Physical Science
Geo 1010 - 003
The assingnment was to upload a reflection about what I have learned in this class.
Reflection:
This has been one of the most fascinating classes in my college career. I learned more in this one class than the vast majority of my other classes put together. This class has increased my interest in Geology and I have been looking into taking a few more related courses in the near future.
A few topics of my interest were: Topographical maps, the understanding of, reading of, and navigation of any topographical map anywhere. Earth’s Internal energy source, heat from radioactive decay of rock material and all rocks are radioactive. Why we can’t mine deep into the earth, (as you go deeper into the earth) the temperature increases (approximately 75° per mile). Earthquakes - some general things to expect before, during, and after an earthquake. Earthquakes are something that I should prepare for, and have at least one emergency supply kit (food, water, first aid). I should know the safest places to be (in the building that I am in) if an earthquake were to occur and know what I should do after an earthquake happens. Some of the secondary effects of earthquakes are: Fires – gas lines break, damage at gas stations, downed power lines. Emergency vehicles may be blocked by road damage and busy putting out a number of other fires. Water lines break, leaving no water to put out the fire. Manmade structures fail – buildings, bridges, dams all are subject to breakage depending on what it is made of. Scientists have tried many things to try and predict earthquakes and have not yet found a way to predict them.
Geological events are severely underestimated by the amount of damage and devastation that they can cause. It is not uncommon for the damage caused by Geological events to be much larger than anticipated. Ignorance is not bliss, and knowledge is only half of the battle. In this class I learned to recognize effects of the earth around me, prepare for the events I have little to no control over, and steps that I can take that may help prevent the damage that these events can cause to me or my property.
