Research and write an informative discussion/summary (3-5 pages) of one of the following topics. You can include up to three figures (max size ~1/4 page). Max = 20 points.
- Gold deposits (different types, descriptions, where they’re found, etc.)
- Yellowstone (why is it geologically interesting, what’s it’s history, will it erupt anytime soon?)
- Artificial vs. natural gemstones; what’s the difference?
- New Jersey’s official state dinosaur: Hadrosaurus foulkii (why is it important to NJ? Tell us everything you can about our state dino!)
- Diamonds and kimberlite pipes; understanding their connection. Are all diamond deposits in kimberlite pipes? Are there any kimberlite pipes currently forming? For this topic, you can also delve into how diamonds are useful.
- Geology on Mars. How is it different from Earth? Not necessary but you can discuss planetary geology in general as well.
- The extinction of North American megafuana (i.e. mammoths, mastodons, giant camels, etc.). What species roamed North America? How did they become extinct? Are there multiple theories on how they became extinct?
- The Mineral, VA earthquake. When? Where? What kind of fault caused it? Why did it travel so far? What was the damage? How does this earthquake compare to west coast earthquakes?
- What causes color changes in minerals/gems (there are many different factors)? I suggest using quartz as the example mineral.
- Mount Everest and the Himalayas. Where is this mountain range? How did it form? Describe the rock types? Why is the tallest mountain on Earth located here?