Exercise 8C

Reconstructing the Geologic History of Painted Canyon

Use all the information you have developed in the past seven modules to determine the sequence of events represented in Painted Canyon.

First, re-examine the images below, which show the sample sites in Painted Canyon. Determine which sample is higher and which one is lower. Relative elevation may not work for the very oldest rocks (look for cross-cutting relations too). In any event, a great place to start is to list on a sheet a scratch paper the samples in order of elevation.

Module 4 sample sites
(Igneous rocks)

ch 4 site 1ch 4 sites 2-4

Module 5 sample sites
(Sedimentary rocks)

ch 5 sites

Module 6 sample sites
(Metamorphic rocks)

ch 6 sites

 

Next, examine the following images of Painted Canyon, which show relative age relations and some key features, such as a dike and a fault.

This view is taken from above the black mesa
in the northwestern part of the area,
and is looking down and to the southeast.

dike

This view is taken from within the depths of the canyon, near the center of the map area,
and is looking up canyon to the north.

dike 2

This view is taken looking northwest,
toward the north end of the black mesa
in the northwestern part of the area.

fault

This view is taken looking west,
from near the eastern edge of the area,
a little north of the southeastern corner of the map.

fault on east side

After you have examined the images above, complete Worksheet 8C in your lab manual and then complete Assessment 8C in Canvas.

 

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