PHS 111 - Earth Investigations

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Explain the origin, classification and the physical properties used to identify minerals.
2.  Using physical properties, identify the more common minerals.
3.  Describe the origin and classification of the three rock groups.
4.  Using some common properties, as well as other characteristics, identify the more common rocks in the three rock groups.
5.  Explain how rocks and minerals are broken down both physically and chemically.
6.  Explain how weathering and erosion of rocks of various types results in different landforms in different parts of the world.
7.  Describe how the movement of the earth and the tilt of the earth’s axis of rotation effects the amount and intensity of sunlight which reaches the earth and in turn how the large water bodies, soil and rocks influence the amount of solar radiation that is turned into atmospheric heat.
8.  Describe how moisture effects the temperature of the atmosphere and the amount of light in the atmosphere.
9.  Explain the various weather features such as high and low pressure cells, warm and cold fronts, and the weather associated with the cells and fronts.
10.  Explain the similarities and differences between types of storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes and how thunder and lightning occur.
11.  Explain the differences between type of condensation and precipitation such as rain, hail, sleet, fog and dew.
12.  Differentiate between the various types of planetary motions, how these motions are determined and how they affect life on earth.
13.  Explain lunar motion, tidal effect of the moon on the earth, and the formation of lunar and solar eclipses.
14.  List the members of our solar system, their main characteristics, and theories concerning origin.
15.  Describe the cause and results of earthquakes.
16.  Describe the Plate Tectonic theory and give evidence supporting this theory.
17.  Discuss modern problems facing mankind and his environment.