Original

Part A:
Geologists can construct an authentic account of past events in a particular area by
examining its geological features and materials. A fundamental step in this process involves the
observation of rock samples from multiple locations. The analysis of metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks specifically, as well as relative dating, absolute dating, and deformational
structures are vital in gathering enough information to form accurate conclusions.
Metamorphic rocks are formed when previously existing rocks are exposed to high
temperatures and pressures. These conditions cause the minerals within the rocks to
recrystallize and form new minerals, thus altering the physical and chemical properties of the
rock. Geologists can analyze the mineralogy and texture of metamorphic rocks to infer the
environment in which they formed. Metamorphic rocks can also provide insights into tectonic
activity and the formation of mountain ranges as these types of rocks are often a sign of plate
convergence in mountainous areas.
Sedimentary rocks are another type of rock formed by the accumulation and
cementation of materials such as sand, silt, clay, and organic debris. These materials are often
transported by water or wind and are typically deposited in layers, known as strata, which over
time become compacted together to form solid rock. Geologists can analyze the composition
and texture of sedimentary rocks to determine past geological environments and processes.
Textural properties such as cross-bedding or ripple marks, and chemical properties, such as
whether or not it reacts to acid, both provide critical information as to the environment in which
these rocks formed
To examine a geological region more broadly, geologists can apply relative dating
techniques to determine when rock structures were formed. Relative dating is the process of
determining the chronological order of geological events that occurred in the past, without
determining their exact age. This process is based on superposition, which is the idea that
younger rocks are above older rocks in the Earth's crust. Therefore, by examining the position of
rock layers in a sequence, geologists can determine which layers are older or younger relative
to one another.
Conversely, Absolute dating is a technique that allows geologists to determine the
precise ages of rocks and geological events. Absolute dating is based on the principle of
radioactive decay. By measuring the amounts of radioactive isotopes and their decay products
in a rock or mineral sample, scientists can calculate how long it has been since the sample was
last heated or exposed to the atmosphere to determine its age.
Deformational structures refer to the features that form in rocks as a result of tectonic
movement and other geological forces. Examples of deformational structures include folds,
faults, joints, and cleavage planes. These structures can provide important information about
the history of the rocks and the forces that have acted on them. For example, the orientation of
folds and faults can provide clues about the direction and intensity of tectonic forces, and can
help geologists reconstruct the history of mountain building and other geological processes.

Part B:
I can put into perspective how swiftly humans have changed and reshaped Earth by
comprehending the enormous amount of time that geological processes required to produce
changes on its surface. Humans are barely a blip on the cosmic timeline, but in the brief time we
have existed, we have produced a significant pollution problem and even altered the global
temperature. This perspective highlights the seriousness and urgency of the threat that these
environmental problems pose to the planet as a whole. We can come up with answers to these
issues by looking at typical geological functions and responses to changes.

M - be a little more specific about metamorphic rocks/processes, deformational

structures, and relative dating

Revised
Part A:
Geologists can construct an authentic account of past events in a particular area by
examining its geological features and materials. A fundamental step in this process involves the
observation of rock samples from multiple locations. The analysis of metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks specifically, as well as relative dating, absolute dating, and deformational
structures are vital in gathering enough information to form accurate conclusions.
Metamorphic rocks are formed when previously existing rocks are exposed to high
temperatures and pressures. These conditions cause the minerals within the rocks to
recrystallize and form new minerals, thus altering the physical and chemical properties of the
rock. Metamorphic rocks can reveal the intensity and duration of tectonic activity that has
affected the region. The degree of metamorphism in the rocks can indicate the temperature and
pressure conditions under which they were formed, which can in turn provide information on the
depth and location of the rocks at the time of metamorphism. In addition, the minerals and
textures found in metamorphic rocks can provide clues about the type of rocks that were
present before metamorphism, which can further help in reconstructing the geological history of
the region.
Sedimentary rocks are another type of rock formed by the accumulation and
cementation of materials such as sand, silt, clay, and organic debris. These materials are often
transported by water or wind and are typically deposited in layers, known as strata, which over
time become compacted together to form solid rock. Geologists can analyze the composition
and texture of sedimentary rocks to determine past geological environments and processes.
Textural properties such as cross-bedding or ripple marks, and chemical properties, such as
whether or not it reacts to acid, both provide critical information as to the environment in which
these rocks formed
To examine a geological region more broadly, geologists can apply relative dating
techniques to determine when rock structures were formed. Relative dating is the process of
determining the chronological order of geological events that occurred in the past, without
determining their exact age. This process is based on superposition, which is the idea that
younger rocks are above older rocks in the Earth's crust. Another principle of relative dating is
the law of cross-cutting relationships. This law states that if a geological feature, such as a fault,
cuts across a layer of rock, then the feature must be younger than the rock it cuts across. By
establishing a relative chronology of events, geologists can identify the order in which rocks
were formed, as well as the types of tectonic and environmental processes that shaped the
region over time.
 Conversely, Absolute dating is a technique that allows geologists to determine the
precise ages of rocks and geological events. Absolute dating is based on the principle of
radioactive decay. By measuring the amounts of radioactive isotopes and their decay products
in a rock or mineral sample, scientists can calculate how long it has been since the sample was
last heated or exposed to the atmosphere to determine its age.
Deformational structures refer to the features that form in rocks as a result of tectonic
movement and other geological forces. Examples of deformational structures include folds,
faults, joints, and cleavage planes. These structures can provide important information about
the history of the rocks and the forces that have acted on them. For example, the type and
orientation of folds can indicate the original orientation of sedimentary layers before
deformation, while the presence of multiple generations of faults can indicate a complex history
of deformation and faulting. By studying the type and distribution of faults in an area, geologists
can gain insights into the tectonic processes that have shaped the region.
Part B:
I can put into perspective how swiftly humans have changed and reshaped Earth by
comprehending the enormous amount of time that geological processes required to produce
changes on its surface. Humans are barely a blip on the cosmic timeline, but in the brief time we
have existed, we have produced a significant pollution problem and even altered the global
temperature. This perspective highlights the seriousness and urgency of the threat that these
environmental problems pose to the planet as a whole. We can come up with answers to these
issues by looking at typical geological functions and responses to changes.

For revision help, I spoke with my TA and referred to the 3.3, 3.5 & 3.6 pre-class work
over relative dating, metamorphism, and deformational structures respectively.