GEOL 261
GEOLOGY OF VIRGINIA

1. Catalog Entry

Geology 261. Geology of Virginia
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory (4).

Prerequisite: GEOL 105 and GEOL 100 or GEOL 106.

Survey of geologic features of Virginia, emphasizing minerals, rocks, fossils and physiographic/geologic provinces; development of Virginia through geologic time; mineral wealth, and environmental issues in Virginia.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of the geology of Virginia, one of the most geologically diverse states in the eastern United States. Virginia's mineral production is explored in some detail, particularly as it relates to the history and economic development of the state. Certain environmental issues related to geology - for example, groundwater pollution in the limestone terrain of western Virginia - are treated. The specific areas of the geology of Virginia treated in the course are as follows:

1. Minerals, rocks, and fossils found in Virginia
2. Physiography and geology of the major provinces: Coastal Plain, Piedmont and Mesozoic Basins, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Plateau
3. Geologic history of Virginia
4. Mineral resources of Virginia
5. Environmental geology of Virginia
6. Earthquakes and seismic hazards in Virginia

The lab portion of the course is designed to supplement the lecture material and to provide field study and collection of the rocks, minerals, and fossils of Virginia. The content of the lab portion of the course is as follows:

1. Labs 1 - 3: indoor study of minerals, rocks, and fossils of Virginia
2. Labs 4 - 5: indoor analysis of geologic maps of regional extent as well as selected local areas within Virginia
3. Labs 6 - 13: outdoor field trips to (1) various mineral, rock, and fossil localities; (2) areas of structural and stratigraphic interest; and (3) sites of environmental interest (for example, landslides and landfills).

The diversity of the geologic provinces in western Virginia - the Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Plateau are emphasized. In some years, excursions into the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are included.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The lecture portion of the course will include principally lecture and demonstrations of geologic materials. Slides to illustrate various geologic features are used. In class discussion is sought on all topics, but especially those that touch on social and/or environmental issues. To illustrate, not only is the production of coal discussed in terms of location, techniques, and value, but also included is an analysis of why the coal-producing areas are so economically distressed relative to the rest of the state and how coal production affects the environment. In addition to the presentation of factual information, lectures will also stress concepts such as how scientists gather their data and use it to think analytically. Students will be required to read a text and a number of additional articles.

The lab portion of the course will involve some discussion from the professor to provide background information; however, lab is primarily hands-on student activities such as identification of rocks, minerals, and fossils found in Virginia, analysis of geologic maps, conducting investigative exercises of field localities, and collection of rock, mineral, and fossil samples from the field.

4. Goals and Objectives of Course

1. Students will demonstrate operational skills in:

• identification of rocks, minerals, and fossils found in Virginia
• reading and interpretation of maps depicting the geology of the state and region
• field data recording in a geologic notebook

2. Students will display an understanding of:

• the location and nature of the physiographic and geologic provinces of Virginia
• the geologic history of the state
• the problems of an environmental nature associated with mineral production as well as natural geologic processes

3. Students will learn how geoscientists gather data and use these data to think analytically and to solve problems of a geologic nature in Virginia.
4. Students will develop a profound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Virginia's diverse physiographic and geologic provinces and especially the fragile nature of these natural systems.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment is based on:

• graded laboratory exercises on mineral, rock, and fossil identification and geologic map reading and interpretation
• participation in a number of geologic field trips
• lecture exams using objective and essay questions to measure student understanding and synthesis of the lecture material
• a final comprehensive exam similar to the in-term lecture exams but also requiring synthesis and articulation of the field trip observations.

6. Other Course Information

1. GEOL 261 may be taken for partial fulfillment of the General Geology and Earth Sciences (Teaching Licensure) Concentrations for a B.S. degree in geology.
2. Curriculum objective: to provide additional elective hours in laboratory science for non-geology majors who may wish to minor in geology or learn more about the geology of Virginia and for geology majors who wish to supplement their required course background with additional information concerning the geology of Virginia.
3. Bibliography:

• Cooper, B. N., 1961, Geological Guidebook No. 1: Grand Appalachian Field Excursion: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Engineering Extension Series, Blacksburg, VA, 187 p.
• Dietrich, R. V., 1990, Geology and Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources, Charlottesville, VA, 213 p.
• Frye, K., 1986, Roadside Geology of Virginia: Mountain Press Publishing Co., Missoula, MT, 278 p.
• Milici, R. C., Spiker, C. T. Jr., and Wilson, J. M., 1963, Geologic Map of Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources, Charlottesville, VA, scale 1:500000.
• Schultz, A. P., Stanley, C. B., Gathright, T. M., Rader, E. K., Bartholomew, M. J., Lewis, S. E., and Evans, N. H., 1986, Geologic Map of Giles County, Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources, Charlottesville, VA, Publication no. 69.

7. Approval and Subsequent Reviews

Date Action Approved By
September 16, 2005 Reviewed and Updated Stephen W. Lenhart, Chair