The Scientific Method

What is the process of the scientific method?

• make observations

• think of interesting questions

• formulate hypotheses (should be testable)

• develop testable predictions

• gather data to test predictions

  • Can also go to Refine, Alter, Expand, or Reject Hypotheses 

    • This can also loop back to develop testable predictions and continue the cycle 

• develop general theories (consistent with most or all available data and with other current theories)

What is geology?

The science of earth which includes, but is not limited to the study of materials, processes, products, and history of the earth 

How is geological data collected?

field based observations and lab based observations

What are field based observations?

• Identify rock types, distribution, measure how oriented

• remote sensing: radar imaging and global positioning system

What is radar imaging?

• radio waves, send to earth and bounce back they have an antennae that receives

• Different materials have different reflective rates for radio waves

• Sense of how much the ground moves up and down (magma comes in and inflates the ground surface) 

  • Before eruption track if there is recharge of the volcano by ground defamation (not perceptible to our eyes) use radar images 

What is the global positioning system?

• Satellite based, sense GPS signals from ground based sensors

• Speed at which the ground is moving (longer means faster)

What can you produce from field data?

a geological map that shows the geology of a region and uses different colors for the different groups of rocks. Helps to get a sense of the relative age of the rock units

• Where to reservoirs get water: bow and elbow river, surface waters are used in calgary 

What can geological maps also show?

• see the water bearing qualities of mapped rocks which can be beneficial for rural communities who rely on groundwater

• measure Earthquake/seismic waves to see where breakages/potential areas where the earth can move (large scale movement) and make a seismic hazard map

What are aquaphers?

• good reservoir of water

• hold a lot and let it flow (water bearing sediment-not consolidated rock) or rock that has properties that lets water flow 

What is an aquatard?

• they don't let water flow easily

• won't be replenished if extracted-sediment or rock that has poor flow properties; act as a barrier to movement of groundwater

  • Pack around foundations 

What are lab based observations

• Collect samples and bring back to get more information on 

• specialized microscope and hightech instruments

What are specialized microscopes used for?

• Saw off a tiny sliver of the rock, few micron thickness so they don’t transmit light

• Look at what's inside the rock 

• What sort of minerals, and get the composition of the rock

• Routinely do to get an idea of what they are made of

What are hightech instrumennts used for?

• Want to know the composition of rocks based on elements-crush it into dust

• Instruments that can measure the chemical composition of the rock and all minerals in contains 

• Solving problems that need this information 

• Deal with water samples as well-measure the elements that are dissolved in water 

  • Groundwater: see if its drinkable or suitable for agriculture purposes based on mineral and chemical components 

What is geophysics?

specializes in geophysics, applying physics to solve geological problems

• (layers and systemic waves–make images of deep surface)

• using principles of physics to solve geological problems 

What is geochemistry?

using chemistry to solve geological problems

What is hydrology?

Studying surface and subsurface water resources 

What is mineralogy?

the study of minerals

What is structural geology?

the study of deformation of rocks–large and small scale structures and deformation (distortion) of the rock 

What is sedimentology?

study how sediments are deposited in a basin (river to produce a rock layer, etc.)

What is paleontology?

study fossils to study the evolution of life through time 

What do geologists do?

• find sources of metals for the society 

  • We use a lot of natural resources in society 

  • Large technological advances require more and more metals 

• track environmental changes 

  • Increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which drives climate change 

  • We get this info from studying ice cores

  • Monitor changes in the environment 

• figure out the history of the Earth 

• look at rocks and minerals an figure out clues to understand what happened in the past