Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Rocks for Jocks (and Every-
body Else)
In This Chapter
Discovering the scientific study of earth
Learning that rocks transform through the rock cycle
Uncovering plate tectonics theory
Recognizing surface processes
Delving into earth's history
Geology and earth sciences seem to have a reputation for being easy subjects, or at least
the least difficult of the science courses offered in high school and college. Perhaps that's
because the items observed and studied in geology —rocks — can be held in your hand
and seen without a microscope or telescope.
Geology is the study of the earth, what it's made of, and how it came to look the way it
does. Studying geology means studying all the other sciences, at least a little bit. Aspects
of chemistry, physics, biology, and astronomy (just to name a few) are the foundation for
understanding earth's geologic system, both the processes and the results.
Exploring geology is not just for folks who want to avoid the heavy calculations of phys-
ics or the intense labs of chemistry. Geology is for everyone. Geology is the science of the
planet you live on — the world you live in — and that is reason enough to want to know
more about it.
Finding Your Inner Scientist
You are already a scientist. Maybe you didn't realize this, but just by looking around and
asking questions you behave just like a scientist. Sure, scientists call their approach of
asking and answering questions the scientific method, but what you do every day is the
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