlights:
Weekend Excursion to the San FelipeHills in the Northern portion of Anza Borrego State Park
Hands-on learning experiences with scientists committed to K-12 education
Built on California Science Standards and current teacher needs for content knowledge

Overview:
On a series of short hikes during the day, participants obtained a first-hand look at the actions of the San Jacinto Fault through its effects on the sedimentary rock in the area. They spent the evening around a campfire discussing earthquake dynamics.

Location:
San Felipe Hills. Located in the Northern portion of Anza Borrego State Park, the area features spectacular desert landscapes, diverse scenery and a wide variety of desert flora and fauna.

UCSD Extensions Web Page

March 2006

SDSU Month

This March, San Diego State University celebrates its 109th anniversary and kicks off what has become a wonderful new tradition for the campus: SDSU Month.

SDSU Month recognizes the critical link between the university and San Diego as well as the innumerable accomplishments of our "Minds That Move The World" - the students, faculty, staff and alumni of San Diego State. This year's SDSU Month highlights the internationalization of the campus and the many contributions being made locally and globally by the university and its extended family. We encourage you to visit the www.sdsumonth.com Web site to learn more about the many thought-provoking events, special offers and other activities taking place over the next few weeks.

Explore SDSU. The open house event - presented in partnership with the Union-Tribune and Time Warner Cable - has attracted approximately 27,000 people (in just two years) and is becoming a tradition of its own. This year, Explore SDSU will take place on Saturday, April 8.

If interested in arranging a department visit on April 8th contact Clive Dorman.

January 2006

SHEAR

Shoshone Education and Research (SHEAR) Center

SDSU Joins Terry Pavlis at the University of Louisiana and many other Universities across the Nation to give students the opportunity to explore the unique geology of the Death Valley area.
This has been made possible by a small non-profit organization called "SHEAR", set up solely to help geologists working in the Death Valley area and providing a facility to support teaching, research and education in this geological wonderland.
The facility consist of two rustic buildings available for field trip groups: 1) a quonset hut with a large living area and a full kitchen equipped with a fridge, stove, and cooking/eating utensils for about 20 people, attached to a wooden building with a bedroom (sleeps 6), an office (w/ additional floor space), and a bathroom, and 2) a bunkhouse divided down the middle with a full bath on each side (sleeps 12, up to 16 tightly).
The facility also has two house trailers available for longer term stays by faculty or student researchers working in the area. The trailers are not available to groups, but for groups anticipating a long-term stay (e.g., a field course staying more than a week) the trailers can be made available to the instructor.

SHEAR has been designated a 501c3 charitable organization by IRS decision, and thus you can make fully tax deductible donations to the organization. SHEAR board members Darrel Cowan, Martin Miller, Terry Pavlis, Laura Serpa, Bennie Troxel, and Lauren Wright

December 2005

Geology and the War on Terror

"Waging Peace in War on Terror"
Geology Graduate gives what he learned to help others

A proverbial "hearts-and-minds" campaign is being waged from a U.S. military base in the tiny African nation of Djibouti. American soldiers are digging wells and building schools throughout the region, not kicking down doors in search of terrorist suspects.

"You'll be happy to know that I am applying my skills as a hydrogeologist in the fight against terrorism. How, you ask? While I was sent here to do intelligence, I am finding my geology background quite handy in providing oversight of groundwater well installation in Ethiopia. We are trying to prevent the bad guys in Iraq and Afghanistan from setting up shop down here in the Horn of Africa. We do a number of community projects ranging from medical and dental visits to well drilling. Its gratifying work to provide a community with fresh water that isn't contaminated by sewage and the people do not have to dodge crocodiles while getting water from the river. Thought I would let you know that your hard work (and patience) in turning a Marine into a hydrogeologist is being leveraged to help the good people of Ethiopia to have fresh groundwater in places where they have none. Thanks for your tutelage."

Michael Plaziak, LtCol - Alumni, M.S. 2004

November 2005

Inner Space / Outer Space
Show Me Geology and the RP Oceans Lab Open House

For the 11th year, scientists at San Diego State University are joining forces to show the public the "wow" power of science at the Inner Space/Outer Space Exhibition and Open House.

Visitors can gaze at stars, make waves and peer at a magnified fly's eye through a powerful microscope at this year's free event scheduled from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12.

Everyone from "toddlers to toddling grandparents" visit each year, said San Diego State scientist Steven Barlow, who created the annual event to showcase the university's research and science education laboratories. He also wanted "to take some of the myth out of science" with this entertaining approach to community outreach.

