The scientific method and the foundations of Geology

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The scientific method and the foundations of
Geology
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Goals

• To understand the basic scientific method as it
  applies to the Earth Sciences
• To understand some of the foundational principals
  of the Earth Sciences

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Question?
Siccar Point, Scotland
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The Scientific Method

• QUESTION Want to know how some part of the Earth
  works.
• DATA COLLECTION Observe, measure, describe,
  compile....
• HYPOTHESIS Logical but tentative explanation
  that fits all available data and is expected to
  account for future observations.

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How we develop and test hypotheses in the Earth
Sciences?

• Because we cant fit the Earth in a test tube or
  sit and take notes for 20 m.y. we use
• Case studies of ancient features
• Remote sensing of the Earths interior
• Numerical and analogue simulations

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Alpinists eye view of the study area
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Deformed pebbles
Deformed basal cobbles
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Variations in pebble shapes
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Geologic map of the area
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Cross-section of the study area, like an
imaginary road cut
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Measuring how the rocks flowed
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Its not just a theory

• TESTING Testing, testing, and more testing.
• MODIFICATION Hypotheses modified to include
  results of testing.
• THEORY Hypothesis now withstands rigor of all
  testing and consistently explains data.
• It is now a theory Generally accepted
  explanation for large set of diverse data and
  observations.

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If a theory is really special...

• TESTING Testing, testing, and more testing.
• SCIENTIFIC LAW Theory that meets rigorous
  testing over long period of time, like The Law of
  Gravity.
• PRINCIPLE Scientific law that is so fundamental
  it provides the foundation of science.

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The Earth is very, very old (4.6-billion years).
So.
The present is the key to the past
Principle of Uniformitarianism
James Hutton
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Other Important Geologic Principles
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• Principle of Superposition

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• Principle of original Horizontality

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• Principal of Cross-Cutting Relationships

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Think-pair-share activity

• Come up with an every day analogue for the
  principal of cross-cutting relationships
  (preferably incorporating unhealthy food).
• Compare, discuss, and refine your analogue with
  one or two of your neighbors.
• Write up your results and pass them in.

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• Principal of Cross-Cutting Relationships

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Answer
Siccar Point, Scotland
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• Deposition
• Tilting
• Erosion
• Deposition
• Tilting
• Erosion

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• Principle of Inclusion

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Basic rock types
Igneous rocks
Metamorphic rocks
Sedimentary rocks
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The rock cycle