System Requirements

Windows 98 / ME / XP / 2000 / Vista, plus multimedia capabilities
Macintosh: OS X (native); G4 or better; multimedia capabilities

On this CD:

3D Virtual Laboratory

Quizzes and Test Banks

Manual

GEOLOGY EXPLORER

Tables of Contents

Section 1: Dynamic Earth

1. Our Dynamic Planet
2. Planet Earth
3. The Earth - Inside and Out
4. Earth Through Time
5. Earth's Lithosphere in Motion
6. Plate Tectonics
7. Volcanoes and Earthquakes

Appendices

1. The Scientific Method
2. Measurement Systems and SI Units
3. Careers in Science
4. History of Geoscience
5. Energy Flows of the Earth
6. Evolution
7. Seismicity of North Carolina

Section 2: Minerals, Rocks and Resources

1. Minerals and Rocks
2. Igneous Rocks
3. Sedimentary Rocks
4. Metamorphic Rocks
5. Renewable and Non-renewable Resources

Appendices

1. Mineral Groups
2. Mineral ID Tables

Section 3: Carving the Earth: Soils, Erosion and Landforms

1. Weathering and Soils
2. Rivers and Groundwater
3. Glaciers and Glaciation
4. Ocean Topography and Shorelines
5. Landforms on Earth
6. Maps and Technology

Appendices

1. Appalachian Mountains
2. Geology of California, USA

Detailed Tables of Contents

Section 1: Dynamic Earth

Interactive Exercises

See samples of interactive exercises at the bottom of this page

• 2_3 Radioactive Half-life
• 2_5 Earth’s Orbit and Climate
• 2_6 Elliptical Orbit
• 2_8 Earth’s Tilt
• 3_1 At the Core
• 3_7 Earth Systems
• 3_13 Structure of the Atmosphere
• 3_16 Biomes of the Earth
• 5_4 Past Climates
• 5_7 Continental Drift
• 5_10 Tectonic Plates
• 7_6 Earthquakes
• 6_15 Fault Folds
• D_1 History of Science

Movies and Animations

• 1_2 Earth Rotates
• 1_4 Earth & Phytoplankton
• 1_5 Geologic Time
• 1_6 Plate Tectonics
• 1_7 Longer Term Changes
• 2_1 Hunting for Planet-forming Dust Disks
• 2_5 The Earth’s Dance
• 2_6 Eccentricity
• 2_7 Earth’s Rotation
• 3_1 Biosphere
• 3_2 The Ocean Floor From Space
• 3_4 Inner Core
• 3_5 Outer Core
• 3_9 Tectonic Plates
• 4_1 Geologic Time
• 5_1 Continental Drift
• 5_3 Pangaea
• 5_8 Apparent Pole Wandering
• 5_12 Plate Boundaries
• 6_2 Subduction
• 6_6 Sea Floor Spreading
• 6_8 The Mariana Islands
• 6_10 Volcanoes
• 7_2 Pinatubo
• 7_7 Earthquake Animation
• 7_9 Earthquakes 1960-1995

Interactive Multimedia Lessons, Tables of Contents

Chapter 1: Our Dynamic Planet

The Earth is a dynamic place; witness the action of our planet over time.

• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Whole Earth System
• 1.3 The Dramatic Earth: Seconds, Hours and Days
• 1.4 The Dramatic Earth: Months to Years
• 1.5 Hundreds to Thousands of Years
• 1.6 Hundreds of Thousands to Millions of Years
• 1.7 Hundreds of Millions to Billions of Years

Chapter 2: Planet Earth in Motion

Take the grand tour starting with the formation of the solar system. Calculate the age of the Earth and understand the orbital characteristics of our planet.

• 2.1 Solar System Formation
• 2.2 Earth From Space
• 2.3 The Age of the Earth
• 2.4 Formation of the Earth
• 2.5 Motions of the Earth
• 2.6 Earth Revolves Around the Sun
• 2.7 Earth Rotates about its Axis
• 2.8 Earth’s Rotation is Tilted
• 2.9 Earth’s Tilt Wobbles
• 2.10 Shape and Size of the Earth

Chapter 3: The Earth - Inside and Out

Learn about Earth’s crust, mantle, and core. See how Earth’s systems -- the geosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere -- continually interact.

