View:

Rocky Mountain Uplift, “Artificial Garnet Schist”, and Strike Slip Demo videos.
To better understand STRIKE and DIP, please view– Strike and Dip

Note: Answers to “short-answer” questions should be no longer than a few sentences.

Note 2: As per instructions (“How to Turn In Assignments”)– make sure that you copy this assignment into a MICROSOFT WORD DOCUMENT, and place your answers below each question…. save it on your computer, and then UPLOAD the assignment using the “SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT” button!

1) Prof Win Means from Albany tries deforming “artificial rocks” in the laboratory– at much lower temperatures, much lower pressures, and over shorter time spans than are associated with real rock deformation in nature. In certain labs, really hi temperatures and pressures can be achieved, but of course, extremely long time spans can never be duplicated.
Look at the images of both the artificial and real quartzites. Answer the following question (explaining your answer):

Is there substantial space between the grains, or should we say that the grains are “interlocking” (minimal space)?

2) Read the sections on folded rocks. Think about why it is that rocks sometimes break (fault) and sometimes bend (fold).
Two Questions,
First, suggest an interesting geologic place to go see folded rocks. Be specific.
Second, explain what sort of geologic environment would enhance folding versus faulting? (In other words, what does it take to get rocks to bend as opposed to break?)

3) Read about “isostasy”—basically, you will find that mountains (in a way) float on the underlying mantle like icebergs float in the ocean. Most mountain ranges have deep “crustal roots” analogous to the fact that we only see the tips of icebergs!

Some mountain ranges, notably the Sierra Nevada and (to some extent) the Rocky Mountains LACK substantial crustal roots.

Question…WHY IS THIS?