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Module 2

Geology Fundamentals

INTRODUCTION

In this course, we will be exploring many different aspects of the 'geology' of the Georgian Bay. In this lesson, we will explore the 'fundamentals' of geology such as how the earth works, how plate tectonics drives geologic change, and the parts of the rock cycle. The purpose is to get everyone, regardless of background, in sync with the basic terminology and principles of geology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to
  • Differentiate between the 'compositional' and 'mechanical' layers of the Earth and their properties.
  • Be able to explain how plate tectonics moves the continents around on Earth's surface.
  • Refer to some of the common rock types in Georgian Bay and explain how they formed.


  • Key terms: oceanic crust, continental crust, mantle, core, lithosphere, tectonic or lithospheric plates, subduction, rifting, felsic, mafic, igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, biochemical .
Part One

Earth's Structure



Part Two

Global Tectonics



Part Three

The Rock Cycle



Part Four

Revisiting Mantle Convection



Now that we have looked at both the Earth's structure, and how plate tectonics works, we can revisit the concept of Mantle Convection. Mantle convection doesn't 'drive' plate tectonics, but instead, it's the other way around: plate tectonics drives mantle convection. Watch the following video to understand this mechanism.