• 3.1 Structure of the Earth
• 3.2 The Crust
• 3.3 The Mantle
• 3.4 The Core - Solid Portion
• 3.5 The Core - Liquid Portion
• 3.6 Earth’s Magnetic Field
• 3.7 Earth as a System
• 3.8 Geosphere
• 3.9 The Changing Geosphere
• 3.10 Hydrosphere
• 3.11 Hydrosphere and Change
• 3.12 Atmosphere
• 3.13 Atmospheric Zones
• 3.14 Biosphere
• 3.15 Where We Live - Biosphere
• 3.16 Biomes of Earth

Chapter 4: Earth Through Time

Take a walk through geologic time to learn about ancient plants and animals, and how Earth has changed over time. Discover how stratigraphy and breaks in the rock record help to unravel the past.

• 4.1 Glimpses into Geologic Time
• 4.2 Relative Dating
• 4.3 Principles of Relative Dating
• 4.4 Stratigraphy 1
• 4.5 Stratigraphy 2
• 4.6 Breaks in the Rock Record - Unconformities
• 4.7 Sedimentary Facies
• 4.8 The Puzzle Pieces of Correlation
• 4.9 Fossils and Stratigraphy

Chapter 5: Earth’s Lithosphere in Motion

Explore the idea of continental drift and evaluate the supporting evidence for yourself. Gain an understanding of how continental drift led to the discovery of plate tectonics. The grand theory of plate tectonics is introduced.

• 5.1 Continental Drift - The Discovery
• 5.2 Continents Adrift
• 5.3 The Supercontinent - Pangaea
• 5.4 Paleoclimatic Evidence
• 5.5 Fossils Evidence
• 5.6 Landform Evidence 1
• 5.7 Landform Evidence 2
• 5.8 Paleomagnetism and Pole Wandering
• 5.9 Paleomagnetism and Sea Floor Spreading
• 5.10 Arrangement of Tectonic Plates
• 5.11 Relative Plate Motion
• 5.12 Global View of Plate Boundaries

Chapter 6: Plate Tectonics

Learn about plate tectonic forces, boundaries, and how the land is shaped by tectonics. Gain insight into hot spots, mantle plumes, faults, folds, and the processes of mountain building.

• 6.1 Plate Motion and Convection
• 6.2 Surface Convection
• 6.3 Deep Mantle Convection
• 6.4 Forces Resulting from Convection
• 6.5 Types of Tectonic Plate Boundaries
• 6.6 Divergent Plate Boundaries .
• 6.7 Convergent Plate Boundaries and Transform Faults
• 6.8 Ocean-Ocean Collision
• 6.9 Continent-Ocean Collision
• 6.10 Shaping the Land by Tectonics
• 6.11 Hot Spots
• 6.12 What Causes Hot Spots?
• 6.13 Mantle Plumes
• 6.14 Mountain Building
• 6.15 Faults
• 6.16 Folding

Chapter 7: Volcanoes and Earthquakes

An easily understood introduction to volcanoes and earthquakes. Learn about volcano and magma types, what earthquakes are and how to measure them, and what to do if disaster strikes.

• 7.1 Introduction - Volcanoes
• 7.2 Volcano Types
• 7.3 Magma
• 7.4 Magma Formation
• 7.5 Magma Types and Volcanoes
• 7.6 Earthquakes
• 7.7 Seismic Waves
• 7.8 What are Body Waves and Surface Waves?
• 7.9 Earthquake Measurements
• 7.10 How Body Waves Travel Through the Earth
• 7.11 Evidence for a Layered Earth
• 7.12 Geohazards