"They will get a kick out of it, and if they remember they got that 'oh, wow' experience at San Diego State, all the better," Barlow said.

For that "Inner Space" experience, visitors to Barlow's Electron Microscope Facility in the university's Physical Sciences Building will see what's invisible to the naked eye. They will see plants and animal life magnified as much as 50,000 times on state-of-the-art transmission and scanning electron microscopes.

The lab's new computer-controlled transmission electron microscope with a digital imaging system and fully motorized stage can also create 3D models for an extra "wow" experience. Student volunteers will be operating much of the high-tech gadgetry as part of their research experience at San Diego State.

"Outer Space" fans can visit the rooftop next door at the Physics-Astronomy Building, where several telescopes will be focused on the stars. A planetarium show will focus on how San Diegans can identify the patterns of heavenly bodies from their own back yards over the course of a year.

Additional hands-on exhibits from different departments will let visitors literally make waves at the oceanography lab and allow kids to "mine" for minerals at the "Show Me Geology" exhibit. A lab camera will allow visitors to watch themselves play scientist on the Web, and biologists will have their latest research projects on display.

Free parking is available for the event in Parking Structure No. 1. The new trolley stop at San Diego State is also expected to attract additional visitors from throughout the city. Just follow the signs to the science buildings from the parking structure or trolley stop.

Source SDSUniverse

MAP

October 2005

Visualizing Structure

Structural geology is a fundamental course in a geology students' academic career. Subsequent courses often require an intuitive understanding of the subject. G. H. Girty, graduate, and undergraduate students at SDSU have developed programs and a web site for visualizing the key types of structures and concepts encountered in an introductory structural geology class. The resulting program is called Visualizing Structural Geology and will run on any PC using Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT sp4, or XP. Visualizing Structural Geology was written in Microsoft Visual Basic Version 6.0 and is broken down into two separate programs and tutorials Visualizing Stress and Visualizing Strain. The programs and tutorials are available through a site published on the World Wide Web.

Visualizing Stress
Visual Basic 6 programs

Visualizing Strain
Visual Basic 6 programs
Macromedia Director

Also available are numerous Flash interactive images that may be useful for classroom lectures involving various aspects of structural geology.

Visit the Web Site

September 2005

Great Books Touching on Geological Sciences and Oceanography

A website established by Dr. Clive Dorman that reviews books which illuminate Geological or Oceanographical themes.

There are good books out there for the general reader that illuminate aspects of Geological Sciences or Oceanography while focusing on other issues. Some of these are marvelous reads. The best are non-textbooks that weave together neat aspects of the environment with a lively mix of other subjects. The environmental aspects can be center stage or tangential. A few novels are also included because they give the reader a remarkably accurate and detailed impression of geologic or oceanographic conditions.

These books may be used to augment existing knowledge and further exploration beyond the typical or traditional educational curriculum. They offer an opportunity to engage with material beyond the scope of standard classroom strategies.

The strongest recommendations are for well-written, attention-grabbing books spiced with interesting science aspects that may be enjoyed by both the general reader and the specialist.

Visit the Web Site

August 2005

A REAL-TIME INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL SEISMOLOGY EXHIBIT

A museum display installed at the Mission Trails Interpretative Center in San Diego combines a local seismometer with real-time seismic data from nearby seismic stations accessed through the Internet shown on dual monitors. The combina-tion simultaneously provides both interactivity and high quality seismic data from nearby seismic stations and is displayed on one of the monitors. Simultaneously, maps of associated seismicity ranging from local to worldwide are displayed on the other screen using a browser connected to the Internet. This allows a choice of maps and displays, such as the IRIS seismic monitor. Displaying data from several stations on one screen aids in distinguishing earthquakes from noise and demonstrates clearly how seismic waves travel across the region. Another key feature is that the data from the sensor is available for incor-poration into regional seismic networks in real-time without requiring any additional work by staff at the museum, thereby providing data for both the interactive display and to supplement local area networks. The display has been operational for several years and viewed by approximately 6,000 people per year.

The collaborative efforts of staff and researchers from SDSU and IGPP have made the display a clear success. It has enhanced the exhibits at the museum and added an interactive component. Comments by visitors as well as the survey of the teachers indicate that it provides valuable and engaging information. Scientifically, the data is good quality and is useful for improving nearby locations and is also well suited to serve as strong motion recorder when a larger event occurs. This type of display provides a useful alternative to other, more traditional types of seismic displays.

