OUTCROPS AND LANDFORMS OF SOUTHWESTERN PA IN GEOLOGY CURRICULUM AT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PA

Outcrops measurements, landforms descriptions, field mapping, surface processes observation, geotechnical measures and other field experiences are incorporated into Geology curriculum at California University of Pennsylvania. Geologic settings of Southwestern PA offer a wide variety of geologic phenomena that may be introduced in lower and upper level courses. Nearby outcrop that reveals sedimentary sequences of typical upper Pennsylvanian cyclotherm is visited by students from Physical Geology for rock identification, constructing stratigraphic column, and developing cross-section exercise, Sed/Strat students for detailed study of sedimentary textures, structures, mineralogy, measuring section and constructing composite column, correlation, lateral facial changes, and paleoenvironmental interpretation project, and Geology of Pennsylvania students to establish environmental, tectonic and age framework for landscape evolution of Pennsylvania. Series of field excursions held in conjunction with Geomorphology course introduce students to fluvial landforms on the scale of local watershed, continental divide and elements of Mississippi River drainage network, glacial landscape development of Northwestern part of Pennsylvania, Lake Erie Quaternary evolution, and modern coastal processes. Tectonic evolution of North America from Greenville to Alleghenian orogenies is taught using field mapping, outcrops measuring, cross-section development, structural interpretation of geologic maps of Allegheny Mountains, Allegheny Front, Valley and Ridge Province, and Blue Ridge. Field experiences from two-hour lab to semester long project show positive outcomes reflecting student involvement into learning.