Appendix A: Scientific Method

• A.1 The Need to Know
• A.2 What Makes Science Different?
• A.3 Induction
• A.4 The Scientific Method
• A.5 Hypothesis and Deduction
• A.6 Experiments and Observation
• A.7 Acceptance of Hypotheses
• A.8 Theories and Laws
• A.9 The Cycle of Scientific Inquiry
• A.10 Scientists Build Models
• A.11 Scientific Theories and Revolutions
• A.12 Scientists Doing Science
• A.13 Open Communication
• A.14 Ethical Responsibilities
• A.15 Role of Technology
• A.16 Science and Society

Appendix B: Measurement Systems and SI Units

• B.1 The Need for Common Units
• B.2 Some Old Units of Measurement
• B.3 Problems with Different Measurement Systems
• B.4 The SI (Metric) System
• B.5 Basic Units of SI
• B.6 Derived Units
• B.7 More Derived Units
• B.8 Decimal Multipliers
• B.9 SI Prefixes
• B.10 Scientific Notation
• B.11 Large and Small Numbers
• B.12 Exact and Approximate Numbers
• B.13 Precision Measurements
• B.14 Significant Figures
• B.15 Scientific Notation and Precision
• B.16 Accuracy and Precision
• B.17 Dangers of Many Digits
• B.18 Working with Scientific Notation

Appendix C: Careers in Science

• C.1 Careers in Science
• C.2 Careers in Geology
• C.3 Careers in Oceanography
• C.4 Careers in Atmospheric Science
• C.5 Careers in Astronomy
• C.6 Geological Field Safety

Appendix D: History of Geoscience

• D.1 Ancient and Medieval Times
• D.2 The 16th to the 18th Centuries

Appendix E: Energy Flows of Earth

• E.1 Our Home - Earth in Space
• E.2 Human Understanding of Earth
• E.3 The Earth System
• E.4 Time Scales of Change
• E.5 Time Rates of Change
• E.6 Energy and the Earth System
• E.7 Conduction and Convection
• E.8 Earth’s Internal Convection
• E.9 Hydrosphere - Convection
• E.10 Earth System Science
• E.11 Radioactivity

Appendix F: Evolution

• F.1 Fundamental to Life
• F.2 The Theory of Natural Selection
• F.3 Formation of New Species
• F.4 Geographic Speciation
• F.5 What Exactly is a Species?
• F.6 Systematics and Taxonomy
• F.7 Phylogenetic Relationships
• F.8 Evolution and the Fossil Record
• F.9 Patterns of Evolution
• F.10 Extinction
• F.11 What are Fossils?

Appendix G: Seismicity of North Carolina, USA

• G.1 Seismicity of North Carolina, USA

Section 2: Minerals, Rocks and Resources

Interactive Exercises

• 1_2 Periodic Table
• 1_5 Mineral Identification
• 1_11 The Rock Cycle
• 2_6 Rock ‘n Roll
• 5_2 The Farm
• 5_12 Surface Coal Mining

Movies and Animations

• 1_3 Atoms
• 2_3 Landslides
• 2_4 Crustal Age
• 2_5 Volcano Activity from 1960 through 1995
• 4_2 Subduction
• 5_1 Energy Use
• 5_2 Alternative Energy Sources
• 5_4 Solar Power
• 5_8 Wind Power
• 5_12 Coal Mining
• 5_13 Natural Gas Formation
• 5_14 How Oil Forms
• 5_15 Nuclear Power

Interactive Multimedia Lessons, Tables of Contents

Chapter 1: Minerals and Rocks

Explore the fascinating world of beautiful mineral crystals and discover the three rock groups that make up our entire planet.

• 1.1 What are Minerals?
• 1.2 Minerals are Matter
• 1.3 Structure of Atoms
• 1.4 How Minerals are Built - Bonding
• 1.5 Mineral Identification
• 1.6 Minerals and Rocks
• 1.7 Rock Groups
• 1.8 Igneous Rocks
• 1.9 Sedimentary Rocks
• 1.10 Metamorphic Rocks
• 1.11 The Rock Cycle

Chapter 2: Igneous Rocks

A look at the so-called “rocks of fire” -- igneous rocks. Understand the differences between lava and magma, and between igneous rocks that form at the surface and those that form deep in the Earth.

