This week's lab assignment has three parts:

1. Maps of Landscape Regions
2. Analyze an Unconformity
3. Virtual Field Sites

Return to schedule

I. Maps of Landscape Regions

1. Print out the map of political boundaries -- state outlines map .
   a) On the map, draw outlines of all the Landscape Regions of the Pacific Northwest, and clearly label each of them.
   b) Also on the map, draw a dot at the locations of each of the following cities, and write the name of the city next to the dot: Seattle, Portland, Wenatchee, Spokane.
2. Print out the shaded-relief map of the greater Pacific Northwest -- relief map.
   a) On the map, draw outlines of all the Landscape Regions of the Pacific Northwest, and label each of them.
3. Submit your maps according to instructions for how to submit lab maps and diagrams for this class.

---

IN WRITTEN ANSWERS, COMPLETE SENTENCES ARE THE ONLY SURE WAY TO CONVEY WHAT YOU MEAN TO SAY

Therefore, for best results, formulate your written answers in complete sentences. This applies to all written communications in this class, including all written answers to lab assignments.

---

II. Analyze an Unconformity

Take a look at the geologic cross-section (below). It is a sideways view into a small part of the earth's upper crust. (Note: You may want to look up the word conglomerate.)

Answer the following questions about the diagram.

1. What type of unconformity is shown in the diagram?
2. How is it clear from the evidence in the diagram that a long span of time had to pass between the formation of the rocks below and above the unconformity?

III. Virtual Field Sites

For names of epochs, periods, and eras, review the Geologic Timeline of the Pacific Northwest

Go to Frenchman Coulee, take a tour of the geology, and answer the following questions:

1. (a) In what period is the Miocene epoch?
   (b) In what era is the Miocene epoch?
2. If a regular stream channel was never established at the bottom of the coulee, then what is likely to have eroded the coulee?
3. What evidence could be sought in the vicinity of Frenchman Coulee to confirm your previous answer?
4. How many basalt flows can you count in the wall of the coulee?
5. How did you determine the bottom and top of basalt flows to answer the previous question?
6. How can a basalt flow cause opal to form?

Go to Discovery Park in Seattle, tour its geology, and answer the following questions:

7. (a) In what period is the Pleistocene epoch?
   (b) In what era is the Pleistocene epoch?
   (c) In absolute terms, approximately how long ago did the Pleistocene epoch end?
8. What principle of relative age determination leads to the conclusion that the Olympia interglacial beds are older than the Lawton Clay?
9. Describe what probably caused the shift from meandering rivers to large, stagnant lakes in the area.
10. What is the most likely source of most of the boulders and cobbles on the beaches near Seattle?
11. Describe how the glacial history of Seattle relates to most of the landslides that occur in the area after heavy rains.
12. What evidence is there of a major earthquake in the Seattle area approximately 1000 years ago, besides the uplifted wave-cut terrace at the south end of Bainbridge Island?

Return to schedule

---