The exhibit is located at the Mission Trails Interpretative Center, a museum at the Mission Trails Regional Park within the City of San Diego.

June 2005

Web-Based Geology Course

This web-based geology course consists of a series of modules for introductory geology developed in Macromedia Director and Flash. The site features useful, interactive animations for a large range of geology topics. There are lecture slide shows, quizzes, and interactive computer activities. Content is divided into lecture material and laboratory activities, and covers topics such as rocks and minerals, weathering, soils, geologic time, structural geology, plate tectonics, maps, glaciers, and hydrology. The animations on this site would be useful for any teachers looking for instructional tools.

Teaching the web-based course here at SDSU
After teaching the web-based course for the last two years it has become increasingly clear that no single type of structure works for all students. So the web-based general geology course is a hybrid. The course meets once a week during the semester, however, if students can handle all of the material without lectures, then they do not have to attend lectures. The exception to this general statement is that all tests will be taken in the department and on the scheduled dates. Basically, we provide a web site that contains all of the material including practice tests. Students work through the 13 chapters and take four exams.

Geology 100 Web Site At this site you will find under the heading Lecture the 13 major topic areas.

May 2005

Geology for the Masses
General Education and the Geological Sciences

The Department of Geological Sciences prides itself on the quality and selection of general education courses we provide to students of San Diego State University. Each year we expose the Earth Sciences to approximately 5000 students. This means that over 60% of the students that attend SDSU have taken one or more courses in geology and/or oceanography.

Our general education courses have developed a reputation for excellence, not only within SDSU, but across Universities around the world.

Courses
GEOL 100 - Planet Earth
GEOL 104 - Earth Science
GEOL 101- Dynamics of the Earth Laboratory
GEOL 301 - Geology of National Parks and Monuments
GEOL 302 - Life Through Time
GEOL 303 - Natural Disasters
GEOL 304 - Planetary Geology
GEOL 305 - Water and the Environment
GEOL 308 - How Volcanoes Work
OCEAN 320 - The Oceans
and new to the University
OCEAN 100 - Oceanography

Innovators and Leaders
Pat Abbott
Vic Camp
Clive Dorman
Gary Girty
Dave Kimbrough
Rob Mellors
Gary Peterson
Eric Riggs
Kevin Robinson
Isabelle SacramentoGrilo
Stephen Schellenberg
Kathy Thorbjarnarson

More information about our courses

What the students think

April 2005

Planetary Geology Speaker Service
Dr. Gary Peterson

The United States and Russia have long-term Solar System exploration programs. These undertakings have provided us with detailed imaging at a variety of scales of all planets and major satellites except Pluto/Charon. Many more NASA projects are currently underway. Landings on Venus (Russia), Mars (U. S.) and the Moon (Russia and U. S.) greatly enriched the available imagery with rock samples and/or analyses.
How is this voluminous information to be interpreted? The only way to comprehend most of it is to place it within the context of our understanding of the Earth. That field of endeavor is Planetary Geology. The persons most adept at interpreting features of other planets and satellites would be those who are most adept at interpreting similar features on the Earth.

Gary Peterson provides a public speaking service to universities and the community. Planetary Geology has become a passion his and he enjoys sharing that passion. He likes meeting people with similar interests and exchanging observations and ideas. Offering public lectures is an excellent way of accomplishing those goals.

The service is available to a wide variety of audiences. In general, the more knowledgeable the audience, the more I enjoy the experience. An audience might include university faculty and graduate students. Seminars with graduate and/or advanced undergraduate students and interested visitors would be fine. Adult education groups can be enjoyable. Scientific organizations such as geological societies, natural history associations, or astronomical societies are appropriate. Actually, any nonprofit gathering in the interest in science would be appropriate.

Planetary Geology

Setting and/or Audience

Subject Material

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March 2005

Research at Sea - For Undergraduate and Graduate Students

In October 2005 Dr. Eakins will be leading a 6-day marine geophysical, petrologic and geochemical investigation offshore of Baja California of a young submarine volcanic field, adjacent and likely related to the subaerial San Quintin Volcanic Field, and a landslide deposit created during the undated collapse of Guadalupe Island's northern shield volcano. Undergraduate and graduate geology students from San Diego State University, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Indiana State University, and CICESE, Ensenada will participate with seafloor mapping and dredge sampling of rocks for interpreting the geologic history of the region.