• 2.1 Igneous Rocks - At the Surface
• 2.2 Igneous Rocks - At Depth
• 2.3 Igneous Rocks - Erosion and Uplift
• 2.4 Crustal Abundance
• 2.5 Extrusive Igneous Rocks
• 2.6 Intrusive Igneous Rocks

Chapter 3: Sedimentary Rocks

Learn how loose bits of existing rock, soil, and organic debris are laid down in layers and eventually form sedimentary rocks that blanket the Earth.

• 3.1 Sediments
• 3.2 Organic Debris
• 3.3 Sedimentary Rocks
• 3.4 Clastic Sedimentary Rocks
• 3.5 Chemical and Biochemical Rocks

Chapter 4: Metamorphic Rocks

Learn how heat, pressure, and fluids change existing rocks into metamorphic rocks, and about the new minerals that form.

• 4.1 Metamorphic Rocks
• 4.2 Subduction Zones
• 4.3 Texture, Composition, and Fabric
• 4.4 Foliated Metamorphic Rocks
• 4.5 Nonfoliated Metamorphic Rocks

Chapter 5: Renewable and Non-renewable Resources

Discover Earth’s bounty -- renewable and non-renewable resources -- from solar, wind and other alternative energy sources to fossil fuels. Learn about conservation, reclamation and the four “R’s”.

• 5.1 Stop and Think about Energy
• 5.2 What is Renewable Energy?
• 5.3 Alternative Energy Sources
• 5.4 Solar Energy
• 5.5 Hydroelectric Power
• 5.6 Tidal Energy
• 5.7 Geothermal Energy
• 5.8 Wind Energy
• 5.9 Biomass Energy
• 5.10 Non-renewable Resources
• 5.11 Fossil Fuels
• 5.12 Coal - Buried Sunshine
• 5.13 Oil and Natural Gas
• 5.14 Where Do You Find Oil and Natural Gas?
• 5.15 Nuclear Energy
• 5.16 Mining and Reclamation
• 5.17 Conservation
• 5.18 One Voice - Recycling
• 5.19 The Four R’s

Appendix A: Mineral Groups

• A.1 Introduction - Mineral Groups
• A.2 Feldspars
• A.3 Micas
• A.4 Quartz
• A.5 Olivines
• A.6 Pyroxenes
• A.7 Amphiboles
• A.8 Clay Minerals
• A.9 Native Elements - Metals, Semimetals, Nonmetals
• A.10 Carbonates
• A.11 Oxides
• A.12 Sulfides
• A.13 Sulfates
• A.14 Halides
• A.15 Hydroxides
• A.16 Phosphates
• A.17 Other Minerals

Appendix B: Mineral ID Tables

• B.1 Mineral Identification
• B.2 Mineral ID Charts
• B.3 Mineral ID Chart - Hardness and Luster
• B.4 Mineral ID Chart - By Breaking and Special Features
• B.5 Mineral Properties
• B.6 Rock Identification

Section 3: Carving the Earth: Soils, Erosion and Landforms

Interactive Exercises

• 1_7 Environmental Site Assessment
• 1_8 World Land Use
• 2_1 Hydrologic Cycle Animations
• 2_5 The Hydrologic Cycle
• 3_1 Glaciers
• 4_1 Down in the Flood - Changing Sea Level
• 4_2 Hypsographic Chart
• 6_3 Satellite Images of Earth
• 6_9 Topography Map

Movies and Animations

• 1_1 Physical Weathering
• 1_9 Erosion
• 2_7 The Mississippi River
• 3_1 Pine Island Glacier
• 3_4 Accumulation
• 3_5 Ice Cover Projections
• 3_8 Glacial Movement
• 4_1 Mapping the Ocean
• 4_3 Sea Floor Mapping
• 5_1 Earth
• 5_8 Chattanooga Tennessee
• 5_9 Mt. St. Helens Animation
• 5_16 Verified Craters
• 6_1 Slides and Maps
• 6_3 Remote Sensing
• 6_6 Remote Sensing Slides

Interactive Multimedia Lessons, Tables of Contents

Chapter 1: Weathering and Soils

Weathering is a key process of change in our world. Learn how physical and chemical weathering shape our Earth, and produce its life-sustaining soil.

• 1.1 Physical Weathering
• 1.2 Chemical Weathering
• 1.3 Mass Wasting
• 1.4 Soils: Residue of Weathering
• 1.5 Formation of Soils
• 1.6 Soil Types
• 1.7 Soil Uses and Conservation
• 1.8 Soils of the World
• 1.9 Soil Problems - Let’s Conserve

Chapter 2: Rivers and Groundwater

Experience the dynamic hydrologic cycle at Earth’s surface and underground. Learn about rivers, the water table, groundwater, and how water moves and modifies the Earth’s surface.

• 2.1 Hydrologic Cycle
• 2.2 Watersheds
• 2.3 Landforms Created by Running Water
• 2.4 Rivers
• 2.5 How Water Moves
• 2.6 Large Valleys
• 2.7 Floodplains
• 2.8 Reaching the Ocean
• 2.9 Groundwater
• 2.10 Water Table
• 2.11 Aquifers
• 2.12 Removing Groundwater
• 2.13 Watershed Modification

Chapter 3: Glaciers and Glaciation

Understand the power of glaciers; how they form, move, and shape the surface of Earth.

• 3.1 What is a Glacier?
• 3.2 Types of Glaciers
• 3.3 How do Glaciers Form?
• 3.4 Glacier Growth - Accumulation
• 3.5 Glacier Shrinkage - Ablation
• 3.6 The Glacial Balance
• 3.7 How Do We Know Glaciers Move?
• 3.8 Glacial Movement
• 3.9 How Fast Do Glaciers Move?
• 3.10 Glacial Erosion and Sediments
• 3.11 Glacial Erosion
• 3.12 Glaciation

Chapter 4: Ocean Topography and Shorelines

Investigate the mountain ranges and topography of the ocean bottom, and explore the unique characteristics of coastlines and beaches.

• 4.1 Filling up the Oceans
• 4.2 Where the Land Meets the Ocean
• 4.3 Topography of Oceans and Continents
• 4.4 The Coastal Zone
• 4.5 Types of Coast
• 4.6 Beaches

Chapter 5: Landforms on Earth

A fascinating look at Earth’s landforms and structures from space.

• 5.1 Different View .
• 5.2 Stratigraphy and Structure
• 5.3 Folds and Faults
• 5.4 Faults and Joints
• 5.5 Aerial Photography - Mineral Exploration
• 5.6 Oil and Gas Exploration
• 5.7 Geomorphology
• 5.8 Tectonic Landforms
• 5.9 Volcanic Landforms
• 5.10 Fluvial Landforms
• 5.11 Deltaic Landforms
• 5.12 Coastal Landforms
• 5.13 Karst Landforms
• 5.14 Aeolian Landforms
• 5.15 Glacial Landforms
• 5.16 Impact Craters
• 5.17 The Big Bump
• 5.18 Crater Morphology
• 5.19 Urban Land Use

Chapter 6: Mapping the Earth

Throughout history and into the space age, the task of mapping our planet has kept pace. Scales, projections, and symbols are discussed, along with an introduction to cartography and remote sensing.

• 6.1 Introduction - Maps
• 6.2 All About Maps
• 6.3 Maps and Remote Sensing
• 6.4 Maps and Mapmaking
• 6.5 Mapmaking in the Renaissance
• 6.6 Development of Remote Sensing
• 6.7 Cartography
• 6.8 Scales in Mapmaking
• 6.9 Map Projection
• 6.10 Cartesian System
• 6.11 Map Symbology

Appendix A : Appalachian Mountains

• A.1 Appalachian Mountains

Appendix B: Geology of California, USA

• B.1 California is Unique
• B.2 Geology of California
• B.3 Tectonic History of California
• B.4 San Andreas Fault