Scripps ships have state-of-the-art research instruments to study marine life, the oceans, the seafloor, and the atmosphere. Cruises vary from local trips to expeditions as long as two and one-half years. Scripps research ships, available to scientists around the world, have steamed more than six million nautical miles in support of science and the academic community.

February 2005

Indigenous Earth Sciences Project

IESP is a collaborative, mutidisciplinary effort based in the Department of Geological Sciences at San Diego State University. The Project is designed to bring together Native Americans and Earth Scientists to explore and exchange approaches to understanding the Earth, and to increase the scientific self-sufficiency of Native American communities through research and outreach in Earth science education.

We acknowledge and celebrate the different interpretations of Earth systems and history that exist among Native Americans and practicing geoscientists, and the cultural values related to the Earth and its resources and different approaches to Earth Science education. We also acknowledge the richness of geoscientific knowledge contained within Native American culture, and are interested in identifying and protecting the indigenous scientific knowledge possessed by local tribes in Southern California.

Our goal is to explore the most effective ways of combining Native and Euro-American ways of knowing about Earth and her processes. This work will hopefully lead to more Native Americans becoming directly involved in the scientific study and practice of the Earth Sciences in their home communities. The more Native Americans we can help to become scientificaly self-sufficient, the more we help to ensure the continued sovereignty and autonomy of local tribes and provide a model for other indigenous groups to do the same.

To achieve this goal, we help organize free community workshops and classes in the local geology and hydrology of Southern California reservation and traditional lands for tribal professionals and all community members of all ages. Follow the links below for more information!

IESP web site

January 2005

SAGE

SAGE, the Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience

SAGE is a unique educational program designed to introduce students in geophysics and related fields to "hands on" geophysical exploration and research. The program emphasizes both teaching of field methods and research related to a variety of basic and applied problems.

Funding for SAGE is provided by the U. S. Department of Energy, the U. S. National Science Foundation, the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the University of California, a consortium of large and small companies, and student fees. SAGE is a National Science Foundation, Research Experiences for Undergraduates program.

LEARN seismic reflection and refraction techniques
GET to the gravity of the matter.
FAMILIARIZE yourself with electromagnetic methods
APPLY geophysics to environmental or archaelogical problems
MEET other students with similar geophysical interest
INTRODUCE yourself to career opportunities—talk with industry representatives
STUDY the tectonics of an active continental rift

DATES FOR SAGE 2005: June 20-July 15, 2005

SAGE web site

December 2004

RP Oceans Laboratory

The RP Oceans lab gives the opportunity for 100's of students each semester to experience the scientific principles in order to aide them in understanding the processes that govern the oceans and why things are the way they are. It's doors are open to anyone interested in exploring the numerous displays and hands on experiments throughout the room. The laboratory is overseen by Professor Clive Dorman and Assistant Bev Carson who are always generously giving their time to help visitors.

View the Live Web Cam

Find out more, check out the Oceanography 320 Web Site

November 2004

Written In Stone
Earthquake Country - Los Angeles

Dr. Pat Abbott unveiled the latest release of the Written in Stone series! Earthquake Country - Los Angeles

The core concept behind "Written in Stone" is to unite city dwellers with their urban landscapes. The overwhelming majority of people live in cities and drive uphill, downslope, and along valleys with no understanding, or even recognition, of their 3-D landscape, much less how it developed over geologic time. The energy that drives Earth processes shapes the land, and thus our society. During brief bursts of energy, these same Earth processes harm and kill people.

This latest production tells the Los Angeles story with multiple types of imagery that show and explain the formation of Los Angeles topography, and the active faulting that creates it. Although the framework of the video focuses on showing hills and mountains form, the real story is the faults and earthquakes that built the landscape, still operate today, and will continue operating for millions of years into the future.

Production of Instructional Technology Services SDSU, directed and edited by David Graves and videography Rudy Vaca.

Special Support from: California Seismic Safety Commission, San Diego Gas and Electric, Southern California Earthquake Center, URS Dames & Moore de Mexico, Insurance Information Network of California, and the California Earthquake Authority.

Find out more, check out the Written In Stone Website

October 2004

Show Me Geology

Show Me Geology has grown into a major, innovative science-education program reaching thousands of K-8 students. The main emphasis is on bringing children to campus for a series of workshops during half-day visits where they receive hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences on such topics as earthquakes, volcanoes, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics and San Diego county geology.

To find out more about Show Me Geology visit the Show Me Geology web site

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